ERBIL — Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani addressed key regional security and political issues on Friday in an interview with Al-Arabiya, discussing the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the presence of coalition forces in Iraq, and rejecting accusations regarding Israel’s presence in the Kurdistan Region. 

Speaking on the SDF, PM Barzani clarified that the group does not represent the entirety of the Kurdish population in Syria. “The Syrian Democratic Forces represent a portion of Kurds, not all Kurds,” he stated. He called for a broader Kurdish dialogue, stressing that “Damascus should engage in discussions with all Kurdish parties, not just the Syrian Democratic Forces.”  

The SDF has been a key force in combating the Islamic State (IS) in Syria with support from the US-led coalition. However, its relationship with the Syrian government remains uncertain as negotiations continue over the future governance of Kurdish-majority areas in northeastern Syria.  

On the presence of coalition forces in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, PM Barzani reaffirmed the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) support for their continued presence, citing ongoing security threats. “We have expressed the Kurdistan Region’s desire to welcome coalition forces present in the Region, recognizing the security risks and challenges that face everyone,” he stated.  

He acknowledged reports that Iraq is reconsidering the timeframe for the presence of coalition forces, signaling possible shifts in Baghdad’s security policies. The issue remains a subject of debate within Iraq, with various political factions holding differing views on the matter. The KRG has consistently advocated for international security cooperation, warning of the persistent threats from extremist groups and regional instability.  

Addressing claims that Israel has a presence in the Kurdistan Region, PM Barzani firmly rejected the accusations as baseless and politically motivated. “These accusations have no basis in truth, and we can very clearly say that Israel is not present in the Kurdistan Region,” he said, dismissing the claims as deliberate attempts to undermine Kurdistan’s stability. “It is regrettable that most of the accusations made against the Kurdistan Region come from those who have no justification for attacking us. They create these accusations to justify their wrongdoings and unfounded hostility,” he added.  

PM Barzani reaffirmed the Kurdistan Region’s commitment to transparency in diplomatic and security policies, highlighting its role in fostering regional stability and international engagement. His remarks underscored the KRG’s stance on inclusive Kurdish representation in Syria, the necessity of coalition forces, and the rejection of false allegations aimed at destabilizing the Region.