ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) said it had moved Peshmerga forces into Kurdish-populated areas outside its official borders purely for defense.
“The Peshmerga forces are in those areas for defense and in no way will they initiate attacks or offensive actions,” a KRG statement said, following a meeting in Erbil on Saturday.
It said they were there to provide peace for everyone, “regardless of their nationality, faith or political affiliation.”
Iraq is facing its largest crisis since the 2003 US-led invasion.
Bands of ex-Saddam loyalists and Islamic militants -- who have formed an axis -- have swept across the country, first capturing the second-largest city of Mosul in the northwest on Tuesday, and now halted only 100 kilometers north of Baghdad.
The insurgents say their aim is to topple the Shiite-led government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
The advance by the lightly-armed insurgents caused panic and fear among the heavily-equipped and US-trained Iraqi Army, which abandoned its heavy weapons and fled.
Peshmerga forces moved in, securing military bases, installations and roads.
Outside the three provinces it governs, the KRG also claims vast Kurdish-populated regions outside its borders, in “disputed territories” that have been behind tensions and clashes with the Shiite-led central government in Baghdad.
The Peshmerga were there to “fill the power vacuum” created by the Iraqi Army desertions, Kurdistan President Massoud Barzani said.
With few exceptions, “The entire Kurdish territories outside the Kurdistan Region are now in the hands of Kurdish forces,” the KRG’s ministry of Peshmerga (defense), declared late on Friday.
Saturday’s meeting in Erbil included Kurdish Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani, Vice President Kosrat Rasul and top level military and Peshmerga officials.
The Kurdish government has treaded carefully and avoided direct confrontation with the Islamic militants and insurgents.
The KRG says the Peshmerga will remain where they are, to ensure the war does not come to their stable areas.
“The current chaotic situation in Iraq shows why Iraq’s constitution should be implemented fully and respected,” added the statement in Erbil.
The Kurds believe that the violation of the constitution by Maliki – who they accuse of increased authoritarian rule -- has estranged the Kurds and Sunnis alike.
“It is our firm belief that no military solution can be the answer to the problems that Iraq faces today,” said the statement, obtained by Rudaw.
“We reiterate that only a sustainable and fair deal and mutual understanding between Kurds, Shiites and Sunnis can radically deal with the problems of today.”
The meeting also decided on setting up joint cooperation with all Kurdish groups to monitor the situation.
“In line with Kurdistan regulations, temporary joint operation rooms should be set up in different areas, which should include all factions and groups in Kurdistan,” the meeting announced.
It also discussed the plight of thousands of refugees who are fleeing the fighting and streaming into Kurdistan.
“We invite the international community to take part and support and assist the refugees,” said the statement.
