Regarding efforts to calm tensions between Erbil and Baghdad over the deployment of forces in Kirkuk, the President said: “Negotiations are ongoing between military committees from both sides. We will resist the imposition of any solution on Kirkuk other than the implementation of Article 140 of the Constitution.”
President Barzani said this is an election year for Kurdistan and the KRG is committed to ensuring successful elections are held later this year.
Commenting on the annual meeting, Minister Bakir said: “We have welcomed several new, permanent diplomats to Erbil in 2012, and we expect the arrival of prominent members of the international community as we begin the New Year. Our plans for 2013 include efforts to increase our representations abroad and continue our policy in attracting new diplomatic presence in Kurdistan.”
“We have been able to demonstrate to the diplomatic community that Kurdistan is open and friendly. Our safe and stable security environment has allowed international engagement to grow significantly with our region and we look forward to working with them for the betterment of our people.”
The consuls of several countries and representatives of the UN, ICRC, and other international organisations, Dr Fuad Hussein the Chief of Staff to President Barzani, and senior officials from the Department of Foreign Relations attended the meeting.
(Source: KRG)
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