President Barzani receives British Parliamentary delegation for talks on crisis in northern Iraq

Kurdistan Region President Massoud Barzani received a delegation consisting of member of British Parliament and Chairman of the Defence Committee, Rory Stewart, and his accompany associates for talks on the current crisis in northern Iraq, latest developments in the region and clashes between Peshmerga forces and Islamic militants.

The delegation expressed the greeting of UK Prime Minister David Cameron to Mr Barzani, stressing Britain’s support toward the ongoing conflict.

Speaking from a Kurdish military vehicle, Mr Stewart said, “This is one of the biggest challenges that faces the world at the moment and there is debate about things like should there be air strikes so I feel it is my obligation as a member of Parliament to come and understand what is happening.”

Penrith and the Border MP, Mr Stewart will stay in Iraq until Tuesday. He plans to inform Parliament of his first-hand experiences and make recommendations about Britain’s role in the growing global situation.

He wants a debate in the House of Commons when Parliament returns early next month.

Mr Stewart said: “I will be sharing what I find with Parliament and Government but I am not here representing the Government. I am doing it as an MP.

“I want to go out to the refugee camps, meet Kurdish government officials and I want to try and get to Baghdad as well as speak to people like local journalists to get a broader sense of opinions. I hope to come back and make recommendations.”

Mr Stewart worked as a post invasion deputy governor in a different region of Iraq between 2003 and 2005.