KDP Vice President Nechirvan Barzani highlights historic ties with Sulaimani at KDP election rally
Barzani's speech resonated with many in Sulaimani, reinforcing the deep historical connections and shared vision between the KDP and the city.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – On Monday, Nechirvan Barzani, Vice President of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), attended an election rally in Sulaimani province, where he spoke about the deep-rooted connection between the KDP and the city, emphasizing their shared history and aspirations for the future.
Addressing a large crowd, Nechirvan Barzani expressed his pleasure at being in Sulaimani once again.
#NOW The moment Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) Vice President Nechirvan Barzani arrives at Sulaimani for the election rally. pic.twitter.com/fZ4Z4NC3Eh
— Kurdistan 24 English (@K24English) October 14, 2024
"I am very happy to meet you in Sulaimani. Every time I come to Sulaimani, I remember not only the memories of my relatives and fellow citizens, but also the old relationship between the KDP and the late Barzani," he remarked.
He described the relationship between the KDP and Sulaimani as one built on "longstanding revolutionary fervor, struggle, and cooperation."
Barzani reflected on the historical ties, noting that "this relationship was established during the reign of Sheikh Mahmoud and Sheikh Ahmad of Barzan."
He recalled how, in the 1930s, the monarchy exiled Barzani and his comrades to Sulaimani, but the city became a refuge and source of support for them.
Barzani highlighted the hospitality of Sulaimani's people during those challenging times. “The elders of Sulaimani, the hardworking people of the city, opened their Kurdistani arms to the Barzanis, the honorable youth of Sulaimani gave their lives as shields,” he said, noting that the Barzani house still stands in Sulaimani's Malkand neighborhood as a testament to this bond.
He also spoke about the familial and personal connections established between Barzani and Sulaimani over the years.
"Barzani established kinship and family ties with Sulaimani because of his love for the city. After his return from the Soviet Union in 1958, he quickly came to Sulaimani, visiting the house of Sheikh Latif Hafid to reconnect with its people and renew the warm relationship," he shared.
Emphasizing the enduring nature of this connection, Nechirvan Barzani declared, “No party can break the relationship with Sulaimani. The people of Sulaimani and its surroundings are patriotic, have a great sense of Kurdayeti, and are freedom seekers. They stood with the Barzanis against the Baghdad government instead of spying on them.”
He also acknowledged the sacrifices made by the people of Sulaimani for their loyalty to the KDP.
"You are sincere, loyal, and resilient. You have always paid a heavy price for being KDP members, endured significant psychological pressure, and been deprived of many privileges and benefits. Yet, you remain an example of this ancient relationship in Sulaimani,” he said.
Barzani further explained the KDP's vision for a unified and inclusive governance in the Kurdistan Region. “The KDP has always aimed to have a nationwide government and authority in the Kurdistan Region, one that can serve all of Kurdistan without discrimination,” he stated.
In his closing remarks, he emphasized the desire for peace and prosperity for the people of the region.
“The people have paid a significant price to the political parties, and the KDP is striving to ensure they are no longer caught in political conflicts or used as pawns. We deserve the best life, peace, and prosperity,” Nechirvan Barzani concluded.
Barzani's speech resonated with many in Sulaimani, reinforcing the deep historical connections and shared vision between the KDP and the city.