Congressman Gutknecht finds ‘oasis of peace and prosperity

26 July 2006, Erbil, Kurdistan - Iraq

On a recent fact-finding visit to Iraq, US Congressman Gil Gutknecht of Minnesota reported that he found in the Kurdistan Region “An oasis of peace and prosperity”.

Congressman Gutknecht, who visited Iraq in mid July, said, “The bright spot of my trip was our final stop in Erbil, the regional capital for the Kurds in Northern Iraq.”

At a meeting with Mr Gutknecht, Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani thanked the US for liberating the people of Kurdistan from Saddam Hussein. Mr Gutknecht reported that “he told us 182,000 Kurds died or are still missing as a result of his brutal dictatorship. Yet today, their streets are safe and their businesses are booming. The Kurdish parliament is fully integrated, with women comprising 16 percent of the body. They are building a new international airport and luxury condominiums.”

Referring to other parts of Iraq, Congressman Gutknecht saw some political and economic progress, but was disappointed with the worsening security situation. In contrast, he reported, “In the North, the Kurds took responsibility for policing their own streets. They appreciate the umbrella of security that US air cover provides, but they have taken charge on the ground.”

He added, “The Kurds have developed the blueprint for peace and prosperity for all of Iraq.”

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