French FM urges incorporation of Kurdistan in reconstruction plan of Iraq
French Foreign Minister
Kuwait (Iraqinews.com) – French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian stressed on Wednesday that the reconstruction plan of Iraq should cover all Iraqi provinces and regions, notably the Kurdistan Region.
According to Basnews website, Le Drian called on donor countries taking part in the Kuwait International Conference for the Reconstruction of Iraq (KICRI) to incorporate the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region in the reconstruction plan of Iraq, saying that Erbil has made great sacrifices and shouldered a heavy burden over the past period.
He also stressed the importance of ending a dispute between Baghdad and Erbil, which erupted following a referendum the Kurdistan Region held in September for independence from Iraq.
Le Drian pointed out that it is the time now to reconstruct all villages, towns and regions that were targeted by the Islamic State group or remained marginalized throughout the Iraqi history.
Kurds voted overwhelmingly to break away from Iraq in a referendum held on Sept. 25, defying the central government in Baghdad as well as neighboring Turkey and Iran who have their own Kurdish minorities.
The Kuwait International Conference for the Reconstruction of Iraq kicked off Monday with the participation of several donor countries and a group of regional and international institutions.
The gathering aims at garnering necessary support for the reconstruction of Iraq following a great victory achieved over Islamic State group.
The three-day conference is co-chaired by the European Union, Iraq, Kuwait, the United Nations and the World Bank.