Masoud Barzani highlights improved Baghdad relations, reforms in new KRG cabinet

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Kurdistan Region’s relations with Baghdad are improving and the future is bright for the new Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) Masoud Barzani said on Wednesday.

Barzani’s comments came during a ceremony in Duhok to mark the 57th anniversary of the Kurds’ historic battle against the former Iraqi regime on Dec. 12, 1961.  

The KDP leader spoke about the achievements and sacrifices of the Kurdistan Region’s Peshmerga forces since that day as well as improved ties with the Iraqi government, the KDP’s victory in the recent regional parliamentary elections, and reforms by the new KRG cabinet.

PESHMERGA SACRIFICES

When the Iraqi government resumed its repression against the people of Kurdistan in 1961, a 16-year-old Barzani joined an armed struggle to defend Kurdish rights.

During his speech in Duhok on Wednesday, Barzani assured that future Kurdish generations would remember the Peshmerga’s past struggles. He noted that there have been many battles since 1961 where the Kurdish forces have fought on behalf of the people of Kurdistan, the most recent one being the war against the so-called Islamic State (IS).

According to Barzani, the Peshmerga’s victory in this war has garnered recognition from the international community, pointing to comments foreign officials have made commending the bravery of the Kurds.

The KDP leader then reiterated that the people of Kurdistan never seek to fight anyone, but underlined that they would not hesitate to defend their rights. 

BAGHDAD TIES

Regarding the KRG’s relationship with the Iraqi government, Barzani said ties have improved substantially since events following last year’s historic independence referendum which Baghdad rejected and responded to with military force.

Pointing to results from the recent Iraqi elections, the Kurdish leader said it was clear that have faith in the KDP as it came out on top.

He also mentioned his recent visit to Baghdad where he met with senior Iraqi officials including new Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi. Barzani said Abdul-Mahdi “is a person who believes in the Kurdish nation and its people.”

The Kurdistan Region has never rejected dialogue with Baghdad and it was, in fact, the Iraqi government who closed its doors on the people of Kurdistan last year, he said.

“This time last year, we were in a different situation. We will always look for a peaceful means to gain our rights,” Barzani stated.

“We are always eager to mend our ties [with Baghdad], and we have continuously told them that we do not want to fight, but they are aware that if we are attacked then we will stand and defend ourselves and never back down.”

KRG REFORMS

On the topic of recent parliamentary elections held in September, the KDP leader expressed his gratitude to the people of Kurdistan for turning out at ballot stations across the region and putting their trust in its leading party.

He noted that during election campaigns in Duhok before the Sept. 30 vote, he addressed the people and promised reforms if his party won. The KDP emerged victorious, winning 45 of 111 total seats in parliament.

“We have begun our work to rebuild and improve conditions for the people of Kurdistan,” Barzani said. “Today, there is a dialogue between other parties and I am hopeful of a bright future.”

“All parties are welcome to stand with us as partners to serve the people of the Kurdistan Region.”

Editing by John J. Catherine