Erbil, Kurdistan Region, May 3, 2021

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani received Mr. Muhammad Al-Halbousi, the Speaker of Iraq’s Parliament, in Erbil on Monday.

Discussions covered the developments in the country, the upcoming general elections and their anticipated impact on the political process in Iraq, Erbil-Baghdad relations, the threat of ISIS and its recent movements, cooperation and coordination among the parties to ensure security and stability, and the situation in the wider region.

The importance of collective national efforts of all parties to confront the challenges facing the country and surpassing the crises was reaffirmed. It was underlined that unity and consensus paves the way for lasting peace and stability in Iraq. The two sides also expressed hope that the upcoming elections will meet the aspirations of people for stability, improved public services and livelihoods for all citizens.

 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.

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.

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.

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, April 8, 2021

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, April 4, 2021

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

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