News

President Nechirvan Barzani’s message on International Labor Day

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, May 1, 2023

On the occasion of the International Labor Day, May Day, I offer my warmest greetings to all workers in Kurdistan, Iraq and the world. I extend my congratulations to their unions and organizations. I salute the participation and sacrifices of the Kurdistan workers during the days of struggle and revolution, and applaud their outstanding role and hard work in the process of reconstruction of Kurdistan. I wish them success.

On this occasion, I express all support for the rights and legitimate demands of workers, and emphasize the need for a modern labor law to protect workers’ rights, and to promote acceptable conditions of labor with respect to minimum wages, hours of work, and occupational safety and health. The welfare of workers and their families should be improved and trade unions and organizations should work more effectively for their rights.

The institutions and relevant authorities of the Kurdistan Region have a duty to protect and promote workers’ rights to a decent standard of living, and to fully support families who have lost their loved ones in work-related incidents.

I wish everyone a happy International Labor Day.

Nechirvan Barzani

The President of the Kurdistan Region

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/congratulations-from-president-nechirvan-barzani-on-international-workers-day/

President Nechirvan Barzani’s message on the 49th anniversary of the bombing of Qaladiza

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, April 24, 2023

On the 49th anniversary of the bombing of the University of Sulaimani and the city of Qaladiza, we commemorate the martyrs and the victims of this heinous crime of the former Iraqi regime. We pay tribute to the memories of the fallen heroes and salute their proud families.

The targeting of the University of Sulaimani and the city of Qaladiza was another criminal attempt by the former regime to break the will of the people of Kurdistan. But the martyrdom of the students, the university teachers and civilians in Qaladiza further strengthened the determination of the people of Kurdistan and their resistance spirit to continue their struggle for freedom.

On this occasion, we reiterate our full support for the demands of the people of Qaladiza and Pishdar, including their demands for more and better public services. Pishdar area has always been a stronghold of Kurdistan uprisings and has made great sacrifices for the sake of freedom.

Tributes to the souls of the fallen heroes. Their memories will forever be with us.

Nechirvan Barzani
The President of the Kurdistan Region

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzanis-message-on-the-49th-anniversary-of-the-bombing-of-qaladiza/

President Nechirvan Barzani chairs a meeting between the coalition forces and the Peshmerga Ministry

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, April 17, 2023

President Nechirvan Barzani chaired a meeting with a high-level delegation of the coalition forces led by Major General Matthew McFarlane, the commanding general of the Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs and other relevant agencies of the Kurdistan Region.

The meeting, which was attended by the US Consul General in the Kurdistan Region, discussed the reorganization and reform of the Peshmerga forces and assessed the stages of implementation of the plan within the framework of the agreement between the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs and the US Department of Defense. They also discussed the obstacles and challenges facing the process of reunifying the Peshmerga and reorganizing them in a modern fashion within the framework of the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs.

For his part, President Nechirvan Barzani appreciated the continuous support of the coalition partners to the Peshmerga in all fields and during the different stages, and stressed the need to accelerate the steps to reunite the Peshmerga and to remove obstacles to the process of unification, and expressed his readiness for any assistance and support in this regard.

Major General McFarlane reaffirmed the continued support and assistance of the coalition partners for the Peshmerga in various fields and the implementation of the steps to reorganize the Peshmerga within the framework of the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs, and to assist the Kurdistan Region to command a unified national force.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-chairs-a-meeting-between-the-coalition-forces-and-the-peshmerga-ministry/

A Message from the President of the Kurdistan Region

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/

President Nechirvan Barzani’s message in commemoration of Anfal

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani issued a statement on the 35th anniversary of the genocidal campaign of the 1988, known as the Anfal, in which more than 182,000 people were systematically killed by the former Iraqi Ba’ath regime. Below is the statement:

Today, on the 35th anniversary of the Anfal crimes committed by the former Iraqi regime in 1988 against the people of Kurdistan and their land, we remember and pay tribute to the 182,000 martyrs of the genocidal campaign, and salute the families of the victims.

On this day, we reiterate that the Iraqi government must reimburse the families of the victims of Anfal in all aspects, and enforce the decision of the Iraqi High Tribunal, which has recognized Anfal as genocide, and war crime and crime against humanity. And in the Kurdistan Region, the survivors of Anfal should be provided greater and better services.

The constitutional status of the Kurdistan Region is the outcome of the struggle of hundreds of thousands of fallen heroes of horrendous crimes such as Anfal, chemical attacks and the sacrifices of the people of Kurdistan. We must make every effort to give Anfal greater international recognition, and never allow such crimes to be repeated anywhere in the world.

