Sheikhan-Lalish highway to transform transport: PM Masrour Barzani

Regarding the return of Yezidis to Sinjar, PM Barzani said: "This can only be done through the implementation of the Sinjar Agreement, which will pave the way for the reconstruction of Sinjar and the proud return of the refugees."

Kurdistan Region's Prime Minister Masrour Barzani during the ceremony for laying the cornerstone of Sheikhan-Lalish highway. (Photo: Kurdistan 24)
Kurdistan Region's Prime Minister Masrour Barzani during the ceremony for laying the cornerstone of Sheikhan-Lalish highway. (Photo: Kurdistan 24)

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Sheikhan-Lalish highway in Duhok province on Saturday, highlighted the transformative potential of this and other road projects, such as Ba'adre-Etit highway, for the region's transportation sector.

Read More: PM Barzani laid the foundation stone for Ba'adre-Etit dual carriageway

PM Barzani emphasized that the Sheikhan-Lalish highway will not only facilitate access to the sacred Yezidi pilgrimage site of Lalish, but also improve connectivity for residents of the wider region.

He underlined the importance of the Sheikhan region, describing it as a significant hub for "economy, agriculture, tourism, and archaeology.”

Highlighting the region’s cultural significance, the Prime Minister stated, "The Sheikhan region is a beautiful example of the culture of coexistence in the Kurdistan Region. We are beautiful with this culture and spirit of mutual acceptance and we are proud of it all over the world; Therefore, we will do whatever we can to serve this region.”

Reaffirming the government's commitment to serving its people, PM Barzani said, "We are the servants of our people. I hope God will support us and we will continue the process of reconstruction of Kurdistan despite all the obstacles and difficulties that have prevented us from implementing the agenda of serving the people of the Kurdistan Region, but thank God and the support of our resilient people, we have continued and we will continue.”

Addressing the Yezidi community, PM Barzani underscored the government’s dedication to protecting their rights and alleviating their suffering. "The Yezidi brothers and sisters, despite all the tragedies and genocides that have befallen them, continue to defend their language, culture and identity. The Kurdistan Regional Government reiterates its commitment to protect the rights of the Yezidi brothers and sisters. The government will make every effort to serve them better and alleviate their suffering,” he asserted.

On the Sinjar agreement, the Prime Minister reiterated the government's ongoing efforts with the federal government to normalize the situation in Sinjar, remove militias and armed groups, and ensure the management of Sinjar falls into the hands of its indigenous people.

“This can only be done through the implementation of the Sinjar Agreement, which will pave the way for the reconstruction of Sinjar and the proud return of the refugees,” he said.

Concluding his address, PM Barzani emphasized the Kurdistan Region's commitment to coexistence and openness.

"Kurdistan is the home of our brothers and sisters in Sheikhan and other areas who have been displaced due to war or any other reason,” he said. "As long as we are alive, this country will be a country of coexistence and our doors will be open to all those who need Kurdistan to protect their lives and dignity."