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Baghdad, Iraq, April 8, 2023
Continuing his meetings in Baghdad, President Nechirvan Barzani met with Iraq’s Prime Minister Mr. Mohammed Shia al-Sudani Saturday evening. In the meeting, the President reiterated the Kurdistan Region’s backing for the Prime Minister and the Iraqi Federal Government, and expressed support for the implementation of his cabinet agenda. The President also commended Mr. al-Sudani’s efforts to carry out the government’s agenda and to realize the political agreement of the ruling coalition of the state.
For his part, Mr. al-Surdaani appreciated the role of President Nechirvan Barzani and his continued efforts to bring the political parties closer together and to resolve the outstanding issues among them. He stressed the importance of continuing the dialogue between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Iraqi Federal Government to resolve the pending differences.
Both sides agreed on the need to implement the agreement to resume oil exports from the Kurdistan Region and on the support of the political parties in the House of Representatives to pass the Iraqi budget law. They also reiterated the need for continued cooperation between Erbil and Baghdad in all areas.
https://presidency.gov.krd/en/kurdistan-region-president-and-iraqs-prime-minister-discuss-joint-cooperation/
Baghdad, Iraq, April 8, 2023.
President Nechirvan Barzani met today in Baghdad with Dr. Abdul Latif Rashid, the President of the Republic of Iraq.
At the meeting, the two leaders referred to the agreement between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Federal Government of Iraq on resumption of oil exports from the Kurdistan Region as a positive step that serves the interest of all of Iraq, and expressed hope that it will pave the way for the resolution of outstanding issues.
They also discussed the political and security situation in the country and stressed the significance of maintaining the stability and preserving the sovereignty of Iraq, and pointed to the dialogue and understanding as a positive way to resolve the issues.
Discussions also covered the budget law of Iraq, the bilateral relations of Iraq with neighboring countries, and other issues of common interest.
https://presidency.gov.krd/en/kurdistan-region-president-meets-with-the-president-of-iraq/
Baghdad, Iraq, April 8, 2023
President Nechirvan Barzani met today in Baghdad with Mr. Nuri al-Maliki, the leader of the State of Law Coalition.
The meeting discussed the latest political developments in Iraq, the current challenges facing the country and the ongoing efforts to implement the agenda of the Iraqi federal government.
Both sides stressed the importance of solidarity and cooperation among the political forces and parties in Iraq to overcome the difficulties and find solutions to the country’s problems in a responsible national spirit.
Erbil-Baghdad relations and the latest developments in the wider region were also discussed at the meeting.
https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-meets-with-leader-of-the-state-of-law-coalition-2/
Baghdad, Iraq, April 8, 2023
President Nechirvan Barzani attended the 42nd anniversary of the establishment of the Badr Organization in Baghdad on Saturday morning. The gathering was attended by a large number of dignitaries including Iraq’s President, Parliament Speaker, Prime Minister, and a number of Ministers, officials and Iraqi political party representatives.
President Nechirvan Barzani delivered the following speech at the ceremony:
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Dear Attendees,
First of all, I congratulate Mr. Haji Hadi Amiri, Secretary General of Badr Organization, their members and supporters on the 42nd anniversary of the establishment of Badr Organization. I hope that Badr will play an effective role in maintaining stability and consolidating democracy and federalism in Iraq.
On behalf of President Massoud Barzani, I would like to congratulate the leadership of the Badr Organization on its establishment.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The history of Badr goes back to the time of the fight against the dictatorial regime. The Iraqi opposition parties then fought strongly against the former regime. Cooperation between Iraqi and Kurdish political forces strengthened the belief of Iraqi communities in victory.
Therefore, the people rose up against the regime in 1991 with conviction, and that faith continued until the regime was overthrown in 2003. It was this unity that enabled the parties to succeed in the important stage of writing the permanent Constitution of Iraq, which is a very important stage in the country’s contemporary history.
