Dohuk, Kurdistan Region, May 28, 2023

His Excellency President Masoud Barzani, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region Masrour Barzani, the Speaker of the Iraqi Council of Representatives Mohammed al-Halbousi, a number of government and party officials, representatives of countries and academics attended the fifth graduation ceremony of the American University of Kurdistan (AUK) in Duhok Sunday evening.

The following is a readout of the speech delivered by President Nechirvan Barzani:

Your Excellency President Masoud Barzani,
Your Excellency Mr. Mohammed Al-Halbusi, Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament
Mr. Sheikh Khalifa Tahnoon
We are pleased to have you with us at this ceremony.

Dear relatives of the graduates,
Dear attendees,

I am pleased to be with you in this year’s graduation ceremony of American University of Kurdistan in Duhok. I warmly congratulate the graduates and wish them further success.

I congratulate the parents, families of the graduates, the teachers, the presidency and the board of trustees of the university. You have fulfilled a great and sacred duty. God bless and thank you.

Dear friends,
The graduation of another class of young people from Kurdistan and Iraq, or from anywhere else, is a source of pride and joy. You, dear graduates, have acquired new and modern knowledge. Now you are ready for another stage of life, which is the stage of work, service, participation and active partnership in the development of the country and society.

The country expects you to play your part. Each of you should innovate in your own field and create job opportunities for yourselves and those around you with new and constructive ideas. Work successfully to develop, strengthen and diversify the economy.

Provide successful scientific and professional ideas and views to find solutions to the country’s problems and crises in all areas. To improve the standard of living and society and move to a better future.

You must work together and coordinate with your colleagues and counterparts in other universities in Kurdistan, Iraq and the world. Benefit from each other’s knowledge. Build bridges with the authorities and the country’s administration with innovative ideas, suggestions and constructive criticism. Participate in better governance of the country, so that together we can build a stronger Kurdistan and a better future for our generations.

You and the new generation of Kurdistan must make the most of modern technology and scientific progress. You can develop working remotely, at home, with companies, private and public sectors in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq and even abroad and in addition to finding job opportunities, thereby becoming a good ambassador for your country around the world.

It is now work, duty and responsibility. When you start working, you must put all your abilities to work responsibly and professionally according to work ethic. Innovate and ensure its development and success. To do this, you must always work with an open mind and constantly make changes for the better.

There are successful examples of university and college graduates. They have established their own jobs and created job opportunities for others. This is a source of hope and joy. We are proud to see our youth trying with high desire and determination and prove themselves in any field of work and service. They feel responsible and accountable.

Life is always progressing and changing. As long as you live, you must constantly learn and update with the latest developments. From this point of view, as a very important priority, the Kurdistan Region must always pay special attention to the quality and scientific level and renewal of curricula. We must always keep pace with developments in order to remain a vibrant society and join the advanced world.

Dear students,
I’m sure each of you has dozens of different ideas for each area of life. For the economy, for work, for politics, for management. Each of you dreams of becoming prominent in your field. I want to assure you that with your efforts, perseverance and determination to succeed, just as you succeeded today and graduated from university, you can make your ideas and dreams come true with the same spirit of determination, perseverance and effort.

Therefore, I would like to tell you and all graduates of Kurdistan universities and colleges: Do not rely only on working in the public sector. Just as you have proven yourselves in education, you can prove yourselves in creating job opportunities and innovation. For this, you must cooperate with the market and the private sector and the Kurdistan Regional Government will undoubtedly support you.

Dear participants,
Everyone is aware that following the agreement of the State Administration Coalition to form a federal Iraqi government, a kind of political stability has emerged in the country. The Iraqi people in general and our friends around the world are looking forward to the positive consequences of this agreement and have placed their hopes on it for a better future.

It is a matter of deep concern and disappointment if some parties try to obstruct the agreements and the understanding between the parties. This kind of treatment and attempts to violate the constitutional rights of the Kurdistan Region, is never acceptable and will not benefit any party and Iraq and the political stability of the country. This is only a repetition of a failed experiment that has always ended to the detriment of Iraq and all its communities. Therefore, I call on all parties to abide by the agreements and protect the political process and stability of the country.

The right way to overcome the problems and crises in Iraq is to adhere to agreements and understandings between the parties in general and the parties of the State Administration Coalition in particular. An Iraq that brings us all together must be one in which all constitutional rights of all communities are protected and respected. History has proved this and we must all learn lessons from the past.

Both in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, people are tired of and unhappy with political problems and conflicts. We need to reflect on ourselves and put the highest interests of the country above everything else. Only through unity, mutual acceptance and solidarity can we protect the federal structure and constitutional rights of the Kurdistan Region and move towards a better future.

Finally, dear graduates, I congratulate you once again and wish you more success in your future life, work and duties. You and all other Kurdish youth who graduate from any university and college are our future leaders, and source of pride and hope for the country.

Good evening and have a nice time everyone.

Thank you very much

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-people-are-tired-and-unhappy-with-the-political-conflicts/

Hamidreza Atefi, journalist and a member of the board of directors at Music Researchers' Association, has penned a review called "One Pain Equivalent to A Thousand Treatments" on Maestro Shahram Nazeri's performance at the international conference commemorating the anniversary of Feyli Kurds' Genocide.

