John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

170. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his assessment of the situation of the Kurdish people across Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56951/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Kurdish people represent a large ethnic group in the Middle East. The largest Kurdish population is in Türkiye but there are large populations in north-west Iran and northern Iraq, and a smaller community in Syria. The geographical extent and numbers of Kurds in the various countries are debated, and have often been intentionally obscured.

The situation and experience of Kurdish people varies between the named countries. The Irish Government consistently calls for ongoing political dialogue, respect for human rights and promotion of the rule of law to foster more peaceful, stable and safe environments for all.

In August this year, I met the Turkish Foreign Minister and I welcomed the PKK’s declaration of a permanent ceasefire as a step that presents an opportunity to build for the future, including for the Kurdish people. Ireland continues to support efforts to advance constructive dialogue between Kurdish community representatives and the Turkish authorities through our support of the Democratic Progress Institute.

Kurds in Iraq enjoy regional autonomy through the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and have strong working relations with the Federal Government of Iraq, in which Kurdish parties participate. The current President and Foreign Minister of Iraq are both Kurds. Issues of the territorial extent of the Kurdish region, the city of Kirkuk and natural resources continue to be sources of friction. In Iran, government forces combat Kurdish separatist groups, including cross border attacks on alleged bases in the Kurdish region of Iraq. There are also many reports of suppression of Kurdish identity and political expression.

In Syria the Kurdish community won considerable autonomy from Damascus and wish to retain that in the new Syria. The transitional authorities made an agreement in March with Kurdish forces to integrate into a new national army but that was not implemented. A new agreement was made last week and it is hoped this will last. Relations between the Damascus government and Syria’s Kurds will be a key issue in the ongoing construction of a new Syria.