News

Kurdistan Region President receives UK Ambassador to Iraq

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, April 21, 2021

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani received United Kingdom’s Ambassador to Iraq, Mr. Stephen Hickey, and his accompanying delegation, in Erbil on Wednesday.

Discussions included ISIS resurgence and its threats against stability and peace in the country. President Nechirvan Barzani commended the important role of the International Coalition in supporting Iraq and the Kurdistan Region against terrorism, the complete elimination of ISIS networks, and the need for coordination and cooperation between Erbil and Baghdad with the coalition partners.

The President underlined the importance of a common vision for all parties in Iraq to improve the living conditions of fellow citizens following past years economic downfalls and hardships.

The UK delegation expressed concerns over the attacks that targeted the Kurdistan Region recently, especially the city of Erbil, and strongly condemned the attacks which undermine peace and stability in Iraq.

Other topics of discussions included the relations of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region with the United Kingdom, the President’s recent visit to Baghdad and Erbil-Baghdad relations. The meeting valued the ratification of the Iraqi Budget Law and the agreement on the issue of the Federal Court.

Discussions also covered the efforts of the Kurdistan Region Presidency to bring the political parties together, the upcoming Iraqi elections, the role of the international community in solving the problems of Iraq, strengthening state institutions and benefiting from international support, the economic situation of Iraq, the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and the status of the displaced people and refugees hosted in camps in Kurdistan Region.

President Nechirvan Barzani reaffirms the need for a common vision for the future of Iraq

Baghdad, Iraq, April 12, 2021

On the third and last day of his visit to Baghdad, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani held separate meetings with the leaders of the Iraqi political parties and groups, including Mr. Salim al-Jubouri, Head of the Civil Assembly for Reform, Mr. Adel Abdul-Mahdi, former Prime Minister, Mr. Hammam Hammoudi, Head of the Islamic Supreme Council, Mr. Iyad Allawi, Secretary General of the National Accord Party, and Khamis al-Khanjar, Head of the al-Azm Alliance.

During these meetings, discussions focused on the latest political and security developments in the country, the upcoming Iraqi elections, the Kurdistan Region’s relations with the Iraqi Federal Government, dialogue to solve the problems of Erbil-Baghdad, the dangers of ISIS and Iraq’s relations with the countries of the region and the world.

President Nechirvan Barzani stressed in the meetings that his vision for the resolution of the issues in Iraq, requires the need for political parties and communities in the country to reach a common vision and understanding for the future of Iraq that includes stability, coexistence, and mutual respect. In order to achieve this objective, everyone must learn from the mistakes and experiences of the past. The President referred to Baghdad as the strategic partner of the Kurdistan Region to solve the outstanding problems.

The President reaffirmed that eighteen years have passed since the fall of the former Iraqi regime and the building of the new Iraq, the transitional phase, must come to an end and a new phase be launched in the country in which the human and natural wealth of Iraq be utilized for further reconstruction of the country, to provide enhanced services to all Iraqi’s throughout the country and to restore Iraq and its position at the regional and global levels.

In this context, Iraq’s leaders shared President Nechirvan Barzani’s opinion to work with a common vision for a better future for Iraq, and agreed that with the existing political will and a common understanding, obstacles can be removed before the political process, as shown in the case of the passage of the Iraqi Budget Bill, the amendment of the Federal Supreme Court Law and the laws concerning dissolution of the parliament.

The Iraqi groups and parties viewed President Nechirvan Barzani’s visit to Baghdad as an opportunity to resume the contact among political groups and their joint work to move the country towards a better position that would ensure stability, reconstruction, progress and partnership with all sides in the political process and management of the country on the basis of citizenship and common interests. Iraq’s leaders expressed hope that the visit yields genuine results and that such visits and meetings continue to unify common positions and build a basis for mutual understanding.

President Nechirvan Barzani and Iraq’s Prime Minister Kadhimi meet in Baghdad

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, April 10, 2021

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met with the Prime Minister of Iraq, Mr. Mustafa Kadhimi, in Baghdad on Saturday.

Discussions focused on cooperation and coordination between the institutions of the Federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) within the framework of the constitution and efforts to confront terrorism and criminal activities in the country. The two sides also discussed the status of the Shingal district, public health and ways to contain COVID-19 pandemic, the recent rise in COVID-19 cases and efforts to secure vaccines for the public.

