The tension that started in the region with the Shengal agreement signed between the Iraqi Central Government and the Federated Kurdistan Region on October 9,  and the fact that the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) has recently shifted peshmerga forces to Garê and Metina regions, especially Zinî Wertê, and established new checkpoints, has increased. After these developments, the Kurdish National Congress (Kongya Netewî ya Kurdistanê-KNK), which convened urgently, established a Crisis Desk. Calling the parties for dialogue, the KNK Delegation continues its contacts with political parties and non-governmental organizations in the Federated Kurdistan Region to stop the tension created by the KDP. 

 

KNK Co-chair Ehmed Qeremus evaluated the negotiations in the region and the Shengal agreement to our agency.

 

NOT THE SOLUTION

 

Stating that their attitude towards the agreement signed between the Iraqi Central Government and the KDP is clear, Qeremuz said, “As the KNK, in principle, we are not against agreements regarding the solution of the Shengal problem and security. But the Shengal agreement was signed only between the two parties. Despite everything, this agreement was signed without a meeting with the people of Shengal, their representatives and institutions, not taking their will, wishes and needs into consideration. If the agreement is aiming  to liquidate the Shengal defense forces, it will undoubtedly bring no solution. What we propose is the renewal of the agreement, taking into account the will, wishes and needs of the Shengal people. If the agreement is not renewed in this way, it will not bring any solution to the region. On the contrary, this problem can grow into a crisis. We are hopeful that the parties will reconsider the agreement and will make a new agreement by taking the will and wishes of the people into consideration ”.

 

Emphasizing that the negotiations with political parties, non-governmental organizations, religious organizations and academicians are continuing to end the tension, Qeremus said, “The KNK's suggestion is for both sides to sit down and solve this problem through negotiations. If this does not happen, a conflict between the peshmerga forces and the Shengal defense forces will cause great damage. A possible conflict will not benefit the Kurdish people. On the contrary, it will bring great destruction and damage. Therefore, what we recommend and hope to happen in our meetings is the renewal of the Shengal agreement in line with the needs of the Êzidî community. The people of Shengal should also have a seat in this agreement and solution process. This agreement is not a solution, on the contrary, it will magnify the existing problems and turn them into a crisis." 

 

TURKEY WILL BENEFIT FROM A POSSIBLE CONFLICT

 

Underlining that they are against the resolution of the existing tension through war and conflict, Qeremus said: "This will harm not only Bashur but all Kurds. Turkey that is seeking a way to invade the region for so long will benefit from any possible conflict. This situation will please the occupiers who want the Kurds to have no status. The Turkish State will attack and occupy not only Southern Kurdistan, but everywhere where Kurdish status and interests are at stake. The people of Bashur support these meetings and find our suggestions well placed. The people here do not want and approve of any chaos and civil war. We will do our best to solve this crisis and continue our work in this area. We will build a strong will through negotiation, dialogue and resolution. We are hopeful and we will see positive results from these talks. "

 

 

MA / Zeynep Durgut