On this day, when we commemorate the founding of the Badr Organization and the fight against oppression, we must commemorate the leader of the Islamic Resistance and martyr of the Mihrab, Sayyid Mohammed Baqir al-Hakim. The martyred leader made a successful attempt to unite the Shiite Islamic resistance and Iraq against tyranny.
Together with my father, and President Massoud Barzani and Mam Jalal, they further developed relations between the Islamic Resistance and Kurdistan liberation movement. There has always been a strong relationship between the Barzan family, the al-Hakim family and the Supreme Shiite Marja’a in Najaf.
Dear Attendees,
Tomorrow, April 9, marks the 20th anniversary of the fall of the dictatorship. Now is the right time to reflect on the success that resulted from unity. Consider the two Iraqi opposition congresses in London and Salahaddin, where the program for a democratic and federal Iraq was set.
Over the past 20 years, elections have become a part of the political life, which is an important development because free elections are the spirit of democracy everywhere and in every country. Communities are also represented in parliament, and Iraq is no longer a threat to its neighbors. Iraq has a permanently accepted democratic and federal Constitution.
These are all important points in changing the system of governance in Iraq. Of course, there have been many mistakes in these 20 years that we need to correct together. Similarly, the decline in voter participation in the electoral process will be addressed.
We have all contributed to the success, and we all bear responsibility for our mistakes and shortcomings according to our level of participation. Many of the laws that should be enacted according to the constitution have not been enacted; these laws will be the mechanism for the success of the new Iraq and the establishment of a federal system in the country.
We in Iraq must always bear in mind the fact that dictatorship and ethnic and religious discrimination in Iraq has always been a source of war and destruction for the country. Therefore, a fully federal system and equality among nations is the only way to stability and progress in Iraq. The bitter experiences of the past have caused great harm to the Iraqi people. For the sake of all Iraqi communities, we must learn from these experiences.
An Iraq will be stable and successful in which Shiites, Sunnis, Kurds, Christians, Turkmens and other communities see themselves as partners and successful. Pluralism in Iraq will win; totalitarianism will not. The past 102 years of history clearly tell us that.
Ladies and gentlemen.
I am very happy to see that my dear brother Mohammed Shia Sudani, the Prime Minister of the federal Iraq is making great efforts and working to implement the government’s agenda; and this deserves the support of all sides. We in the Kurdistan Region will continue to support the Prime Minister’s direction in every way, and we have said that to all our friends and allies.
The Kurdistan Region oil export agreement is a big step towards a comprehensive solution. I would like to congratulate the Prime Minister of the federal Iraq and the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, Mr. Masrour Barzani, the team of both sides of the government and coalition parties.
We have said from the beginning that an Iraqi solution is the best solution. If we all go back to that solution, we can solve all the problems. We could all look for other ways, but the right way for all of us is inside Iraq.
An Iraqi solution will strengthen Iraq’s sovereignty and progress. It will strengthen people’s confidence in the authorities and strengthen trust between Iraqi communities.
If we make an Iraqi solution our objective, we can ensure our current stability and future success. The Iraqi solution will succeed through partnership and dialogue because we have the spirit of this partnership, which is the Iraqi Constitution.
Ten years ago, President Massoud Barzani, with pure intentions and a strategic vision, called on all Iraqi parties to sit down together to prevent major disasters and return to the Constitution. Unfortunately, this was not done and very unpleasant events and disasters occurred in Iraq and the region. Today, a new and encouraging situation has emerged. We believe that there is now room for discussion on all issues. Therefore, it is important to start with a pure heart, a national vision and a solution.
Iraq is facing many new domestic and regional challenges, so we must no longer leave the problems pending, in order to overcome the new problems and challenges. One of these problems is the threat of climate change. Iraq is one of the five countries most affected by climate change in the world, which requires a major strategic project by the Iraqi government and parliament.
I once again congratulate the Badr Organization and call on all political leaders and parties to negotiate with a pure heart this Ramadan in order to resolve all issues and to ensure a better life for the Iraqi people.
