Socialist International Delegation In Iraqi Kurdistan

Kurdistan Newsline
June 22, 2001

The head of the Socialist International (SI) delegation visiting Kurdistan, , Lev Ifrat Koni
Frederkson, said that consolidating peace in Kurdistan region is an essential factor for
achieving growth and progress in the area. In a meeting of representatives of Kurdistani
parties, he added that the valuable experience of Iraqi Kurdistan in governance will serve as
a useful model for other parts of Kurdistan. He urged all sides to cooperate with the NGOs
and stated that in order to continue reconstruction and peace process, it is imperative to
increase cooperation between PUK and KDP on the one hand and the European parties,
especially the Socialist International, on the other. He reaffirmed the close traditional ties
between the SI and PUK. According to a high level PUK source, the delegation is seeking to
closely survey the social, economic, health and political issues in the region to be the basis
for a comprehensive report to be presented to the SI conference, due to be held at the end of
this month, June.

In interviews with two newspapers, Kurdistan Niwey and Al-Ittihad, Mr. Frederekson said
that SI wants the Kurdish experiment in Iraqi Kurdistan to be enhanced. The achievements
are results of the unstinted efforts and sacrifices of its people who have earned the right to
have a major say in the type of relationship with the Iraq State. A member of the delegation,
Thomas Johanssen said that he foresees the continuation of progress in Iraqi Kurdistan
which will be a distinct model for democracy and civic society in the area. This of course
depends on the international protection factor regardless of the continuation of the sanctions
regime or not. He stated that the delegation will present a factual picture of the situation
upon their return to Europe with the aim of better clarification of the European view. He saw
some positive signs in this direction, such as the statement by the Swedish Foreign Minister
that there is a need for guaranteeing stability in the Kurdistan region of Iraq.