Prime Minister Kadhimi commended the progress in establishing the appropriate mechanism for implementation of constitutional procedures. The Prime Minister referred to the agreement on the Federal Court and the passage of Budget Bill in the parliament and expressed hope that the bill is implemented fully and fairly.

The Prime Minister reiterated the need to strengthen cooperation between Baghdad and Erbil in a way that ensures peace and stability in the country and fills all the security vacuums that can be taken advantage of by terror and criminal groups.

Prime Minister Kadhimi reaffirmed that the frequent visits by President Nechirvan Barzani to Baghdad is signalling the right message to all Iraqis and establishes trust and encourages constructive cooperation and coordination in all areas in the service of the entire country. The Prime Minister also referred to his upcoming trip to the Kurdistan Region.

President Nechirvan Barzani expressed delight at visiting Baghdad and commended the Iraqi Prime Minister’s diplomatic and economic efforts which have strengthened Iraq’s position internationally.

President Nechirvan Barzani also shed light on the resolution of the disputes and strengthening of security cooperation. The President reiterated support for the federal government and state institutions to confront the current challenges.

Kurdistan Region President commended the passage of the Budget Bill in the Iraqi Parliament and reiterated that the resolution of the pending issues between Erbil and Baghdad will lead to further stability and prosperity in Iraq.

Other topics of discussion included the President’s recent visit to France, joint efforts to confront terror threats and ISIS, the mission of the International Coalition in Iraq, the upcoming Iraq elections, the sitution in the wider region and other topics of mutual interest.

Both sides reiterated the importance of cooperation among all sides in Iraq to surpass the problems and the crises and expressed hope that the passage of the Budget Bill will support the resolution of differences between Baghdad and Erbil. Both sides reaffirmed the significance of cooperation and coordination between the Peshmarga and Iraqi forces and the support of the International Coalition in confronting ISIS threats.

President Nechirvan Barzani reiterated that the Kurdistan Region is ready to resolve all the existing disputes with the Federal Government on the basis of constitution and within the framework of the federal system. The President underlined the Kurdistan Region’s willingness to work together with all sides in Iraq in order to secure peace and stability in the country. The President underlined that the resolution of Kurdistan Region’s pending issues with the Federal Government is the key to peace and stability in Iraq.

President Nechirvan Barzani meets with leaders of political parties

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, April 8, 2021

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met with the leaders of political parties of the Kurdistan Region on Thursday.

At the meeting, attended by the Kurdistan Region Vice Presidents, the developments in Iraq and the greater region, the foreign and diplomatic relations of the Kurdistan Region and the upcoming Iraqi elections were discussed.

President Nechirvan Barzani’s recent visit to France, the Kurdistan Region’s role and position in regards to the new political conditions and the relations between Erbil and Baghdad were highlighted. Discussions also focused on the Iraq-US strategic dialogue including the Kurdistan Region’s participation in the ongoing talks, the developments in the Region and the relations among communities and the political parties.

The meeting reaffirmed the importance of unity and consensus among political parties in order to reach lasting solutions to the differences, and in this regard, the Kurdistan Region Presidency was lauded for its efforts to bring the political parties together.

The passage of the Iraqi Budget Bill was highlighted as a positive step towards improving the relations between the Kurdistan Region and the Federal Government. It was underlined that the implementation of the Budget Bill is essential for the economic recovery in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region with its positive impact on the resolution of the problems between Baghdad and Erbil on the basis of the constitution and within the framework of the federal system.

It was stressed that the current situation in the Kurdistan Region requires unity, national responsibility, cooperation and consensus in order to secure the constitutional rights of the people of Kurdistan Region and preserve their hard won achievements. The importance of the reform process, collective efforts to improve the livelihood of citizens and preserve their freedoms including freedom of expression, and ways to continue joint meetings among all political parties were affirmed.

President Nechirvan Barzani thanked the political parties for accepting his invitation to the meeting and reiterated that the only way to overcome the crises and differences is through collective efforts and unity which also ensures the rights and achievements and preserves the constitutional and federal entity of the Kurdistan Region. The President reaffirmed that the Kurdistan Region Presidency will continue to be a unifying factor for all.

President Nechirvan Barzani’s statement on the 41st anniversary of the genocide against the Feyli Kurds

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, April 4, 2021

On the 41st anniversary of the genocide against the Feyli Kurds, we remember the many victims and pay tribute to their memories.

The systematic persecution of hundreds of thousands of Feyli Kurds, their forced relocation, and the revocation of their citizenship under the racist policies of the former Baathist regime were carried out because of the Feyli Kurds’ adherence to their Kurdish identity.

