KurdistanObserver.com
Nechirvan Barzani: Anti-Iran Operations
never Allowed in Iraqi Kurdistan
TEHRAN,- May 8, 2007- Iraqi Kurdistan
region Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani stressed that Iraqi Kurds may never
allow their soil to be used for operations and plots against Iran.
"Security of Iran is our security," Barzani, who is also the leader of
Kurdistan's Democratic Party (KDP) told a press conference following his meeting
with Iran's Interior Minister Mostafa Pour-Mohammadi in Tehran on Sunday.
He reminded the two countries' age-old desirable ties, and praised the Islamic
Republic of Iran's supports for Kurdistan during the hard times, saying, "Since
old times we have been in the same trench with the Iranians."
The Kurd official called for the further improvement of ties between Iran and
Iraqi Kurdistan.
Asked about his discussions with Pour-Mohammadi for the betterment of the two
sides' security relations and enhancement of security at joint borders, he said,
"As a neighbor of ours and of Iraq's, Iran has always extended much help to us,
specially during the hard times and difficulties. Whenever we needed help,
Iran's doors have been open to us."
"Therefore, security of Iran is our security and we may never allow our soil to
be used for operations and plots against Iran," Barzani underlined.
He also voiced preparedness to promote the existing relations between the two
sides to the highest levels possible, given the cultural commonalities of Iran
and Iraqi Kurdistan.
"Regarding security aspects of the two sides' relations, we are ready to study
the relevant issues in the form of a committee in the Iraqi government," Barzani
said, adding that Iraq's Kurdistan is ready to host Iranian economic activists
in all grounds.
In response to questions about the recent security problems at the shared
borders of Iran and Iraq's Kurdistan, Barzani reminded that security issues are
of a fully mutual nature, and continued, "We have decided to form joint
committees to study and remove the security issues of the two sides."
Also asked about his administration's measures
for the release of the Iranian diplomats abducted during a raid by the US troops
on Iran's consulate general in the Kurdish city of Erbil, in Kurdistan region
(northern Iraq), Barzani said, "Since the very first day, the issue has been a
matter of concern for us, and we believe that it (i.e. abduction of diplomats by
the US forces) was a wrong thing to do. Iran's consulate in Erbil had provided
many services for us and their activities were entirely normal."
"We have done our best, within our possibilities, to set these diplomats free
and we view the issue as our own problem," the president of the local
administration of Iraqi Kurdistan reiterated.
He also pointed to his efforts for the release of the diplomats as the reason
behind his delayed visit to Iran, saying, "I endeavored to bring good news about
the freedom of these diplomats during my trip to Tehran, but unfortunately, it
did not
turn possible."
Barzani also said that the closure of the Iranian consulate in the city of Erbil
(following the US raid) has caused Kurds so many problems, including the
troubles and prolonged process for the issuance of visas.
"I have raised the issue during my meetings with Iranian foreign minister and
Iranian ambassador to Baghdad, and we hope to witness resumption of activities
by Iran's consulate in Erbil and Soleymanieh in the near future," he said.
Also during the same press conference, the Iranian Interior Minister Mostafa
Pour-Mohammadi viewed the two sides' mutual ties as good but not desirable,
saying that Iran and Iraq enjoy abundant potentials for expanding ties,
including their shared views, goals, interests and cultural and historical
backgrounds.
Asked about the nature of Iran's aids and cooperation with Iraqi Kurdistan, he
said Iran is prepared to render all types of cooperation with the people and
local government of the Iraqi Kurdistan, given the two sides' profound ties.
He also said that security, scientific and educational cooperation has further
deepened and broadened relations between Iran and Kurdistan.
Pour-Mohammadi also said that his meeting with Barzani focused on such topics as
issues pertaining to the neighboring cities at the two sides' shared borders,
consolidation of cooperation among border provinces, increase of border
exchanges, participation in the reconstruction of Iraqi Kurdistan and
enhancement of border security.
