President Barzani reflects on Kurdish historical struggle at MEPS 2024, calls for peaceful resolution
President Barzani emphasized the particular hardships faced by the Kurdish nation: "The Kurds suffered the greatest injustice in this arrangement. For 100 years, the Kurdish nation's existence was denied. And for 100 years, the Kurds resisted."
Nov. 22, 2024
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - During the fifth Middle East Peace and Security Forum (MEPS 2024) in Duhok, President Masoud Barzani offered a historical perspective on the Kurdish question and advocated for peaceful solutions to long-standing regional issues.
"We all know that after World War II, the regional redistribution that took place wasn't satisfactory to any nation - not the Kurds, Arabs, Turks, or Persians. However, it was an imposed reality," Barzani stated, addressing the forum's attendees.
In a poignant reflection on Kurdish history, Barzani emphasized the particular hardships faced by the Kurdish people: "The Kurds suffered the greatest injustice in this arrangement. For 100 years, the Kurdish nation's existence was denied. And for 100 years, the Kurds resisted."
The President highlighted the futility of historical approaches on both sides: "Neither the denial of Kurdish existence succeeded, nor could the Kurds change this reality," he observed. Drawing from this historical lesson, Barzani concluded, "This teaches us that we must sit together and consider peaceful, brotherly solutions based on mutual respect."
The Kurdish question has been one of the Middle East's most complex issues since the post-World War I settlements.
The President's remarks reference the 1920s treaties that established modern Middle Eastern borders without providing for Kurdish statehood, despite earlier promises. His call for peaceful dialogue reflects a growing recognition among regional leaders that historical conflicts require diplomatic rather than military solutions.
The MEPS forum continues to serve as a vital platform for such frank discussions about regional challenges and potential paths toward resolution through peaceful dialogue and mutual understanding.