The international scientific conference commemorating the 43rd anniversary of Feyli Kurds' Genocide consisted of lectures and attendance by prominent political, scientific, and cultural figures from the Kurdistan Region as well as different countries; the event was held by Salahaddin University of Erbil, Duhok, and Soran, featuring the Iranian tenor Maestro Shahram Nazeri accompanied with the Sanyar Ensemble which is led by Farid Elhami, and was held on 2-5 May, 2023, at Sa'd Abdullah Hall of Erbil, Kurdistan Region. Representatives of various institutions, university professors, political and cultural figures, as well as high-ranking Kurdish and non-Kurdish executives were present at this conference and said some words about this horrendous catastrophe. Mentioning the dimensions of the ruthless genocide of the 80s that resulted in the destruction of hundreds of villages that were populated by the Kurds, and massacring tens of thousands of innocent people, each lecturer condemned the sad incident.

Holding these events on an international scale will have tremendous and lasting impact on the enlightenment of public opinion and is the best and most civil way to prevent future catastrophes of the like.

Undoubtedly, it is only through cultural growth and the elevation of thought and the propagation of human sciences that one can hope for a brighter future accompanied with the peace and prosperity of human societies, and the cultural executives of Kurdistan Region have grasped the significance of this factor that there is no greater power than cultural strength as a fundamental infrastructure for the growth and expansion of all important aspects of government such as economy, politics, and other social sciences.  

However, while holding the conference, another noteworthy event occurred which was quite thought-provoking and that was the performance of Kurdish music by the Sanyar Ensemble led by Farid Elhami, and sang by Shahram Nazeri.  

The piece "The Rapture of Pain" (Shur-e Dard) was chosen to be performed at the anniversary of Feyli Kurds' Genocide, and it was masterfully presented. The music agenda of the conference was secured on short notice, and performing this song which holds much relevance and weight as if it was originally written for such an event was admirable. 

"The Rapture of Pain" is a song by Shahram Nazeri in Majnuni Maqam, released years before and arranged by Alireza Feiz Bashipour on the album "Mythical Chant" and had not been performed in any concerts of Iran. 

The impressive lyrics written by Seyyed Saleh Mahidashti eulogizing a dearly departed is very beautiful and in fact the vocabulary used are quite visual. The burning body of a survivor who has taken to the wilderness due to the tyranny of the times, shouting in pain out of missing his beloved and homeland, calling it some sort of artistic lament may not be a far-fetched idea. This heavenly voice and the sadness of that melody, with the mesmerizing arrangement of Farid Elhami, and the extraordinary and masterful performance of Shahram Nazeri, penetrates each singular cell of the listeners', filling the Sa'd Abdullah Hall with a meaningful silence. As the poets would say, the musical waves passed from the root of teeth to the depths of the soul in the audiences.

"The Rapture of Pain" revived the agony of Kurds' Genocide after 35 years in the very being of the audience, enticing such frenzy that cannot be put into words.

Another segment of the performance was presented by Sanyar Ensemble, without Shahram Nazeri, to perform the mourning music of Feyli Kurds. The beautiful lyrics of Behrouz Taheri was accompanied by the thousands-year-old sounds of Houreh and Mour, in such a subtle and masterful manner that for a couple of minutes took the breath of the audience away. Showing the archived footage of Feyli Genocide that were taken from the personal collection of the Kurdish researcher Ms. Edalat Omar, edited by Farid Elhami, visualized the depth of pain and sadness caused by this traumatic event for foreign viewers.     

The Sanyar Ensemble includes the following figures:

Farid Elhami – leader, singer, and Tanbur player

Saber Nazargahi – Divan 

Farnoud Elhami – Tanbur

Amin Heidari – Oud

Ehsan Abdipour – Kamancheh & Sorna

Nabil Yusef Sheridavi – Daf

Sepehr Zonnouri – Tanbur

Saeed Emami – Percussion instruments

Samaneh Nikkerdar – Percussion instruments

Ghazaleh Shirazi – Cello

Saba Mohammadi – Song

Sarvenaz Atefi – Tanbur

Diana Moradi – Tanbur

On Tuesday, May 23, the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, Masrour Barzani, warmly welcomed Her Royal Highness Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh.

Attending the meeting were the British Ambassador to Iraq and the UK's Consul General in Erbil. Prime Minister Barzani highlighted the exceptional and amicable relations between the Kurdistan Region and the United Kingdom, expressing gratitude for the UK's unwavering support in various areas, notably in the fight against terrorism.

During the meeting, the Duchess of Edinburgh elaborated on the purpose of her visit, outlining her plans and objectives. She emphasised the importance of advancing the rights of women and children, particularly in areas affected by conflict, such as the Yezidi community who have suffered greatly under the oppressive regime of the so-called Islamic State (ISIS). There was a special focus on fostering a culture that upholds human rights, with an emphasis on protecting the rights of women and children.

Prime Minister Barzani reaffirmed the Kurdistan Regional Government's commitment to promoting gender equality and combatting all forms of discrimination and violence against women.

The discussion also revolved around the harmonious coexistence among different ethnic and religious groups within the Kurdistan Region, as well as the enhancement of the education system's quality and accessibility for children and women.

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2023/may/prime-minister-receives-the-duchess-of-edinburgh-in-erbil/

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/