Recognizing these crimes as genocide by Iraqi High Tribunal was a just ruling, which obliges the Iraqi state and government to compensate the victims for their financial and moral damages.

We urge the Federal Government to meet its legal and moral obligations and reimburse the victims of the mass crimes against the Feyli Kurds for the unlawful confiscation of their properties, revocation of their citizenship and a range of other serious crimes committed against them under the former Baathist regime.

As we honor the memories of the Feyli Kurds, we also pay tribute to their families and loved-ones. The struggle and sacrifices made by our Feyli Kurd sisters and brothers will forever be a remembered.

Nechirvan Barzani
Kurdistan Region President

President Nechirvan Barzani’s statement on the passage of Iraq’s Budget Bill

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, April 1, 2021

On the occasion of the passage of Iraq’s Budget Bill, I congratulate the people of Iraq, the leadership and all blocs in the Council of Representatives. The efforts of Prime Minister Mustafa Kadhimi to ease the differences and reach an agreement deserve appropriation and acknowledgment. In order to resolve the disputes, maintain stability and create a better future, Iraq needs collective efforts and cooperation, and we all need to support such endeavors.

I sincerely thank Mr. Qubad Talabani, the Head of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Negotiating Team, and all the members of the KRG team, who successfully completed the negotiations with utmost patience. I congratulate the Kurdistani blocs who helped the KRG team and supported the efforts to secure Kurdistan Region’s share of the Iraqi budget.

We hope that all sides abide by the budget law. The passage of the budget bill can become a positive beginning and pave the way for the resolution of all the differences between the Kurdistan Region and the Federal Government. The implementation of the budget law can empower the political process and strengthen coexistence and citizen rights for all. It can support all sides to engage in constructive dialogue and to bring about stability, reconstruction and progress.

Nechirvan Barzani

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzanis-statement-on-the-passage-of-iraqs-budget-bill/The President of the Kurdistan Region

Tuesday, 23 March 2021 15:52

Nazim Dabbagh: Nowruz can be turned into a political and diplomatic issue.

TEHRAN. (HONARONLINE) – The Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) representative to Tehran says Nowruz is the victory of freedom over oppression.

Nazim Omar Dabbagh was born in September 1947 in the city of Kuyeh (Erbil province). After the liberation of Iraqi Kurdistan, he became the representative of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan in Duhok province in the same year. Dabbagh first represented the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan in economic and trade affairs in Iran, and in 2002 became the representative of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan in Iran. Since 2007, in addition to representing the Patriotic Union, he has been responsible for representing the Iraqi Kurdish region in Iran.

Here is Honaronline’s exclusive interview with Nazim Dabbagh.

What role can Nowruz play as an important cultural factor in the region's public diplomacy?

As a Kurdish speaker, I must say that Nowruz is the victory of freedom over oppression. In terms of nature, Nowruz is the beginning of a new season for the growth and revival of nature. This makes people happy. People these days were thinking of happiness and well-being so that they could live a peaceful life.

Can Nowruz be a connecting factor in the Middle East, Caucasus and Eurasia?

Different ethnic groups and regions in the Middle East, such as Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and other countries, celebrate Nowruz. During the presidency of Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Iran, a ceremony was held in which all the countries that had Nowruz gathered together in the framework of a celebration and celebrated that day. This shows that Nowruz can be turned into a political and diplomatic issue so that countries can establish security and comfort among themselves. Maybe one day it will renew that previous honesty. Gathering people in one area and celebrating a ritual like Nowruz can encourage leaders to reconcile governments.

What are the most important traditions and customs of Nowruz in your fatherland?

Nowruz originates from Iranian culture. We Kurds also celebrate Nowruz. Before the day of Eid, people prepare new and traditional Kurdish clothes and wear them on the same day when they go out. They prepare all kinds of traditional foods that can be prepared and congratulate each other on Nowruz. They call each other and say we want to gather somewhere and you come too. Friends and acquaintances are always thinking of coming together on this day to celebrate Nowrouz. In some parts of Kurdistan in Iran, we have the Haft-Sin table, but in Iraqi Kurdistan there is no such thing. In the old days, after sunset, people, especially young people, would go to the top of a mountain or hill and build a fire in memory of the fire that Kaveh (mythic character in Iran) had lit. There are also ceremonies and games in memory of Zahak (mythic devil in Iran) and Kaveh.