Thank you very much, I wish you a good time.
https://presidency.gov.krd/en/nechirvan-barzani-there-should-be-an-iraqi-solution-to-the-issues/
Assistant Secretary Leaf congratulated Prime Minister Barzani on the recent oil and gas agreement with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, describing it as a win for the whole country. She emphasised US support for the its full implementation.
Prime Minister Barzani welcomed Assistant Secretary Leaf’s support for the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. The Prime Minister noted that progress with Prime Minister Al-Sudani has laid the foundation for a new era of lasting cooperation between Erbil and Baghdad.
They also discussed other issues of bilateral interest, including recent developments in the Kurdistan Region.
Erbil, Kurdistan Region, April 7, 2023
President Nechirvan Barzani attended the funeral of the late veteran Peshmerga Sheikhallah Ibrahim in Erbil today. Responding to reporters after the funeral, the President commented on the latest political developments in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. The following is a readout of his remarks:
The President spoke about the late Sheikhullah Ibrahim and said: “Mr. Sheikhullah was a well-known fighter of the people of Kurdistan. I knew him for a long time, from a very young age. He earned the respect of the Peshmarga wherever he served; he had the respect of the KDP members and everyone else. Both the Peshmarga and party members showed great respect for him. And we see today that he had the admiration of the people of Kurdistan. We see that a great number of people are participating in his funeral today. This is a sign of the loyalty of the people of Kurdistan for Mr. Sheikhallah, especially from the people of Erbil.”
On his efforts regarding the return of the PUK ministers to the Kurdistan Regional Government meetings, the President stressed: “I have urged them to do that (to return) and Prime Minister Mr. Masrour Barzani has urged them to do that, and we believe that the return of the PUK team (ministers) to the Kurdistan Regional Government (meetings) is necessary. They should resolve the issues in the government and of course the issues will be resolved within the Council of Ministers.”
Regarding the elections in the Kurdistan Region, the President said: “Before issuing the Presidential decree to hold elections, officials from the Kurdistan Region Presidency visited all political parties, and the day we have set for the elections was in consultation with the political parties in the Kurdistan Region. I hope all political parties in Kurdistan will cooperate to hold the elections on time.”
Regarding the agreement between Erbil and Baghdad, the President said: “It is a very important agreement and it is in the interest of the whole of Iraq. We have stressed from the first day that there should be an Iraqi solution to these problems,”
“It is often asked whether the Kurdistan Region was in favor of an agreement before. Yes, we were, but the federal government in Baghdad did not support it before. Fortunately, this time the government in Baghdad also showed readiness and we hope that this agreement will be implemented as soon as it is possible.
Asked whether the elections will be held on time, President Nechirvan Barzani said: “I hope so, and as I said, it is my legal duty as the president to determine the date of the elections, and we do have time, before the elections are held. We have spoken to the Kurdistan political parties before setting the date, and I hope everyone will support the elections to be held on time, because this is a legal issue for the Kurdistan Region and its credibility and should be carried out.
https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-the-general-election-date-has-been-determined-in-consultation-with-political-parties/
Erbil, Kurdistan Region, April 4, 2023
Kurdistan Region President and the Commander-in-Chief of the Peshmerga Forces, Nechirvan Barzani, and Major General Matthew McFarlane, the General Commander of the coalition forces in Iraq and Syria, along with a number of ministers, senior military officials, members of parliament and officials of the Kurdistan Regional Government attended the inauguration ceremony of the 1st and 2nd Infantry divisions of the Peshmerga, which were unified within the framework of the reform process of the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs.
The following is a readout of the speech delivered by the President at the ceremony.
Dear Guests,
Our brave Peshmergas,
Good day to you all,
I welcome you to the announcement ceremony of an important step towards the unification and reorganization process of the Peshmerga. I warmly welcome General Matthew McFarlane, the General Commander of the coalition forces in Iraq and Syria, who is here with us today. I welcome the Council Generals in the Kurdistan Region. Welcome all.
We are happy to announce here today the creation of the 1st and 2nd divisions of the Peshmerga of Kurdistan. Congratulations and appreciations to the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs and all the brave Peshmerga commanders.
