What are the cultural and education activities by the German Consulate in Erbil?
Dr. Schnakenberg: Let me mention three priorities. First, we are working to open a German school in Erbil in September 2010. Second, in the field of higher education we are supporting Iraqi-German university partnerships with the long-term perspective of establishing a German university. Third, in the cultural field we plan to expand the Goethe-Institute and offer, besides cultural programs, a German-language training centre in Erbil. Globe: What about the visa issue? This is another urgent issue. If all preparation goes well, we will be able to issue Schengen visas as from April next year. It is high time that many Kurds no longer have to travel to other countries to get their visas. I am sure this will boost friendship and cooperation between the Kurdish region and Germany. Globe: is there any plan by the German government to send back Iraqi-Kurdish asylum seekers? Dr. Schnakenberg: There is no such plan.