Given the cultural exchanges between Iran and Iraqi Kurdistan in recent years, is it possible to expand cultural and artistic potential, especially in the field of Nowruz between the two countries?

There is currently no special program, but it is possible to plan. But in the past, sometimes cultural and artistic groups held different works in the two countries. Even in the region of Marivan, Sanandaj and Mahabad, like us, they went to the desert and plains on Nowruz, but considering the current situation, I do not know what will happen this year.

Last year, Nowruz was not held in the Kurdistan region due to corona restrictions. Will this ceremony be held this year?

We have not yet decided to hold the ceremony. With the outbreak of the new corona, a number of restrictions have been imposed and we do not know whether these restrictions will continue in the city or not. Last year, Nowruz was celebrated in the cities to some extent, and people gathered in open spaces. I think the routine of Nowruz will be held in this way this year as well. Currently, traffic between Iran and the Kurdish region is prohibited, and only Kurds who want to return to Iraqi Kurdistan from Iran or vice versa are allowed to move.

By Dorsa Bakhshandegi

http://www.honaronline.ir/Section-culture-and-literature-8/160270-nazim-dabbagh-nowruz-can-be-turned-into-political-and-diplomatic-issue

Kurdistan Region President reiterates the significance of Iraq-US strategic dialogue

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, April 1, 2021

Kurdistan Region President received the US Embassy chief military advisor, General John Tygart and his accompanying delegation on Thursday.

At the meeting, attended by the US Consul General, Kurdistan Regional Government Minister of Peshmerga and a number of military officials from both sides, the US delegation offered congratulations on the passage of Iraq’s Budget Bill at the Parliament. The delegation emphasized on the partnership between the Peshmerga and the Coalition Forces and commended the role of the Peshmerga and the Ministry of Peshmerga.

The President referred to the passage of the Budget Bill as an important step for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and reiterated Iraq and the Kurdistan Region’s willingness to strengthen political, economic and military relations with the US.

The President expressed gratitude for the US aid to the Peshmerga in the war against ISIS and the US support of the reforms within the Peshmarga Ministry. The President expressed willingness to resolve the pending issues between Baghdad and Erbil and underlined that implementing the federal system in Iraq is the solution to Iraq’s problems, which serves the interest of all sides.

President Nechirvan Barzani expressed appreciation for the support of the Coalition Forces in the war against ISIS and reiterated the importance of the continuing mission of the US and the Coalition to eliminate terrorism. The President underlined that the coordination among Erbil, Baghdad and the Coalition partners is important to prevent the security vacuum.

The President also welcomed the resumption of Iraq-US strategic Dialogue with the participation of the Kurdistan Region. The President said the strategic dialogue can strengthen mutual relations and offer Iraq and the Kurdistan Region ample opportunities for cooperation and collective efforts in many areas.

Discussions also included the Iraqi elections, the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic in the Kurdistan Region and the world, and other topics of mutual interest.

President Nechirvan Barzani and President Emmanuel Macron of France to meet in Paris

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, March 29, 2021

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani is to visit France and hold a meeting with France’s President, Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris on Tuesday, following a formal invitation from President Macron.

Discussions are set to include the Kurdistan Region and Iraq’s bilateral relations with France, the developments in Iraq, the Kurdistan Region and the greater region, the COVID-19 pandemic and its ongoing implications.

The two Presidents are also expected to discuss the threats posed by terrorism, the mission of the international coalition, the importance of collective cooperation in all areas to confront the ISIS and a number of other topics of mutual interest.

President Nechirvan Barzani and President Emmanuel Macron of France to meet in Paris - Presidency of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (gov.krd)

President Nechirvan Barzani’s speech at the wreath laying ceramony of the late Kurdish historian Dr. Kamal Mazhar

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, March 24, 2021

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani attended the wreath laying ceremony of the late historian, Dr. Kamal Mazhar, which was arranged by the Kurdish Academy in Erbil. At the ceremony, which was attended by the representatives of Iraq’s Prime Minister, Iraq’s President, the Kurdistan Regional Government Minister of Culture, the late Dr. Kamal Mazhar’s wife and family as well as a number of writers and intellectuals. President Nechirvan Barzani laid a wreath at the casket of the late Dr. Kamal Mazhar and delivered the following speech:

The honorable representative of Iraq’s Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi,
Mr. Usman al-Ghanimi, the Interior Minister of Iraq,The Honorable Representative of the President, Honorable Guests,
Dear Authors and Intellectuals,
Mrs. Shahla Tahir Haidari, Wife of the late Professor Dr. Kamal Mazhar,
His Honorable Family and Relatives,

I welcome you to the wreath laying ceremony of the late Dr. Kamal Mazhar’s, who was a respected and valued renowned historian known for his contributions and research on the history of the Kurdish people and the region. I thank you all for being here today.