Each of these two divisions consists of 4 brigades of 1200 Peshmergas, including the joint brigades and the brigades of the 70th and 80th Units, whose process of joining the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs has started. We expect all procedures to be completed soon.
Last year at the graduation ceremony of Zakho Military College, there was only one Christian officer. I requested the efficiency and participation of all communities of Kurdistan in the Peshmerga forces be made easier. Today I found out that there are a number of Christian, Arab, and Yezidi Peshmergas among these forces, which is welcome, but it is still not enough. We have to try and make things even easier so that people from all communities participate in the Kurdistan Peshmerga forces. Once again, we reiterate that the Peshmerga, as always, is the force of all of Kurdistan, with all its peoples and religions.
Therefore, we do our best so that the Peshmerga and its military power are strengthened in all aspects, and so that all their requirements are fulfilled for the best training and practice. From the educational and principles aspect, with a patriotic and modern military heart, they must be put together as a national force.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The announcement of these two joint divisions is part of the process of unifying and reorganizing Peshmerga in a modern structure. This is one of the objectives of the Presidency of the Kurdistan Region and is a significant part of the process of reformation in the Kurdistan Regional Government.
In the Presidency of the Kurdistan Region, we continue to try to solve the political conflicts and issues. It is a pleasure to know that regardless of the political conflicts, the process of unification and reorganization of the Peshmerga has not stopped. We have stepped forward but indeed, we expect more and we continue to work further.
So far, both Support Forces 1 and 2, and 20 brigades of the Units 70 and 80, have completely joined the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs. Two joint brigades with the Iraqi Army have been made for the Disputed Territories and the required budgets have been allocated to them by the Iraqi federal budget law. After their approval, they will also begin to work.
What is a very positive matter is that there is a great awareness among the Peshmergas, officers and commanders for the necessity of the unification of the Peshmerga. They do not want the process of unification and reorganization to stop, because they do not want to be labelled any party political names. They want to be the Peshmerga of Kurdistan, not a political party, and this is the true belief of the Peshmerga.
Since day one, the Peshmerga was created to protect Kurdistan and achieve freedom. The Peshmerga ideology consisted of Kurdistan and freedom. The belief of the Peshmerga was the protection of Kurdistan and the achievement of freedom for the people of Kurdistan.
Our brave Peshmergas,
My fellow citizens,
All the people of Kurdistan and the allies have great support for the unification and reorganization process of the Peshmerga, which is very important. Last year, the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Peshmerga and the US Department of Defense of this region was renewed for another 4 years. Also, the continuous support of the US in the past has been very important, and is very necessary in the future as well.
With much appreciation and thankfulness, U.S. Defense Secretary Mr. Lloyd Austin, during his visit last month to Baghdad and Erbil, clearly stated the intention and decision of the US to continue supporting the Peshmerga as a senior partner of the allies in confronting ISIS. Also, the U.S. Department of Defense is helping the process of unification and reorganization of the Peshmerga.
We thank the support of the US and the international coalition against ISIS for their continuous support to the Peshmerga. We tell them, “Terrorism is still a serious threat, that is why the Peshmerga still needs your support to completely eliminate ISIS. Our mission with the international coalition against ISIS has not ended yet and we still have mutual work together.”
We also thank our ally countries for their patience and continuous support for the process of unification and reorganization of the Peshmerga. The support of all those countries is a matter of gratitude and appreciation for the people of Kurdistan.
This international support is very important for the Peshmerga and the Kurdistan Region, which has been gained with the bravery and heroism of the Peshmerga. The Peshmerga gained this support through bravery, stopping the brutal and barbaric attacks of ISIS, and destroying the ISIS myth.
Peshmerga, with the help of allies and the participation of the Iraqi Army and the Popular Mobilization Forces, stopped ISIS which was a great threat to the modern and free life in the region and all over the world. Peshmerga, with their heroism, proved that they deserve the love and support of all nations.
