Kurdish lawmakers ‘can set an example for all of Iraq’ – UN envoy
The senior United Nations envoy for Iraq has told Kurdish lawmakers that they, and the people of Kurdistan, had the opportunity and capability to provide a beacon and example for the rest of Iraq.
The senior United Nations envoy for Iraq has told Kurdish lawmakers that they, and the people of Kurdistan, had the opportunity and capability to provide a beacon and example for the rest of Iraq.
“[The Kurdish people] suffered political isolation, economic deprivation and brutal repression including genocidal onslaughts during the era of the previous regime…yet remained determined to assert their freedom and dignity, and valiantly struggled for their basic human rights,” said Ashraf Qazi, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative in a speech delivered on Saturday at the inaugural session of the Kurdistan National Assembly.
The elections to the Kurdistan National Assembly, represented “an important milestone in Iraq’s political transition,” Mr. Qazi also said, adding that the extraordinary diversity of people living in Kurdistan is a priceless national asset.
The role played by the Kurdish Alliance in the formation of the new government following general elections held on January 30 demonstrated that the people of this region have a vital role to play in shaping the destiny of their country, Mr. Qazi said.