SRSG Kubiš appeals for calm and dialogue in the KR-I

“I appreciate efforts to restore and maintain order and calm. Confrontation should give way to bona fide political dialogue and negotiations, guided by principles of democracy and compromise. There is an immediate need for all political parties to act with determination to further de-escalate the political tensions, prevent violence and find solutions to the protracted political impasse on the issue of the presidency and reforms without creating a power vacuum”, SRSG Kubiš said. “It’s protraction risks exacerbating an already difficult situation for the population who faces enormous challenges, of such magnitude as the fight against Daesh, the budgetary crisis, economic and asocial hardship of the region’s population that moreover hosts around 1.7 million IDPs”, SRSG noted.

“The political parties in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KR-I) need to prioritize peace, security and stability, for the sake of the people, the region and the country”, he further added. “I urge all political leaders to hear the voice of Peshmerga on the frontlines against Daesh, fighting the terrorist enemy to keep the KR-I stable, safe and united in the face of this threat, and to advance economic and social reforms and justice”.

“I also urge the authorities and political forces of the region to ensure the proper functioning of the political system and its institutions, political parties and their offices, in full conformity with democratic principles and methods, as well as safety and security of political representatives that should be able to function without fear and intimidation”, SRSG Kubiš said.

SRSG Kubiš condemned the loss of life, injury of protestors and police, and the destruction of offices that have occurred over the weekend. “Perpetrators of these acts of violence should be quickly brought to justice, following due judicial process”, he stressed.

“The authorities must ensure the right of people to demand peacefully their rights and good governance, while the protesters must respect the law and refrain from violence and provocations”, the SRSG stated, stressing that the respective security forces bear the full responsibility for maintaining public order, peaceful and safe character of demonstrations and for preventing violence.

SRSG Kubiš also underlined that “accusations and inflammatory statements that have been directed by political parties at one another, also misusing traditional and social media, have contributed to increased tensions and to turning protests violent. It is important for the media, particularly for social media, not to be manipulative, not to incite violence and divisions, especially in the current crisis. At the same time, the work of the media should be protected, and the current crisis should not be used to silence them, to impede the work of the journalists”.