Dear attendees,
This step today is a sign that there is a great determination to continue the reforming, unifying, and reorganizing of the Peshmerga. This is a very fair request and right of the people of Kurdistan which must be implemented.
We must make the Peshmerga a unified national force so that we can establish institutional authority and strengthen the democratic process in the Kurdistan Region, to protect the freedom and security and stability in the Kurdistan Region, to give full assurance to our citizens, and for the continuation of international support for the Peshmerga.
The word Peshmerga is the most reassuring names for the people of Kurdistan in terms of connotations and meaning. The word is full of beauty and greatness. Our modern history and our achievements are products of Peshmerga. At every stage, Peshmerga, even if in several different barricades, had a common goal and that is the liberation of Kurdistan and the freedom of the people of Kurdistan.
Peshmerga, even if they were in different administrative components, have always had the same goal and struggle. Similarly, as in the fight against ISIS, the Peshmerga proved this. Establishing and unifying them is the best way to pay respect to the reputation and heroism of the Peshmerga and should no longer be postponed. The political cover should be taken off Peshmerga completely so that their true identity are revealed, and that is the national identity they hold.
The unification and development of the Peshmerga have many benefits for Iraq as a whole. In the Iraqi liberation process, this was fully revealed. During the war against ISIS, once again, this truth was shown, especially when the Peshmerga protected Kirkuk and most of Diyala and Salahaddin from ISIS attacks and destructions. They were also a leading partner in the rescue of Mosul.
Iraq’s sovereignty is mutual and the Peshmerga can be a leading participant in its protection because it is a part of Iraq’s defense system. That is why Iraq should do its part in supporting and giving attention to Peshmerga’s military strength and providing their requirements.
Dear guests,
Followed by the reactions to the decision of the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris regarding the Kurdistan Region’s oil, we think this decision has provided a good opportunity for Baghdad and Erbil to find a permanent solution to the oil problem. The decision has proven the constitutional right of the Kurdistan Region in the oil matter. That is why, we can now all reach a better solution in which both sides are winners.
After the approval of the constitution, we continuously asked for the passing of the oil and gas law, because only this law can properly regulate Article 112 of the constitution. And now we ask that the federalism that is enshrined in the Iraqi constitution, be included in the laws of Iraqi ministries and institutions so that the governing system of the country is that of federalism in practice.
We are a major part of the current Iraqi government. According to the coalition agreement of the state’s management for the establishment of a federal government, we completely support the Prime Minister, Mr. Muhammad Shia Sudani. In the conversations between us, they have shown a lot of realism and will for finding solutions to the issues. His approach to the problems has garnered the support of the Kurdistan Region.
With Mr. Masrour Barzani, the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, they have a good understanding. There is a good communication between delegations to solve the problems. Also, the ministers of the Kurdistan Region are more active and efficient in the federal government and have been able to have very good discussions about the oil issue.
Now the discussions are on the right path towards solutions to the oil problems. We think the best solution is an internal Iraqi solution. I am optimistic about reaching an agreement. Solving this issue will open doors to solving many other problems, which is in the interest of the country and all its components.
We hope that in this holy month of Ramadan, all parties search for solutions to all the problems with pure hearts and good intentions. We are ready for all the support and agreement on the basis of the constitution. Solving the oil problem and accepting the budget will be very good news for all components of Iraq.
Again, I congratulate the establishment of both 1st and 2nd infantry divisions to all Peshmergas and the people of Kurdistan. We hope all the Peshmergas of Kurdistan are unified.
I thank you for your participation.
Thank you. I wish you all a good day.
https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-we-must-make-the-peshmerga-a-unified-national-force/
Prime Minister Masrour Barzani today met with the Iraqi President, Abdul Latif Rashid.
They commended the newly signed deal on the resumption of Kurdistan's oil exports and the constructive role both sides have played to reach this agreement.
Discussions also focused on the significance of the federal budget law being passed by the Council of Ministers as well as the preparation of a draft for the oil and gas laws.
https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2023/april/pm-masrour-barzani-meets-with-iraqi-president/
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