Israel's justice minister: Kurdish independence "benefits West, Israel”September 12, 2017 - 16:52 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Israeli minister of justice Ayelet Shaked on Monday, September 11 declared that the independence of Iraqi Kurdistan would be a beneficial step for both Israel and the West in general, Al-Masdar News reports. During an anti-terrorism conference in Herzliya, the Israeli minister expressed her desire to see the Kurdistan independence movement lead to a secession of the Kurdish region from the Republic of Iraq, in order to establish an independent state. “Israel and the Western countries have a major interest in the establishment of the state of Kurdistan (…) I think that the time has come for the US to support the process.” Shaked said. Shaked is known for her position regarding the issue, as last year she made a similar call, in which she asked the Israeli government to openly express its support for the establishment of a Kurdish state, as she believes an independent Kurdistan would be friendly towards Israel and the Western powers. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier voiced similar opinions when he visited 33 members of the US Congress on August 14. Netanyahu stated that he believed the Iraqi Kurds are “a pro-Western people who share similar values as the Israeli people.” The regional government of Iraqi Kurdistan is currently in the process of organising an independence referendum that is due to take place on September 25. Senior officials of the regional administration have repeatedly stated their intent to carry on with the referendum, despite national and international fears that it would lead to further destabilisation and conflict in already war-torn Iraq. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |