Latest news with #AndrewBeasley
Shafaq News
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
PUK leader expresses hope for agreement on new Kurdish government
Shafaq News/ On Monday, Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) leader Bafel Jalal Talabani voiced optimism that talks with the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) could yield a breakthrough in forming the next Kurdish government. The remarks came during a meeting with British Consul General Andrew Beasley at his residence in Dabashan, where they discussed key issues related to the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, underscoring 'the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation among political actors to overcome current challenges,' according to a statement. The meeting also addressed Iraq's upcoming parliamentary elections, with both sides stressing the need for a transparent and fair electoral process. Earlier, senior PUK official Darbaz Kosrat Rasul dismissed the '50-50' power-sharing model as no longer viable, while affirming that negotiations with the KDP are still ongoing. On May 15, KDP leader Masoud Barzani warned against forming a government based on equal division of power and advocated for a unified government with a single parliament and a consolidated Peshmerga force, stating that not forming a government would be preferable to adopting a divisive model.
Shafaq News
04-02-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Halabja's medical dream: UK universities step in
Shafaq News/ Kurdish Minister of Higher Education Aram Mohammad Qadir, met on Tuesday in Erbil, with Acting British Consul General Andrew Beasley and his accompanying delegation. In an official statement, the Kurdistan Regional Government's Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research announced that several British universities have expressed their readiness to support the establishment of a medical college at the University of Halabja. During the meeting, Beasley reaffirmed the UK's commitment to strengthening educational ties with the Kurdistan Region. 'The UK values its partnership with the Kurdistan Region and is eager to support the development of higher education,' he said, adding that British universities are prepared to contribute their expertise in medical education, curriculum development, and the creation of teaching hospital infrastructure in Halabja. Minister Qadir praised the strong relationship between the Kurdistan Region and the UK. He emphasized that the ministry is actively working to establish a state-of-the-art medical college at the University of Halabja. 'This initiative will not only enhance medical education in our region but also significantly improve healthcare services for the people of Halabja,' he stated, showing highly appreciation to the willingness of British universities to support this vision and look forward to further strengthening our collaboration. Notably, the UK's support for education in Iraq is longstanding. The British Council has worked with the Iraqi government to enhance learning outcomes for approximately 800,000 primary and secondary school students in Kurdistan, with an emphasis on technical and vocational education. Additionally, the EU Schools Program, funded by the European Union, focuses on improving education access for children in rural areas, girls, disabled students, and those affected by conflict. The UK has also developed partnerships with universities in the Kurdistan Region, promoting academic exchanges, curriculum development, and capacity-building initiatives, including support for the British International University (BIU).
