ERBIL, Kurdistan Region- Arab tribes in Nineveh province want Kurdish Peshmerga forces to return to and patrol their region due to a rise in “terrorist activities” and the local population's past experience with stability under Kurdish security, according to Sheikh Muzahim al-Hweit, the spokesperson for Nineveh’s Arab tribes.
"Following the entry of American forces into Iraq in 2003, these areas came under the control of Peshmerga, and it enjoyed security and stability unlike many other areas in Iraq," Sheikh Mazahim al-Hweit, spokesperson for Nineveh's Arab tribes, has told al-Quds al-Araby.
Sheikh al-Hweit said he understood that the Peshmerga had to withdraw from the area after intense clashes with Iraqi forces, especially last October. Adding however, that they must now return.
"Appeals have been made to the American side and the European Union concerning the disputed territories, and there is a consensus on the return of Peshmerga to them and there will be joint forces between both sides," he's told the Arabic newspaper.
Sheikh al-Huweit deems Article 140 of the Iraqi constitution expired and therefore most Arab tribes in the area prefer to join and become part of the Kurdistan Region.
"Following the expiration of Article 140 of the Iraqi constitution concerning the disputed territories, the latter [territories] in Nineveh and the rest of Iraqi provinces, officially belong to the Region, and the will of the residents, whom support joining the Kurdistan Region, of these area can't be broken," al-Huweit added.
The spokesperson for the Arab tribes said that "terrorist activities" have increased in recent days and they believe the Kurdish Peshmerga are best suited to protect the area thanks to their familiarity with the topography and its people.
"Peshmerga forces have long experience and familiarity with the nature of these areas. The residents also ask for their return," al-Huweit added.
Sheikh al-Huweit believes that "Baghdad will approve the return of Peshmerga to disputed territories, and the Kurdish forces will be alongside the Iraqi forces,"
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