Hawrami attends Socialist International conference in Geneva representing KDP

The Head of Kurdistan Democratic Party’s foreign relations office, Hemin Hawrami, accompanied by  Sozan Barwari from FRO and  Sarbast Zaenal, Azad Gulai from KDP Geneva branch, participated   in a Socialist International conference held in Geneva on behalf of President Massoud Barzani, and KDP, conversing on the latest developments and security status in the region with a brief history on the KDP in a speech to delegates.

 

The Socialist International is a worldwide organisation of social democratic, socialist and labour parties. It currently brings together 168 political entities and groups from all continents.

 

Mr Hawrami began by thanking the SI for their invitation and expressed the greetings of President Barzani to all delegates of the conference before moving on to present the goals and achievements of the KDP.

 

He stated, “The KDP was established in 1946 as a national freedom movement and has since acted as a key player in the Middle East region to liberate its people and guide the Kurdish nations towards democracy and self-rule. Today, under the banners of co-existence, justice and renewal, KDP is pleased in cooperation with other political parties to lead Iraqi Kurdistan Region,”

 

Speaking of the economic and political ties with other nations, Mr Hawrami said the Kurdistan Region makes great efforts on strengthening relations with the international community and most importantly, forming the region to meet the components of a developed country.

 

On the current security issues in the region, in the face of fighting against Islamic State terrorists, Mr Hawrami said they are confronting a “large enemy, armed with very advanced weaponry and growing rapidly,” adding ISIS is an “international threat which needs and international response.”

 

Mr Hawrami praised Kurdish Peshmerga forces for their successful onslaught against ISIS militants, recapturing key areas sized by ISIS initially deserted by the Iraqi army, that they are the only forces combatting terrorists on the ground, with limited arsenal on behalf of the rest of the freedom and democratic society.

 

The costs of the ongoing war, coupled with the 1.5 million refugees and internally displaced people - including Christians, Kurds and Arabs is having dire consequences on the region’s ability to continue providing care. Kurdistan’s hospitality is provided without any financial or in-kind support from the Iraqi federal government.

 

However, though the Iraqi government are pressurising western countries that are sending Kurdistan humanitarian aid, ammunition and light-to-medium arms, it wants them to go through Baghdad for inspections which consequently delays such shipments that are costing lives on the front lines and endangering those in need of food, water and shelter.

 

In the latter stage of his speech, Mr Hawrami asserted the duty of the Kurdistan region, which is to protect its democracy, defend vibrant communities and asking the international community to stand with them providing meaningful support.

 

He concluded, “Our experience is founded on the principles of co-existence and respect for human rights; we are not a threat to peace in the Middle East, in fact we are an oasis of peace and stability in a region amidst chaos and uncertainty.”