Peshmerga to ‘respect’ Mosul agreements between Erbil and Baghdad

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdish authorities say Peshmerga forces will abide by agreements on Mosul among the Kurdistan region, the Iraqi government and the anti-ISIS international coalition in the country.

 

In a statement by the office of the Kurdish president, Mosul's looming operation was described as "pivotal for the Kurdistan region, Iraq and the world" which would have humanitarian and political repercussions.

 

"For the Kurdistan region and the communities of the Nineveh province, the post liberation Mosul has a significant position," the statement said. It called for a "political deal" among all factions in the province to run the area after recapture from militants of the Islamic State.

 

“The Peshmerga will abide by previous agreements signed between the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan region and the counter-ISIS coalition about their involvement in the Mosul liberation operations.”

 

“The Peshmerga will also abide by any other agreements that are going to be reached between these three parties in the future," the statement added.

 

As the offensive to drive out militants from Mosul is looming, the question of Peshmerga participation in the operation has been heatedly discussed in the Iraqi media.

 

The Peshmerga are currently controlling large parts of the so-called disputed territories among others in Nineveh province near Mosul, from which they say they will not withdraw, even after the Mosul operation.