Kurdistan Region President emphasizes unification of Peshmerga forces under Ministry's command
The Kurdistan Region President reaffirmed the regional government's commitment to maintaining the Peshmerga as an independent, professional, and national institution, free from political and partisan conflicts.

Nov. 16, 2024
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – On Saturday, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani attended the graduation ceremony of the fourth officer training course at the Qalachwalan Military College, expressing his delight in "participating in the graduation of a new class of homeland defenders who represent a crucial component of both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq."
During his address, Kurdistan Region President Barzani highlighted the significance of the day, noting that 769 graduates, including 48 women, successfully completed their nine-month training program and will be commissioned as lieutenants.
"These graduates, armed with scientific knowledge and military discipline, will inject new blood into the Kurdistan Peshmerga forces," he stated.
The Region’s President commended the graduates' commitment to joining the military college after completing their university studies, describing it as "a testament to their patriotism and sense of responsibility."
He emphasized that they had chosen a challenging path dedicated to serving the homeland and protecting the achievements and values of the Kurdish people.
Regarding women's participation, Barzani noted, "Throughout our nation's struggle, Kurdish women have proven themselves as essential and influential partners in nation-building and defending our homeland."
The President of the Region said in his speech: "From its establishment until today, the Peshmerga has been that glorious force, consistently serving as a steel and solid shield for protecting Kurdistan and its achievements."
The Kurdistan Region President reaffirmed the regional government's commitment to maintaining the Peshmerga as an independent, professional, and national institution, free from political and partisan conflicts.
He also declared, "In the Kurdistan Region, we have a deep and firm belief that our Peshmerga and armed forces must be an independent national and professional institution, and they must stay away from all forms of political and partisan conflicts and disputes. This force must belong to the homeland and people of Kurdistan with all its diverse components."
He adds: "The Peshmerga are an important and essential part of Iraq's defense system, therefore it is Iraq's duty to support strengthening the Peshmerga in every aspect."
He also indicated that "We are working seriously to strengthen the capabilities and develop the skills of the Peshmerga, so they can best face challenges."
Nechirvan continued in his speech and said: "Kurdistan's heroic Peshmerga and our forces in the war against terrorism and confronting ISIS have proven through their actions and blood that they are at the level of historical responsibility.”
“The blood of Peshmerga was mixed in every part of Kurdistan - no one asked who was Green (PUK) and who was Yellow (KDP); they all sacrificed their blood in service of the country and Kurdistan," he reiterated.
The President of the Kurdistan Region also announced, "We emphasize the importance of continuing coordination and joint cooperation between the Peshmerga, Iraqi Army, and coalition forces. We also thank the coalition forces for their efforts in reform and unifying the Peshmerga under the umbrella of the Ministry of Peshmerga of the Kurdistan Regional Government, to become a national force and protector of the Kurdistan Region's achievements."
Nechirvan Barzani also pointed out that "After successive wars, Iraq now needs stability and peace so it can use the country's resources for its development."
Addressing post-election developments, President Barzani called on all winning political parties to prioritize national interests and engage in serious, responsible dialogue to form a strong and effective government.
He also stressed the importance of resolving outstanding issues between Erbil and Baghdad based on the constitution and political agreements.
The Peshmerga forces have played a vital role in Iraq's security architecture, particularly in the fight against ISIS. Recent efforts have focused on unifying these forces under the Kurdistan Regional Government's Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs, with support from international coalition partners.
The graduation ceremony at Qalachwalan Military College represents a significant step in professionalizing and modernizing the Peshmerga forces while maintaining their crucial role in regional security.