Tributes to the souls of the fallen heroes.

Nechirvan Barzani
The President of the Kurdistan Region

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzanis-message-in-commemoration-of-anfal/

Italy’s Minister of Defense praises the role of the Kurdistan Region

Rome, Italy, April 13, 2023

On the last leg of his trip to Italy, President Nechirvan Barzani met with Mr. Guido Crosetto, the Defense Minister of Italy in Rome Thursday. The President expressed his gratitude for Italy’s military support to the Peshmarga in the war against ISIS and looked forward to continued security and military partnership of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region with Italy.

For his part, the Italian Minister of Defense expressed his country’s praise for the role of the Kurdistan Region in improving the security and stability of Iraq and the wider region, and in fighting terrorism. He also thanked the Kurdistan Region for cooperation and coordination with the Italian forces in the Kurdistan Region.

Furthermore, both sides expressed their willingness to continue cooperation on security and fighting terrorism, and agreed that the economic conditions and security are interconnected; therefore it is imperative to strengthen the economy of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

They also exchanged views on the latest developments in the wider region.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/italys-minister-of-defense-praises-the-role-of-the-kurdistan-region/

Italy will continue to support Iraq and the Kurdistan Region

Rome, Italy, April 13, 2023

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani was received by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome, Thursday evening.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed bilateral relations of Italy with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and ways to expand mutual cooperation, especially in the economic and energy sectors.

Prime Minister Meloni reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to continue supporting Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and reiterated that Italy attaches great importance to the peace and stability of Iraq and Kurdistan. Ms. Meloni described Italy’s relations with Baghdad and Erbil as valuable.

Discussions also covered the latest developments in Iraq, the ongoing efforts to resolve the issues between Erbil and Baghdad and the situation in the wider region.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/italy-continues-to-support-iraq-and-the-kurdistan-region/

President Nechirvan Barzani meets with President of the Chamber of Deputies of Italy

Rome, Italy, April 13, 2023

Continuing his meetings in Italy, President Nechirvan Barzani met today in Rome with Mr. Lorenzo Fontana, the President of the Chamber of Deputies of Italy. The two sides exchanged views on bilateral relations of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region with Italy, and discussed the political situation in Iraq and the latest developments in the wider region.

President Nechirvan Barzani expressed his gratitude and appreciation for Italy’s political and military support to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and reiterated the willingness of the Kurdistan Region to further develop and strengthen relations with Italy in all areas.

For his part, Mr. Fontana stressed that his country attaches great importance to its relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and valued the great role of the Peshmerga in defeating ISIS and protecting and hosting the displaced people, especially Christian refugees. In this regard, Mr. Fontana said, “The people of Kurdistan should be proud of themselves.”

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-meets-with-president-of-the-chamber-of-deputies-of-italy/

President Nechirvan Barzani meets with the President of the Senate of the Republic of Italy

Rome, Italy, April 13, 2023

President Nechirvan Barzani met today with Mr. Ignazio La Russa, the President of the Senate of the Republic of Italy.

In the meeting, President Nechirvan Barzani thanked Italy for its assistance and support to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region in the fight against ISIS and terrorism.

For his part, the President of the Italian Senate expressed his gratitude for the Kurdistan Region and the role of the Peshmerga in defeating ISIS, stating that: “We thank you for standing against ISIS on behalf of the entire world.” Senator Ignazio La Russa also stated that his country attaches importance to their relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

Bilateral relations between the two sides and ways to expand areas of cooperation were also discussed at the meeting.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-meets-with-the-president-of-the-senate-of-the-republic-of-italy/

Italy raises its level of official representation in the Kurdistan Region

Rome, Italy, April 13, 2023

President Nechirvan Barzani met today in Rome with Mr. Antonio Tajani, the Foreign Minister of Italy.

The meeting discussed strengthening of bilateral relations of Italy with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, opportunities for Italian investments and jobs in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and expanding collective cooperation, especially in the fields of economy and energy.

President Nechirvan Barzani expressed willingness to further develop relations with Italy, reiterating that Iraq and the Kurdistan Region greatly value their relations with Italy and look forward to further expanding mutual partnership.

For his part, the Foreign Minister of Italy reiterated his country’s desire to expand relations in all fields with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. In this regard, Mr. Tajani mentioned that Italy will raise their level of official representation in the Kurdistan Region from Consulate to Consulate General, and described his country’s relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region as special.

Discussions also covered the situation in Iraq, the Erbil-Baghdad relations, and other issues of mutual interest.