Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) - Prime Minister Masrour Barzani issued a statement today to express his best wishes on New Year’s Eve to the people of the Kurdistan Region, Peshmerga Forces, and the families of martyrs in particular.

In his statement, the Prime Minister said:

“The Kurdistan Region, like the rest of the world, endured a very difficult year facing unprecedented challenges. Together, we weathered the coronavirus outbreak and the subsequent economic effects of a global pandemic. We were also burdened by the failure of federal authorities in Baghdad to send the Kurdistan Region its financial entitlements, as required by law. These factors inevitably sparked a deep financial crisis, impacting the lives of our fellow citizens in the Kurdistan Region. As we reflect on the past year, however, we also want to note our successes. We have now reached an agreement with the Iraqi Government on the draft 2021 budget bill. It is our hope that this agreement will be honored as a key step to ensuring the prosperity and stability of the country in the new year. I call on all Iraqi political parties to prevent the rights and financial entitlements of the people of Kurdistan from being used as a tool to exert political pressure against our people, who have suffered tremendously this year from their rights having been violated. I reiterate the Kurdistan Region and its government’s commitment to defending its constitutional rights.

“The Kurdistani people remain committed to the national cause, and have paid the ultimate price to defend it. The constitutional status of the Kurdistan Region is the product of our enduring struggle, for which hundreds of thousands of Peshmerga fighters sacrificed their lives. It is all of our duty to protect our constitutional status; For the dignity and pride of the people of Kurdistan depend on the strength of our national identity and respect of our constitutional rights.

“I also call on all political parties and people of Kurdistan to set aside their differences and disputes to protect the Kurdistan Region’s federal status, its territory, and its achievements. I call on all of you to unite in confronting threats and protecting our constitutional rights. I trust that, with a united and undivided front, we shall overcome all crises and challenges ahead of us.

“On this occasion, I also want to reaffirm our commitment to the implementation of the government’s reform agenda and improving the living conditions of the people of the Kurdistan Region. I reiterate our commitment to uphold the rule of law and social justice, and to protect the peace and stability of our great nation.

“We look to the future with optimism, and hope the Kurdistan Region enters a new phase of development and progress in the new year, rewarding all of you for your sacrifices this past year. I wish everyone a happy new year and may Kurdistan remain safe and strong.”

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani statement ushering in the New Year | Kurdistan Regional Government

 Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) - Prime Minister Masrour Barzani today met with Australian Ambassador to Iraq, Joanne Loundes, to discuss the latest developments in the region.

The two officials spoke about recent events in Iraq and the broader region, and emphasised the importance of strengthening ties between the Kurdistan Region and Australia.

Recognising Erbil’s potential as a hub for regional and international commerce, the Prime Minister and Ambassador also explored opportunities to further develop trade ties between the two countries, notably in the sectors of industry and agriculture. The Prime Minister welcomed more Australian investment and expertise in this regard.

 

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) - Prime Minister Masrour Barzani in a statement on Thursday extended his best wishes to fellow Christians celebrating Christmas.

In his statement, the Prime Minister said:

“I extend my best wishes to Christians in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and around the world, on the occasion of Christmas. I wish you a happy and peaceful feast during this holiday season.

“The Christian community is an important and indigenous part of the Kurdistani society. They, along with other communities, have played an important role in forming the Kurdistani nation.

“The Kurdistan Region prides itself on being a haven for different religious and ethnic groups in the region. On this holy occasion, we reiterate our commitment to further deepening and strengthening the culture of tolerance, forgiveness, and peaceful coexistence for all communities in the Kurdistan Region, which has a long tradition of celebrating diversity and multiculturalism.

“I hope the advent of this feast, along with the new year, brings with it more stability and peace, and marks an end to times of crises and hardships in Kurdistan and all around the world.”

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2020/december/prime-minister-masrour-barzanis-statement-on-christmas/

 Erbil, Kurdistan Region – December 24, 2020

The President of the Kurdistan Region Nechirvan Barzani issued the following message on Christmas:

On the occasion of Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ, I extend my warmest congratulations to our Christian community in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq and around the world. I wish them a peaceful and joyous holiday and hope that this occasion will bring about more peace, tolerance and mutual respect in Iraq, the greater region and the world.

Regrettably, as in other countries around the world, large Christmas celebrations in the Kurdistan Region have been deferred due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Christmas, however, will be honored and celebrated in the hearts of people of peace and goodwill everywhere, including in Kurdistan, where one of the oldest Christian communities in the world continues to survive and thrive. I hope that future celebrations will be held under better circumstances.

On this sacred occasion, we reiterate that the Kurdistan Region, as always, will remain a cradle of tolerance, pluralism and peaceful coexistence for all communities. Together, through unity, consensus and resilience, we have managed to overcome periods of hardship and severe crises in the past. Therefore, we will address current challenges, including the pandemic, and move forward towards a brighter future.

