Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) – In a statement on yesterday clashes between the Kurdistan Workers Party, PKK, and Roj Peshmerga military forces in Khanasor village in Kurdistan Region, the Yezidi Spiritual Council in Lalesh called upon the PKK to evacuate the region.

The statement, signed by 62 Yezidi religious dignitaries and chiefs of tribes, called for immediate end of the clashes. It stressed that the members of the Council consider Sinjar and its environs are part of Kurdistan Region, and that they stand against the partition of Yezidi areas, which should be run by the Kurdistan Regional Government.

The signatories also stated that as the Kurdistan Regional Government Peshmerga military forces helped to liberate Kobane, we thank PKK for its help in 2014. “Today, however, we urge them to evacuate Sinjar area so that life and stability return to the region.”

Below is the the statement:

After the unfortunate events on Friday, March 3rd, 2017, in Khanasor village in Sinjar, we pray for those who lost their lives and wish a speedy recovery for the wounded.

Below is our position regarding the event:

1- We demand immediate cease of hostilities as our wounds are fresh have not been healed yet.

2- Sinjar area, including Sinune and Khanasor, are part of Kurdistan and we stand against portioning of Yazidi areas. These areas must be run by the Kurdistan Regional Kurdistan.

3- We thank PKK for helping the people of Sinjar and suffering casualties, just as Peshmerga forces helped liberating Kobane. Today, however, we urge them to evacuate Sinjar area so that life and stability return to the region.