“Freedom Violations” News Accompanied the Arrival & Departure of US CG in Kurdistan

Kurdistan 02:29 PM - 2024-08-15

Mark Stroh

Mark Stroh, the former US Consul General in Erbil, has left his position and will be replaced by Steve Bitner. Both diplomats, Stroh and Bitner, visited several party and government officials in the Kurdistan Region. Bitner's purpose was to present himself in his new role, while Stroh's intention was to bid farewell. 

 

Stroh's arrival & departure have a common thing

There is one thing in common in Stroh's arrival and departure: the news about the issue of press freedom in the Kurdistan Region. Upon his arrival in the Region on August 23, 2023, the most significant press freedom stories of the day were the kidnapping of three journalists in Duhok and Erbil provinces, the large-scale demonstration demanding the release of Badinan detainees, and the strike initiated by an imprisoned journalist.  

As he departs the Kurdistan Region, the most recent news regarding press freedom is that the commemoration of journalist Wadat Hussein's assassination was prevented in Duhok. Wadat's family was going to commemorate the eighth anniversary of his assassination on August 13, 2024, in Badinan with a number of journalists and civic activists. However, they were not allowed, and several journalists and activists were arrested.

Stroh, who serves as both a diplomat and journalist, published a message on the official page of the US Consulate in Erbil, stating: "Over the past year, we partnered with civil society to advance women’s rights, counter gender-based violence, diversify the economy, inspire future entrepreneurs, advance press freedom...".

"The US and the people of the Kurdistan Region have a relationship that goes back decades. A relationship forged in shared sacrifices, and fortified with shared values," he added.

Stroh worked as a reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer from 2000-2002. He holds a bachelor's degree in history and political science and a master's degree in journalism.

On August 14, 2024, Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani acknowledged Stroh's contributions in the areas of human rights, freedom of expression, and support for civil society organisations in Kurdistan in Erbil. 

 

Talabani & Stroh: Kurdistan Region should defend free speech and journalism

The very first diplomatic meeting between Talabani and Stroh encompassed discussions on the matter of press freedom and journalism in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Both parties concurred that the Region should not make a compromise on these issues, but rather establish a healthier and more professional relationship between political authorities and the media.  

 

Stroh: We hope for elections that are both free and fair

In his farewell message, Stroh expressed the hope of collaborating to enhance the conditions in the Kurdistan Region, specifically for the advancement of civil society and media activities, saying: “We look forward to working together to improve the climate for civil society, and media and we eagerly anticipate long-awaited free, fair, transparent, and inclusive elections on October 20.”

 

Stroh thanks the people of the Kurdistan Region

Stroh stated in his message: "We have made progress together on Peshmerga reform, an essential task for the long-term security of the Region and fundamental to our long-term security partnership with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region."

He expressed gratitude to the people of the Kurdistan Region for their warm reception and for generously sharing their culture and rich heritage. "It has been my tremendous honor and privilege to have served here as the US CG.” “I know you will give my successor, Steve Bitner, the same warm welcome and unqualified support as he continues this important work," he added. 

Currently, Steve Bitner is the US Consul General in Erbil. From 2003-2004, he served as a political advisor to the Coalition Provisional Authority in the cities of Ramadi and Hillah in Iraq. He also worked as a diplomat in the Jerusalem and Athens embassies of his country. Steve has also completed multiple tours within the State Department’s Executive Secretariat in Washington, D.C.  He speaks Arabic, Spanish, Polish, and Dutch.

 

 

PUKMEDIA