Erbil, Kurdistan Region, May 26, 2023

We are deeply concerned about the changes introduced to those passages of the Iraqi budget draft that relate to the constitutional rights of the Kurdistan Region, and we categorically reject them. These changes create an obstacle to the budget draft which covers the next three fiscal years, and which all Iraqis hope to see approved.

Commitment to the political agreement of the State Administration Coalition is the basis of political peace and stability in Iraq and the right step towards a better future for the country and all its communities. Breaching the understandings and the agreements, and attempting to violate the constitutional rights of the Kurdistan Region is completely contrary to national responsibility and will lead to nothing but disappointment, destabilization of the political situation in the country, and harming the whole of Iraq.

Past experiences have proved that, to rule with the logic of power and violating the rights and entitlements of Iraqi communities have never brought peace and stability to the country. Therefore, we call on all parties, especially the parties of State Administration Coalition, to be committed to the agreements, as all of us need to act responsibly. Additionally, the Kurdistani parties must stand united to defend our constitutional rights.

We reiterate that the Kurdistan Region is committed to resolving all issues on the basis of the Constitution. The experience of the past few months of working together, the understanding and solidarity among the Iraqi forces and parties, and implementing the agreement to form the federal government were a source of joy for the Iraqi people and their friends; therefore, we must move in that direction and not allow the agreements to be misapplied, and avoid complicating the situation.

Nechirvan Barzani
The President of the Kurdistan Region

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/a-statement-from-the-president-of-the-kurdistan-region-10/

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of the Kurdistan Regional Government today welcomed a delegation representing several German companies. The purpose of their meeting was to discuss and enhance investment and trade opportunities between the Kurdistan Region and the Federal Republic of Germany.

During the productive session, Prime Minister Barzani provided the delegation with a comprehensive overview of the ongoing reforms implemented by the current Ninth cabinet. These reforms encompass vital areas such as economic diversification, investment facilitation, bureaucracy reduction, and the digitization of public sector services.

Moreover, Prime Minister Barzani expressed his gratitude for Germany's support to the Kurdistan Region as part of the Global Coalition combating ISIS. He further emphasized the region's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Germany and harnessing its industrial expertise for mutual benefit.

The visiting delegation acknowledged the Kurdistan Region's significant role within the wider region and conveyed their desire to expand their activities and investments in the area.

Overall, the meeting was fruitful, with both sides demonstrating a shared commitment to fostering economic collaboration and forging stronger ties between the Kurdistan Region and the Federal Republic of Germany.

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2023/may/krg-prime-minister-receives-a-trade-delegation-from-germany/

*I envision this as the first of many similar ventures throughout the Kurdistan region*

*It is crucial that we prioritise the utilisation of clean, eco-friendly, and alternative sources of energy*

On 18th May, KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani laid the foundation stone at the first solar power plant in Erbil province. In his speech the PM stressed the importance of developing eco-friendly energy sources and also emphasised the public’s responsibilities in managing their energy payments and reducing overconsumption.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Thank you for joining us today. I am honoured to be here for the groundbreaking ceremony of the first solar power plant in Erbil. This plant will have an impressive capacity of generating 25 MW of electricity per hour. I extend my gratitude to the Ministry of Electricity and the companies involved in this significant project. I envision this as the first of many similar ventures throughout the Kurdistan region.

It is crucial that we prioritise the utilisation of clean, eco-friendly, and alternative sources of energy. In collaboration with the Ministry of Electricity, we have worked towards reforms in this sector to enhance the provision of electricity services to the people of Kurdistan. The Ministry's efforts in improving the electricity infrastructure and addressing energy violations are commendable. Through the implementation of smart meters, we aim to reduce electricity wastage and increase supply hours from the national grid. However, further development is necessary to ensure round-the-clock electricity supply to the public.

The Ministry of Electricity, in partnership with the private sector, must strive to plan and prepare for continuous power supply, including the integration of solar and other renewable energy sources. Opportunities to enhance the electricity sector and better serve the citizens are abundant. Nonetheless, the public's cooperation is equally important. By avoiding wastage, reducing overconsumption, and promptly paying electricity bills, citizens contribute to the government's ability to cover a portion of the electricity production costs and ensure uninterrupted supply. It is important to note that the subsidised electricity provided by the government comes at a significantly lower rate than its actual production, transmission, and distribution costs. By cooperating, citizens can help reduce the government's annual expenditure in this sector.

Dear citizens, despite our recent efforts to increase electricity production, we have not yet achieved the goal of providing 24-hour electricity. Although we have added more power plants, they have not been able to fully meet the region's needs. The rise in population, the establishment of new factories, and the increased use of electrical appliances on a daily basis have contributed to this situation.

To mutually support one another, the government must provide improved services, while citizens must fulfil their responsibilities. We both share a duty in this regard. The government's duty is to offer enhanced services, while citizens have a responsibility to pay their bills promptly. Currently, the national grid does not have the capacity to supply electricity around the clock, leading citizens to rely on private generators. However, if citizens settle their debts to the government, we can provide 24-hour electricity at a cost comparable to or even less than what they pay for private generators. By doing so, citizens can avoid the inconveniences caused by the noise and gasoline odour of private generators in their neighbourhoods.

Therefore, I urge all citizens to consider this government as their own and to actively participate in its functioning. The government is not an unfamiliar entity; it exists to serve you. Similarly, it is your responsibility to safeguard your country and your environment. This dual responsibility is a shared commitment that we must fulfil together.

