Call for sanctions on Iraqi Kurdistan over role in migrant smuggling to Britain

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  Service Jahan - A former British Foreign Office official has urged the government to increase pressure on the Iraqi Kurdistan Region to tackle migrant smuggling networks and target senior officials in the region who he says are linked to the smuggling networks.  According to a report published by the National News, Ben Judah, a former adviser to the British Foreign Secretary and visiting fellow at the Chatham House think tank, said the British government should put sanctions on Kurdish regional officials on the agenda to show its seriousness. Judah, who previously worked under Foreign Secretary David Lammy, said: "The government should use sanctions on Iraqi Kurdish officials to show that it is serious about this. I think when we say in meetings that this is one of our main concerns, they do not take it seriously.» He added that the British government should “increase the pressure on the Kurdistan Region of Iraq” because, he said, the majority of the operations to transfer ...
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Erdogan urges end to regional conflicts in call with KRG leader Barzani


 In a phone call with Nechirvan Barzani, Recep Tayyip ErdoÄŸan expressed solidarity after an attack on the KRG president’s residence and urged an immediate halt to escalating hostilities.

Sulaymaniyah, Kurdish Policy Analysis

Turkish President Recep Tayyip ErdoÄŸan called for an immediate end to escalating regional conflicts during a phone conversation with Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, as tensions across the Middle East continue to intensify.

According to Türkiye’s Communications channels, Erdogan expressed solidarity with Barzani following a recent attack targeting his residence, conveying his sympathies and reaffirming Ankara’s opposition to such acts of violence.

The Turkish leader stressed the urgency of halting ongoing hostilities, warning that continued instability risks further destabilizing an already volatile region. Ankara, he said, has consistently opposed actions that undermine regional security and is pushing for a broader de-escalation effort.

The conversation comes against the backdrop of a widening regional conflict triggered by a U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran that began in late February. The confrontation has resulted in significant casualties and triggered retaliatory strikes by Tehran across multiple countries, including Iraq, raising fears of a broader regional war.

Erdogan reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to diplomatic engagement, emphasizing the need for restraint and dialogue to prevent further escalation. Both leaders also discussed the broader implications of the conflict for regional stability and security, underscoring the importance of cooperation between Ankara and Erbil during a period of heightened uncertainty.

The call reflects ongoing coordination between Türkiye and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) as both sides seek to navigate rising geopolitical risks and prevent spillover effects from the intensifying Iran-linked conflict.

#Erdogan #NechirvanBarzani #KRG #Turkey #MiddleEast #IranConflict #Iraq #Kurdistan #Geopolitics #BreakingNews


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