Press release

Minister for the Middle East comments on the situation in Kirkuk

The UK is monitoring the situation in Kirkuk closely following recent reports of violence.

• From: Foreign & Commonwealth Office and The Rt Hon Alistair Burt
• Published: 18 October 2017

This was published under the 2016 to 2019 May Conservative government

Minister for the Middle East, Alistair Burt, said:

I call on all parties to maintain calm and take steps to de-escalate tensions in Kirkuk, avoiding any provocative statements or actions. It is essential that efforts in Iraq are focused on the defeat of Daesh, stabilisation of liberated areas and on enabling those displaced to return to their homes.

The UK supports the development of sustainable governance arrangements for Kirkuk and all disputed areas which are representative of, and responsive to, all Iraq’s communities, in line with the Iraqi Constitution. We believe in a stable, democratic and unified Iraq, one that is able to provide the security, jobs and services that all Iraqis want and deserve. We stand ready to assist Iraq as it works to deliver this future for its people.

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Published 18 October 2017