Hawrami: Gorran’s failure to exercise policies resorted in violence

Head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party’s Foreign Relations Office, Hemin Hawrami, welcomed Matthias Mitman, the General Consulate of the United States in Erbil, to discuss the latest violent protests, and relations between Erbil and Baghdad.

Hawrami welcomed Mitman and voiced his appreciation for the support given by the United States to the Kurdistan Region, against ISIS. Mitman offered his condolences to the families of the victims tragically killed as a result of the recent violent protests. Hawrami condemned the protests and riots, and asserted that the KDP has become a victim. And he said that Gorran’s failure to exercise policies resorted in violence

The pair continued to discuss the recent protests, and both agreed that citizens have the right to protest, but should not be unlawful or violent.

Hawrami then mentioned that there has been no systematic proposal by the Iraqi government, and also identified that the budget has been cut since February 2014 – taking in over two million refugees and the war with ISIS has positioned Kurdistan in economical hardship.  He voiced his disappointment in Baghdad for their unsupportive role regarding the refugees and Peshmerga forces. He stated that the Iraqi Prime Minister has not visited a refugee camp, and has not acknowledged the triumphant Peshmerga efforts, as opposed to other world leaders.

The meeting was finalised by Mitman offering his advice by mentioning officials from all sides should negotiate for the best interests of the citizens.