In his New Year message, President Nechirvan Barzani stresses the need for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region to work together to address the ongoing challenges through dialogue and in a spirit of shared responsibility, mutual acceptance and solidarity. The main goal for the coming year should be to promote stability and peace by turning crises into opportunities, while prioritizing the well-being of all citizens, the President underlines.

The following is his full address:

As we welcome the arrival of the New Year, 2024, I extend my heartfelt wishes to the families of our fallen heroes, to our brave Peshmerga and security forces, and all the people of Kurdistan from every community, as well as to the people of Iraq and the world. May the coming year be filled with joy, peace, and prosperity for all.

We endured a challenging year, marked by obstacles and perils brought about by the political, security, and economic circumstances, as well as the problems and crises in Iraq, Kurdistan Region and the wider region.

Internal political discord and disputes reflected negatively on Kurdistan Region’s standing and ability within Iraq and internationally. Consequently, the Kurdistan Region was unable to attain its constitutional rights. The parliamentary elections in Kurdistan were postponed, and in the provincial council elections in the areas covered by Article 140 of the Constitution, the negative ramifications of the discord were evident.

Despite talks, efforts, and commitments, many of the constitutional rights and entitlements of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq were not fulfilled, contrary to political agreements and the Constitution. The peace and stability of the Kurdistan Region were repeatedly threatened by drone attacks.

The failure to implement political agreements and respect the constitutional rights of the Kurdistan Region can only be damaging to Iraq. We must all work together, in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, to resolve issues and overcome crises through dialogue and understanding, in a spirit of shared responsibility, mutual acceptance and solidarity.

In the new year, in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region let’s learn from the past and strive for a stable, tranquil and better future together. Let’s transform crises and challenges into opportunities, with the interests of the people and the country as the ultimate goal that unites us. Iraq’s strength and prosperity stem from the presence of its varied communities and only through unity and solidarity can we all emerge victorious.

On this occasion, we reaffirm the Kurdistan Region’s commitment to enhancing our ties with our neighboring countries, the region, and the world, based on mutual respect and shared interests. As always, the Kurdistan Region will continue to play a crucial role in promoting peace and stability, actively engaging with the international community, and fostering a diverse and harmonious society.

With great hope and anticipation, we look forward to the future.

Happy New Year to everyone.

Nechirvan Barzani
President of the Kurdistan Region

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/congratulations-to-president-nechirvan-barzani-on-the-occasion-of-the-new-year/