Speaker Dr. Rewaz Faiq welcomes incoming United States' Consul General Irvin Hicks Jr.
Kurdistan Parliament Speaker Dr. Rewaz Faiq on 11 October 2022 welcomed the incoming United States Consul General in Kurdistan Region, Mr. Irvin Hicks Jr. They discuss the political situation in Iraq and Kurdistan Region, civil liberties and human rights.
Speaker Faiq congratulated Consul General Hicks on his new posting, wished him success and hoped that the bilateral relationship will develop further. Dr. Faiq also thanked the United States for their significant role in protecting and supporting the Kurdistan Region in the past and assisting the Peshmerga forces against ISIS terrorists.
Speaker Faiq and Consul General Hicks discussed civil liberties, freedom of the press and human rights in Kurdistan Region. Dr. Faiq said, "The Kurdistan Parliament has several important and strong laws on protecting human rights and civil liberties, including the Law on Combatting Violence against Families and Women - which is legislation that is rarely found in this region, as well as the Journalism Law, the Law on the Right to Access Information, and the Demonstration Law. These are important laws of which the Kurdistan Parliament is proud.”
The Parliament Speaker gave US Consul General an overview of the current political situation in Iraq, and the challenges to the political process and the formation of the new Iraqi government.
Dr. Faiq said, "The political deadlock in Iraq is negatively affecting different aspects of life. The political instability has impacted all aspects of society, the economy and politics. Iraq is facing a tough test. Parties in disagreement must compromise to reach peaceful shores and end the public’s anxiety and despair.”
Dr. Faiq explained that most of the political equations in the Kurdistan Region depend on the formation of the new Iraqi government and on agreement among the political parties in Baghdad.
Speaker Faiq and Consul General Hicks agreed on the importance of developing bilateral relations and cooperation.