Dr. Kamal Mazhar was born in Kirkuk. Being Kirkuki is not an easy task. Since, unfortunately, over the past decades, for the Kirkuki Kurds, being Kirkuki meant a hard life, insecurity, and facing constant denial of one’s rights on their own land. Dr. Kamal Mazhar wrote about these struggles and provided evidence of the injustices committed against Kirkuk in his book, “Kirkuk and its Surroundings.”

Dr. Kamal Mazhar was a scholar of the history of Kurdistan and the greater region. His relentless efforts throughout his career shed light on the history of the Kurds, Kurdistan and the region, by investigating thousands of documents and explaining the chain of historical events. His work is exceedingly valued and influential.

This prolific historian, whom we all pay tribute to today, has authored books and research on the history of Kurdistan, and supervised hundreds of academic papers in the field of history while teaching at universities across Iraq.

Dr. Kamal Mazhar’s work continuously demonstrated the great bonds between nations and peoples. He sought to prove that different nations and peoples have coexisted in peace and harmony, but the wrongful policies of governments have often led to disputes among them.

As a Kurdish scholar, he sought to create a bridge between the people of this region through historical research and showed that their past coexistence is a testament to the existing solidarity between these people, contrary to the political rivalries that have driven the people of this region apart and antagonized them.

He was able to base his academic research on the history of Kurdistan through consistent scientific methods and rejected unfounded historical claims and unreliable sources. He used history as a science to uncover the facts surrounding historical events. This indeed is a great achievement within history studies, and also for people to base their own conclusions from on scientific facts and not on hearsay.

Dr. Kamal Mazhar never turned a blind eye to the mistakes and shortcomings of Kurds and their leaders, nor did he stop championing the Kurdish cause. He maintained relations with the leadership of Kurdistan and offered them valuable advice throughout the Ba’athist rule in Iraq.

Suppression of the Kurdish people by the regional governments never stopped Dr. Kamal Mazhar from learning and writing about about neighboring people. With the same academic integrity, Dr. Kamal wrote about the history of Iraq, Iran, the Azeris and the Armenians.

Dr. Kamal Mazhar was a great social activist. He wrote about women’s role in history at a time when the feminist movement in the world was still in its infancy, especially in Kurdistan. He viewed women as an important social component, spoke about their position in society and championed against reactionary views on women’s role. With the same commitment, Dr. Kamal Mazhar supported the plight of the Iraqi working class.

Honorable Guests,

Kurds and Kurdistan have endured suppression throughout history. Kurdistan has been subjected to destruction and its history has been distorted. The Peshmarga sacrificed their lives to preserve Kurdistan, while scholars, writers and intellectuals have endured hardships in order to preserve Kurdish language, and culture. It is therefore that scholars and writers like Dr. Kamal Mazhar deserve utmost respect.

Throughout the revolutions and liberation movements in Kurdistan, the Kurdish intellectuals and writers, played a crucial role in preserving the Kurdish language and culture in the absence of state and national institutions. They managed to do that because of their unwavering belief and great intellectual abilities despite economic difficulties. This is why the cultural movement in Kurdistan has continuously been strong despite the obstacles and lack of resources.

In the years following 2003, Dr. Kamal Mazhar wanted to continue his research elsewhere, which is why we supported him to bring his rich archive and library to Erbil. But unfortunately due to poor health conditions, he was not able to complete what he so passionately wanted to do.

We bid farewell to this great Kurdish scholar and historian who left us a legacy of national pride. He will live forever for his prolonged academic services in collages across Iraq while future generations will benefit from his contributions. The people of Kurdistan and the academic community in Iraq will always take pride in his work.

I sincerely thank the Kurdish Academy for arranging this ceremony. I welcome you once again. May Dr. Kamal Mazhar rest in peace. I, offer my condolences to Mrs. Shahla Tahir Haidari, his wife, family and the people of Kurdistan and Iraq.

Thank you.

President Nechirvan Barzani’s speech at the wreath laying ceramony of the late Kurdish historian Dr. Kamal Mazhar - Presidency of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (gov.krd)