Defense Minister Pinotti meets with Peshmerga Minister Sinjari and his delegation

Today, the Minister of Defense received Peshmerga Minister Sinjari and his delegation, accompanied by the High Representative of the KRG in Italy, Dr. Rezan Kader, and composed of the highest military leaders of the Peshmerga forces.
Attending the meeting were the Chief of the Defense Staff, Gen. Claudio Graziano; the Chief of Cabinet of the Minister of Defense, Adm. Walter Girardelli; the Head of the Office for Military Policy of the Cabinet of the Minister of Defense, Gen. Stefano Cont; and Min.Pl. Nicoletta Bombardiere, Advisor to the Minister.
Minister Sinjari thanked Minister Pinotti for Italy's commitment, expressing his appreciation for the role she plays within the international anti-Daesh coalition. He then addressed a series of requests to Minister Pinotti for improved support for the Peshmerga forces in the fight against Daesh, such as military uniforms, chemical gas masks, field hospitals, land mine clearance equipment, and the possibility of sending wounded Peshmerga to Italy for treatment. Finally, the Minister emphasized that the central government has not sent a budget for approximately 16 months and is failing to cooperate on humanitarian and military levels in the fight against Daesh.
Minister Pinotti expressed her appreciation for the role played by the Peshmerga in the fight against ISIS terrorists and for the progress made on the ground, such as the recent liberation of Sinjar. "We will continue to provide, together with other members of the Coalition, training activities to the Kurdistan security forces," said Minister Pinotti, noting that Italy, with approximately 200 soldiers, is the largest contributor to the Kurdish Training Coordination Center. Starting in early 2016, a team of 15 Carabinieri officers is also planned to be sent to Erbil to train the Kurdish Regional Police.
Following the talks, Minister Pinotti and Minister Sinjari gave an interview to the Kurdish TV channels Rudaw and K24TV.