The Kurdish National Congress (KNK) co-chair Ehmed Qeremus, who promotes diplomacy to ease tension initiated by the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) in the Federal Kurdistan Region, stated that conflict must be avoided. “This situation will please the invaders”, he said. “The people of Başûr do not want war either”.
The tension that began with the Sinjar agreement, which was signed between the Iraqi Central Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government on 9 October, has escalated, with the KDP shifting Peshmerga forces to the Garê and Metina regions, especially Zinî Wertê, and establishing new checkpoints.
After these developments, KNK convened urgently to establish a crisis desk. Calling the parties to engage in dialogue, the KNK Delegation continues its communication with political parties and non-governmental organisations in the Federal Kurdistan Region to stop the tension in the region.
KNK co-chair Qeremus explained the negotiations in the region and the Sinjar agreement to the Mesopotamia Agency (MA).
Not the solution
Stating that the KNK’s attitude towards the agreement signed between the Iraqi Central Government and the KDP is clear, Qeremuz said, “As the KNK, in principle, we are not against an agreement regarding the solution of the Sinjar problem and security. But the Sinjar agreement was signed only between the two parties. Despite all, this agreement was signed without considering the people of Sinjar, their representatives and institutions, regardless of their will, wishes and needs. If the agreement is only at the security level or on the discharge of the Sinjar defense forces, it will undoubtedly bring no solution. What we propose is the renewal of the agreement, taking into consideration the will, wishes and needs of the Sinjar. If the agreement is not renewed in this way, it will not bring any solution to the region. We are hopeful that the parties will reconsider the agreement and will make a new agreement by taking the will of the people into consideration”.
Qeremus went on to outline the KNK’s recommendations. “The KNK’s suggestion is for both sides to come together and solve the problem through negotiation. If this does not happen, a possible conflict between the Peshmerga forces and the Sinjar defense forces will cause great damage. A possible conflict will not benefit the Kurdish people. On the contrary, it will bring great destruction and damage. Therefore, what we recommend and hope in our meetings is the renewal of the Sinjar agreement in line with the needs of the Yazidi community. The people of Sinjar should also take part in the agreement and solution. This agreement is not a solution – on the contrary, it will magnify the existing problems and turn into a crisis”.
Underlining that the KNK is against the resolution of the existing tension through war and conflict, Qeremus said, “This will harm not only Başûr (Iraqi Kurdistan) but all Kurds… This situation will please the occupiers who want to abolish the Kurdish status. The Turkish state will attack and occupy not only Southern Kurdistan, but all the places where Kurdish interests are at stake. The people here do not want any chaos and civil war. We will do our best to solve this crisis and continue our work in this area. We will build a strong will through negotiation, dialogue and resolution. We hope that we will find positive results from these talks”.