Terrorism has caused destruction and displacement among our communities. We reassure our Christian citizens that we will continue to exert our best efforts to support the reconstruction and resettlement of their treasured homelands. We shall endeavor to protect their rights and prevent future displacement.

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Nechirvan Barzani
President of the Kurdistan Region

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzanis-christmas-message/

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) – PM Masrour Barzani spoke by phone today with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. During the call, PM Barzani thanked Secretary Pompeo for his personal support to the Kurdistan Region throughout his tenure.

PM Barzani and Secretary Pompeo had a lengthy exchange about Erbil-Baghdad relations and the budget dispute in particular. In this regard, PM Barzani proposed that the United States and the United Nations join high-level talks to help advance a Constitutional settlement. The PM appreciated Secretary Pompeo’s call for a fair and equitable share of the federal budget for Iraq as a whole, including the Kurdistan Region.

Turning to KRG-US bilateral relations, PM Barzani noted efforts to expand energy cooperation. PM Barzani called on the United States to extend stipend payments to the Peshmerga. He also emphasised the importance of continued USAID technical assistance.

Both also discussed regional security challenges, practical ways to de-escalate tensions on the border between KRG and Northern Syria, and the need to fully implement the Sinjar Agreement to facilitate the return of Yazidis to their ancestral homeland.

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2020/december/pm-masrour-barzani-receives-call-from-us-secretary-of-state/

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) – Prime Minister Masrour Barzani today met with the Head of Iraqi National Security Agency, Abdul-Ghani Al-Asadi, to discuss regional developments.

In the meeting, both sides spoke about recent events in Iraq and relations between the Kurdistan Region and the Federal Government. The Prime Minister noted that ongoing dialogue with the Federal Government on all matters affecting the stability and prosperity of the country remains a priority for the Kurdistan Regional Government.

During the exchange, the two officials highlighted the importance of strengthening security coordination between both governments, and recognised the need to fully implement the Shingal Accord to help stabilise the area. They also emphasized the need for militias and other outlawed armed groups to withdraw from the Iraqi territory to preserve the hard-won peace and stability of the country.

 ERBIL, Kurdistan Region, December 19, 2020

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani received a delegation representing the Iraqi Governorates Coordination Committee (IGCC) headed by the governors of Baghdad, Wasit, and Diwaniyah. Accompanied by a number of local officials, the delegation visited the Kurdistan Region this week to attend a USAID workshop.

Discussions covered the status of public services, and cooperation and coordination among governorates through the committee. Also discussed were administrative and financial difficulties that often lead to disruption of public services in the country.

President Barzani affirmed the importance of cooperation and coordination among governorates. He emphasized the importance of the private sector in advancing the reconstruction process and the economy. As essential to improve public services, he highlighted transferring powers to the local level and supporting domestic and foreign private companies and civil society organizations.

The delegation commended the Kurdistan Region’s private sector experience and expressed hope they could benefit from it.

 https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-receives-delegation-from-iraqi-governorates/

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) – Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Thursday took part in a ceremony, held at the Peshmerga’s Zeravani Command Center in Erbil, to commemorate Kurdistan’s Flag Day and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend it.

In his address to Peshmerga fighters and the people of the Kurdistan Region, the Prime Minister said:

“I join our brave Peshmerga fighters and the people of Kurdistan in commemorating Kurdistan’s Flag Day. This flag is a symbol of our struggle, sacrifices, nation and homeland. Thousands of Peshmerga have fallen defending this flag, which was handed over by the late Leader, Qazi Muhammad, to our immortal Leader, Mustafa Barzani. The flag was protected, honoured, and raised atop Kurdistan's mountains. Under the leadership of President Barzani, this flag was and continues to be respected and flown in capitals around the world and anywhere our allies find themselves.

“This flag is an emblem of our nation and homeland, and a symbol of peaceful coexistence for the various religious and ethnic groups living here. It has become a symbol of coexistence for the different nations in Kurdistan, and freedom-lovers who have turned to Kurdistan as the land of peace, freedom, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence between different nationalities.

“It is the duty of each and everyone one of us to honour and respect our flag, and protect the dignity of our homeland. On this occasion, I call on the youth and future generations to remember the sacrifices we have made to preserve the dignity of our nation under this flag. Thousands of Peshmerga fighters and patriots have fallen defending the dignity of our nation, which cannot be bought or sold.

“I commend the Peshmerga Forces for their continued service, sacrifices, and tireless endeavors to protect our flag and honour our martyrs. Today, we are proud to continue serving our nation under this flag.

“I call on all political parties in Kurdistan to unite behind our common goal, protecting our achievements under this flag and ensuring a better life for all communities living in Kurdistan.

“I commend you all for your resilience, and wish you continued success. May Kurdistan’s flag continue to fly with honour and dignity.”

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2020/december/prime-minister-masrour-barzani-addresses-peshmerga-forces-on-kurdistan-flag-day/