In June Mr Halfon tabled a motion in the UK parliament criticising the HRW report, particularly where it alleged that the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is no more respectful of free speech than Saddam’s Ba’athist government. Mr Halfon’s motion stated, “This is an unjust allegation, given that the preceding government in Kurdistan was headed by Saddam Hussein who directed a campaign of genocide against the Kurds and brooked no dissent from the media or anyone else.”
In answer to a question about UK-Kurdistan relations, Mr Zahawi said, “There has been a step-change in the relationship between our government and the KRG, thanks in part to the work of the all-party group. After the visits we meet British ministers to discuss Kurdistan, and we have helped to achieve greater British involvement in education, business and other areas. And the British embassy office in Erbil was recently upgraded to a consulate general.”
Lord Tim Clement-Jones, who has previously visited Kurdistan but did not participate in the June visit, said, “The contact and progress that the all-party group has made over the last four to five years and the British government’s response is excellent. I hope that the report will also have an impact on the KRG.”
Commenting on the APPG’s report, Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman, the Kurdistan Regional Government’s High Representative, said, "The members of this APPG are very active and thorough, and supportive of strengthening relations between Kurdistan and the UK. This latest report, like previous ones, presents the group's view on where Kurdistan is setting an example and where we need to do more. We welcome their interest, support and constructive criticism."
The All-Party Group delegation met a wide range of people, including the political blocs in parliament, the press, NGOs, women’s rights activists and government ministers. Over the past few years, APPG members have made five visits to Kurdistan. They also meet members of the Kurdish community in the UK, the British government as well as other interested parties.
The members of delegation in the June visit were Ms Munn, Mr Zahawi, Mr Halfon, Gary Kent, the APPG’s Administrator, and John McTernan, a political adviser and journalist.
The remit of the all-party group is to promote friendship and understanding between the people of the Kurdistan Region and Britain and to encourage the development of democratic institutions in Kurdistan, as part of the democratic and federal process in the rest of Iraq.
Please click here to download the APPG's report.
(Source: KRG)
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