Salahaddin, Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRP.org) - In a message on the occasion of the New Year, Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani expressed his best wishes to all the people of Kurdistan, including Christians in Kurdistan and in Iraq. He also expressed his hope that the new KRG government will provide more services and fight corruption.

“I hope in 2014 we witness the strengthening of the peace, co-existence and tolerance in our country, as well as more stability, economic development, and better services,” said the statement by the President.

On the current efforts to form a new KRG government, the President called on all political sides to make the provision of services and national interests above everything in their programs. “This is a fitting opportunity so that all sides together try to fight corruption and all other obstacles before the development of our country. The rule of law should be strengthened and steps should be taken develop institutions in our country. In the coming year, work should be done to bring all the people closer to their government and reinforce trust among the political sides, and these are important for a bright future for our people and country.”

“I would also like to congratulate our people in other parts of Kurdistan the Kurdish diaspora. I hope 2014, which is the 500th anniversary of the division of the Kurdish land in the Battle of Chaldiran, will be the start for the our people to recover their rights and land, and for our Kurds in Syria to gain their rights,” said the statement.