Once again, I extend my congratulations to the Ministry of Electricity and the private companies involved in this important project. I hope that solar, renewable, clean, and eco-friendly electricity projects will continue to flourish in Kurdistan. Congratulations, and I wish you all success in your endeavours. May Kurdistan thrive and prosper.

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2023/may/prime-minister-opens-the-first-eco-friendly-energy-power-plant/

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, May 15, 2023

On the 61st anniversary of the establishment of the Kurdistan Teachers Union, I extend my warmest congratulations to all teachers of Kurdistan. I wish them success.

On this occasion, we pay tribute to the significant contributions of teachers in Kurdistan and their relentless efforts to educate generations of students in the past and in our time.

Teachers are the leaders and main pillars of the education system. They have an unswerving impact on students and their future capacities, and therefore, they deserve recognition for their substantial role within the education process

On this occasion, we emphasize our support for all the rights and legitimate demands of teachers, as we remember the devoted teachers of Kurdistan who refused to abandon schools and their students despite severe shortcomings and hardships in the past, thus, not allowing the education process to be disrupted.

Tributes to the memories of the teachers who gave their lives for the freedom of their people and country.

Happy anniversary of the establishment of the Kurdistan Teachers Union.

Nechirvan Barzani
The President of the Kurdistan Region

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzanis-statement-on-the-anniversary-of-kurdistan-teachers-union/

Barzan, Kurdistan Region, May 11, 2023

President Nechirvan Barzani answered questions from journalists about the political situation in the country, during the opening ceremony of the Barzani National Memorial on Thursday.

Regarding the message of President Masoud Barzani calling on political parties in Kurdistan Region to resolve their differences through dialogue, the President said: “President Barzani’s message was a message of peace, mutual acceptance and reconciliation. God willing, that will be a good start to get all the issues on the negotiating table. I think this is the most important message that came out of the Kurdistan Region today.”

Regarding the differences between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) over holding the general elections, the President said: “Today’s initiative by President Barzani is clear. It calls for all parties to sit down together. I think this will be a good start to resolve all issues among political forces in Kurdistan through dialogue.”

Regarding the meeting of the political parties to resolve their differences, the President said: “The important issue is that the parties meet together. Wherever they meet, we will support them. Today’s call by President Barzani was (for the parties) to meet as soon as possible.”

Regarding the elections and how likely it is to hold the elections, the President said: “As part of my authority as president, I have determined the date of the elections according to my legal duties. The rest remains on the parliament to restructure the (election) commission and make it active again. We are waiting for these steps to be taken. We hope that these steps will be taken after all parties sit down together and the elections will be held on the date we have set.”

Asked about the ramifications of this agreement in Baghdad, the President said: “The agreement with Baghdad was made within the framework of the Kurdistan Regional Government, but another agreement has been made which is the Agreement to Form the Iraqi Government, called the Coalition to Administrate the State. The PUK and the KDP are both participating in this coalition together. Of course, the more we as Kurdistan political forces are together, the more we can ensure the rights of the Kurdistan Region. So far, within the framework of the coalition, the PUK, the KDP, and the parties involved in Baghdad have really coordinated well there. I hope that in Kurdistan, we will witness a new chapter of agreement and understanding to serve the whole of Kurdistan and the whole of Iraq.”

Regarding Iraq’s budget, the President said: “What was decided yesterday in the Coalition to Administrate the State is that a date has been set for the budget bill to be passed on the 17th and 18th of this month.”

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-we-are-waiting-for-the-next-steps-to-hold-the-elections/

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, May 7, 2023

President Nechirvan Barzani received a delegation in Erbil on Saturday from the National Defense College of the Defense University for Higher Military Education, which is a scientific and training institution affiliated with the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, whose students include military officials, advisors, and managers of government ministries and institutions.

In the meeting, the President expressed delight over the visit of the delegation to the Kurdistan Region and underlined the significance of promoting relations among the institutions in the field of defense and military and all other fields throughout Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. He also referred to the curricula of the university and its departments and colleges, which are based on national and scientific principles.

The President stressed that 20 years after the liberation of Iraq, we must learn lessons from the mistakes of the past, and with a clear and common vision take better steps towards the future, and with all Iraqi communities together participate in the construction and governance of the country.

For their part, the delegation expressed their pleasure over their visit and the progress of the Kurdistan Region, praising the role, the position and national vision of the President of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq.

Discussions on security and military issues were also raised during the meeting.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-receives-a-delegation-from-an-iraqi-military-college/

The Kurdistan Region’s PM Masrour Barzani discussed the situation of the region’s Christians in a telephone conversation on Sunday with Cardinal Louis Sako, Patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans of Iraq and the world.

The Prime Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to supporting religious and ethnic groups, including Christians in Kurdistan and Iraq, emphasising the need to improve the situation of Christians in Nineveh.

He also stressed the importance of encouraging peaceful coexistence in the region.

Patriarch Cardinal Louis Sako expressed his appreciation for the Kurdistan Regional Government’s support to the region’s Christian population.

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2023/may/krg-prime-minister-vows-to-support-religious-and-ethnic-groups/

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani received US lawyer Gabriel Maironi, a lawyer acting for victims of the Kurdish genocide.

Lawyer Gabriel Maironi briefed PM Barzani on his efforts to represent thousands of victims of serious crimes in the International Criminal Court, including the victims of Anfal, the chemical attacks on Kurdistan and the massacre of the Yezidis by ISIS.

The Prime Minister praised the lawyer for his important work. He also called for the international community to recognise the Kurdish genocide and for the Iraqi government and others involved in the crimes to compensate victims.

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2023/may/krg-prime-minister-receives-an-international-lawyer-representing-victims-of-the-kurdish-genocide/