In Iraqi self-governing region – Kurdistan, presidential and parliamentary elections are expected, however, Iraqi government intends to authorize it through carrying out Iraqi parliamentary elections, that is – after May 15, with which Kurdistan does not agree. The reason, according to Turkologist Karen Hovhannisyan, is the vision of the abolition of the process of the possible attempts of Kurdistan’s independence. “There are disagreements relative to both Kurdistan’s independence referendum taken place last year, and in this case. Kurdistan’s so-called opposition tries to conduct elections after the mentioned deadline and wheedle to Iraqi authorities”, explained Mr. Hovhannisyan, referring to the topic.
Karen Hovhannisyan noted that during the previous few years immigration from the core Iraqi territory to Kurdistan’s territory is noticed, which relates also to the local Armenians: “Notwithstanding the circumstance that Kurdistan is in a war situation, for Iraqi people it is regarded to be a more favorable environment for living and for business. With this reason Iraqi government tries to take Kurdistan’s electors under its control as much as possible now.”
As regards the state of Iraqi Armenians, Karen Hovhannisyan stated that they are treated quite positively in Kurdistan: “Kurdistan’s leader promised to make Armenian one of Kurdistan’s official languages, but the promise was not realized. Anyway, Armenians are treated well both by Arabs and Kurds. The forces which enjoy Turkey’s support are only exception. For Armenians villages are being built currently, apartments are allocated, which Armenians do not have right to sell, but can use without any compromise. The issue is only that the local Armenians do not know Armenian, although they visit Armenian churches.”
Luiza SUKIASYAN
