Kurdistan Region PM: Unified nation sets stage for independence
“Kurdistan has never had a better opportunity throughout its history to determine its fate,” he said, calling it “a unique opportunity.”
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani on Wednesday addressed economic and security issues plaguing Kurdistan as well as the relationship between Erbil and Baghdad.
Speaking at a conference entitled “Iraqi Kurdistan at Crossroads: Current Issues of Domestic and Middle Eastern Politics” hosted by the University of Kurdistan-Hawler (UKH) in Erbil, PM Barzani highlighted the need for the people of Kurdistan to work together in the role of nation-building.
“Kurdistan has survived economic, security, and humanitarian crises,” he said, describing the “perfect storm” of events as a test the Kurdistan Region has successfully passed.
“We have shown our true values, and we should all take pride in them,” he emphasized.
The PM underscored Kurdistan’s resilience in the face of adversity, withstanding multiple simultaneous crises and internal issues and noting that no parties within the Region resorted to violence.
“This is an indication of our potential for the future,” he said.
As the situation improves, PM Barzani stated the focus should be on building a unified nation to set the stage for an independent Kurdistan.
“Kurdistan has never had a better opportunity throughout its history to determine its fate,” he said, calling it “a unique opportunity.”
Regarding the anticipated referendum on independence, PM Barzani emphasized the importance of working toward “our common goals,” reaffirming Kurdish goals are not necessarily in line with Baghdad’s.
“Our current status with Baghdad is worth more on paper than in reality,” he said, echoing KRG President Masoud Barzani’s previous statement that Kurds are treated as second-class citizens.
"We do not claim that independence is a magic solution to all problems,” the PM explained. “But it will become the starting point of a new journey [in] the right direction."
PM Barzani called on all sides, across party lines, to play an effective role in building the future of the Kurdistan Region.
Editing by Karzan Sulaivany
