Independence is not a threat to anyone

"The desire of our people for independence is a peaceful one."

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani has called for forming a new cabinet and plans to address this with parliament.

In a Newroz (New Year) message released by the Kurdistan Region Presidency (KRP) website on Sunday, the president congratulated the people of Kurdistan and also took the opportunity to address the current political and economic crisis, long-standing disputes with Baghdad over independence, oil exports, and domestic and regional issues.

To tackle the current political deadlock in the Kurdistan Region, Barzani stressed the need to create new leadership in the Kurdistan Region's Parliament and form a new cabinet.

According to Barzani, the current financial crisis facing the Region is the result of budget cuts by the Iraqi federal government, the war against Islamic State (IS), drop in oil prices, and specific mismanagement by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). Barzani reassured citizens that “the crisis will end.”

Barzani added, "Our people cannot endure more disasters and tragedies and must live in peace...neighboring countries must understand [our] suffering and just demands of the people of Kurdistan."

Additionally, he noted, "The desire of our people for independence is a peaceful one which does not threaten any party."

Barzani stated that Kurds intend to reach an understanding with regards to the independence referendum peacefully. "Kurdistan Region will hold a frank and serious dialogue with Baghdad before the referendum to address our problems and relationships," he said.

Commenting on the recent announcement from a major Kurdish-led party declaring federalism in Rojava (Syrian Kurdistan), the president said, “Federalism is a good formula for Syria and as a principle we support it, but it needs a [comprehensive] agreement and recognition, [and] not a unilateral move.” 

 

Reporting by Baxtiyar Goran

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany and Benjamin Kweskin