June 22
On June 22, Kirkuk Governor Dr. Najmaldin Karim received Mr. Matthias Mitman, the United States General Consul in Arbil- Iraqi Kurdistan and his delegation.
During the meeting, both sides discussed the security, political, and economic developments in Iraq, Kurdistan region generally and Kirkuk specifically.
Governor Karim briefed on the overall situation in Kirkuk province. He stressed the economic challenges facing Kirkuk due to hosting a large number of Internally Displaced People (IDP). On security, Governor Karim pointed to the recent losses of ISIS terrorists in Kirkuk and praised the role of Peshmerga forces in defending Kirkuk the past two years.
He said, “Peshmerga forces were able to liberate large areas of the province in cooperation with local police and Asayish forces.”
Governor Karim praised the role of the U.S. led coalition in their support of the Peshmerga forces and for the effective air strikes against ISIS terrorists.
Governor Karim and General Consul Mitman held a press conference after the meeting. Governor Karim said, “Today’s visit showed the interest and the support of the United States in the multi-ethnic province of Kirkuk. This is the first visit from a U.S. official since 2012.”
Dr. Karim also stressed the importance of obtaining the constitutional rights for Kirkuk. He said, “Kirkuk’s people support their administration and we will not accept the deprivation of our legal rights. Our contractors did not receive their payment bonds from Baghdad because they consider Kirkuk the same as Mosul. That is prejudice. He added, “We have not done anything against the constitution and we will deliver our vision to the prime minister when we meet him.”
General Consul Mitman expressed his support for Kirkuk and its administration in the face of challenges and reaffirmed the support of the U.S. to Iraq in their war against ISIS.
