Topic: The Question of Kurdistan
Country: Iraq
Delegate Name: McKenna Kluemper
School: Fishers High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Iraq position papers GLIMUN 2014 committees
The Kurdish people have no right to form a separate nation with the land of Iraq nor any other country. This is seen in the Treaty of Lausanne.
There are several better alternatives to the formation of an independent Nation of Kurdistan. It is in the best interest of everyone to avoid the separation, because to do this would harm not only the Kurdish people, but those in surrounding areas. The best and most efficient solution to this pressing matter is for all Nations with large populations of Kurdish people to firstly, recognize them as citizens. Iraq does this and it has provided a much better path of communication. Because they live within our nation they have the rights afforded to a citizen. This not only is a sign of good will and good intention, but it also helps convey Iraq’s wishes to a peaceful resolution to this issue.
Though it would be unwise to form a completely new nation of Kurdistan, Iraq believes that the Kurdish people may have their needs met through the participation in their provincial governments as well as send members to contribute to the general parliament. This will ensure that their voices are heard and yet avoid the violence that would occur in the process of separating to an independent nation. Also to be taken into consideration of renewed communication is the fact that since the removal of Saddam Hussein, relations between the Iraqi government and the Kurdish people have been steadily improving. Thus proving that a peaceful and mutually beneficial solution can be found between the Iraqi government and the Kurdish communities.
Violence stemming from Kurdish unrest has also made it more difficult for the Iraqi government to properly address the issue. The uncooperative actions by small portions of the Kurdish people are creating conflicts that hinder progress towards more peaceful and understanding relations between our government and the Kurdish communities. Iraq understands that the renewed efforts to meet Kurdish needs is a responsibility, however the Kurdish people are just hurting themselves by refusing to cooperate. We wish to have a better understanding of all our citizens’ feelings and wishes, and we will continue to communicate with those who wish to be civil and actively participate in our government.
Iraq also feels that it is important for the international community to recognize that even in situations such as Syria, in which the Kurdish people are struggling to be understood and their opinions heard, the violence is stopping any sort of progressive agreements. In this case it is seen in the Kurdish people contributing to the violence in Syria. Their own actions of aggression are counterproductive to their goal of citizenship and equal rights. This is why it is crucial for both sides of this issue, the Kurdish people and the respective national governments, to seek peaceful communication and cooperation.
