LONDON—The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has not punched above its weight for decades by making needless commitments or answering hypothetical questions. Its reply to the report of the foreign affairs committee (FAC) on UK policy towards the Kurdistan Region is a model of precision in holding the line. Its answer to the FAC's recommendation that Britain should accept Kurdish independence in certain conditions is terse - 'The Government notes the Committee’s conclusion.'
The FCO argues that the Kurds have an important role to play in a stable, united, democratic and prosperous Iraq, and that the benefits of remaining in Iraq far outweigh independence. Besides, 'we do not think that the KRG is currently arguing for a move towards full independence.' The FCO backs the Erbil-Baghdad agreement on exports and budget payments - its diplomats 'worked behind the scenes in support of the agreement' and were thanked for their efforts.
The FCO emphasises its 'substantial' military contribution to international efforts to counter Daish. When the assessment that the KRG was not likely to be a Daish target was proved incorrect last year the UK and others quickly reinforced Kurdish forces. The FAC asked whether Britain could supply arms directly to the KRG or whether the federal government can insist that arms go via Baghdad. The FCO says that gifting or selling military equipment to the KRG must be certified by Baghdad but there are no restrictions on where it is inspected.
As for the humanitarian crisis in the Kurdistan Region, the FCO agrees that the KRG has been 'extremely generous with their hospitality' but fears that a 'long war' risks a prolonged and economically debilitating humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands unable to return to their homes, and the possibility of increased tensions between displaced people and the host community.
On the FAC's request to clarify British policy on the PYD, Britain has 'consistently made it clear that it will be very difficult to provide any support to the PYD while they maintain links to the Assad regime and refuse to co-operate fully with the moderate Syrian opposition. We are also concerned that the PYD maintains some links with the [proscribed] PKK. The PYD also needs to demonstrate a greater commitment to pluralism, human rights and respect for other political forces within Kurdish controlled areas.' It says the PYD is attempting to pre-empt discussions and all Syrians should decide the exact nature of the political settlement in Syria as part of a transition process, including whether an autonomous Kurdish region is created in Syria. But the UK will engage with the PYD to encourage a more constructive approach.
The FCO also notes the FAC's conclusion that the 'The UK is fortunate to have in such a volatile part of the world a partner as relatively moderate, pragmatic, stable, democratic, secular and reflexively pro-Western as the KRG.' The FCO notes that the first meeting of the new UK-KRG Bilateral Forum was delayed because 'the KRG’s senior leadership had, understandably, been focused on tackling ISIL' and they are now working to organise the forum for early 2015.
The FAC had urged the government to urgently find and suitably staff a diplomatic post that matches the importance of the KRG as an ally against Daish and an important commercial partner. The current premises have not been fit for purpose for many years. The FCO reveals that the KRG has allocated land but the building will not be ready until 2017 or 2018. Direct air links are on hold because the UK currently advises its air carriers against flying to Iraq due to significant security concerns. The UK had been hopeful last summer but the advance of Daish suspended this pathway, which may be reinstated in the near-term.
The UK Government will also continue to look for ways to mark Anfal day and honour the victims of Saddam Hussein’s horrific crimes but reiterates its position that recognising genocide or similar crimes is primarily a matter for judicial decision. The UK is also helping document evidence of Daish and Assad regime atrocities.
The FCO reply comes in the final hours of this parliament and government. There will be no further debate on it until a new government is elected in May and then only if pushed by those with an interest. The FCO position will clearly disappoint some but it praises the 'strong and vibrant relationship' with the KRG in many areas and as a strategic partner. And the FAC report provides a substantial menu of analysis and action to build Anglo-Kurdish links. It is up to Kurds and their British friends to run with these after the election.
The full British government reply can be read at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-response-to-the-house-of-commons-foreign-affairs-committee-report-uk-government-policy-on-the-kurdistan-region-of-iraq
