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We need ground forces in Kurdistan Region and Iraq: Falah Mustafa

15-10-2014 – Kurdpress – The chief of Kurdistan Region’s Foreign Relations Falah Mustafa said the anti-IS coalition bombings against the radical group are not enough and Iraq and Kurdish region need ground troops to defeat the IS. Speaking to Iraq Free Radio, Mustafa appreciated the anti-IS coalition for its attack on the IS and said the attacks have been productive “but are not enough to defeat the group and Arabic or non-Arabic forces are needed in regions in Iraq as Peshmerga and Iraqi army are not capable of defending Kurdistan Region.”

Answering a question whether Erbil backs Iran’s presence in the coalition, Mustafa added there are diverse stances in the coalition towards the issue and Erbil cannot decide on it.

Although Turkey did not help Kurdistan Region during IS attack on Shingal, Erbil is proud of having relation not only with Turkey but also with Iran and Arabic states in the region, he further said. Mustafa stressed the region is not able to help the Syrian Kurdish city of Kobani that is under the siege of the IS but stated Kurdistan Region President Massoud Barzani has asked the coalition to help the city and conduct more strikes against the IS in Kobani. Mustafa also said Kurds in Iraq will attend in new government under Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi and revealed the region has given Baghdad time to solve disputes between Erbil and Baghdad.