Erbil, Kurdistan Region, April 16, 2023

Today, 16th of April, we commemorate the 36th anniversary of a crime of the former Iraqi regime which marked the start of a long campaign of chemical attacks on civilian populations in Kurdistan, namely the heinous chemical assault on the people, land and nature of Balisan, Shekh Wasanan and the Valley of Khoshnawaty.

We pay tribute to the fallen heroes of this crime and salute their souls and memories. We pay tribute to the victims of this horrendous crime who were deprived of treatment by the regime, and consequently had to endure great pain and hardships together with their families and loved ones.

Balisan, Shekh Wasanan and the Valley of Khoshnawati were continuously the centre of resistance against the regime oppression. These regions unswervingly supported the uprisings in Kurdistan and provided sanctuary for the Peshmarga, which is why they were targeted by the regime with chemical weapons in April 1987.

On this occasion we reiterate the need to serve these regions and their people more profoundly.

We pay tribute to the memories of the fallen heroes.

Nechirvan Barzani
The President of Kurdistan Region

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/a-message-from-the-president-of-the-kurdistan-region-2/