Italy Hails Halabja’s New Status: ‘A Historic Step for Peace and Cooperation’

By Kamaran Aziz

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — In a heartfelt diplomatic gesture, the Italian Consulate General in the Kurdistan Region extended its congratulations to the people of Halabja following the Iraqi Parliament's historic decision to grant the city full provincial status. The move, widely celebrated across the Kurdistan Region and beyond, marks a significant political and symbolic milestone for a community long synonymous with tragedy and resilience.

On Monday, shortly after the Iraqi Parliament passed the long-anticipated bill with a clear majority, the Italian Consulate General took to the social platform X to issue its official statement. "Congratulations on the establishment of the Governorate of Halabja. A historic step that honors the memory and the future of the city," the message read.

The consulate's message continued with a broader expression of hope and solidarity, stating, "We wish for relief and prosperity, and hope it will never happen again anywhere in the world." This was a direct reference to the infamous 1988 chemical attack on Halabja by the former Iraqi regime—an act that claimed the lives of over 5,000 civilians and remains one of the darkest chapters in modern Kurdish history.

The Italian Consulate emphasized that Italy "stands with the citizens of Halabja for development, peace, and cooperation," reaffirming its commitment to supporting the region in its ongoing pursuit of justice, prosperity, and reconciliation.

Congratulations on the establishment of the Governorate of #Halabja. A historic step that honors the memory and the future of the city. We wish for relief and prosperity, and hope it will never happen again anywhere in the world. Italy stands by the citizens of Halabja for… pic.twitter.com/LZ9YarCeGA

— Italy in KRI (@ItalyinKRI) April 14, 2025

The historic vote by the Iraqi Parliament to elevate Halabja to full provincial status was the result of years of advocacy, political maneuvering, and unrelenting efforts by Kurdish and Iraqi leaders. First introduced in 2023, the bill faced repeated delays due to lack of quorum. But on April 14, 2025, at precisely 3:15 p.m., with 178 members present, Parliament convened and passed the Halabja bill with widespread support from Kurdish, Shiite, and Sunni factions. It was the first item on the day’s six-point agenda.

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Dr. Shakhawan Abdullah hailed the decision as “the least loyalty we can show to the victims of Halabja,” emphasizing that the measure transcended politics and served as a moral duty. He condemned political factions that had previously attempted to delay the vote, describing the outcome as a victory for justice and unity.

Acting Halabja Governor Nuxsha Nasih described the decision as a “historic day” and expressed gratitude to Kurdish and Iraqi leaders, including the President and Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region. She praised the unified political stance that made the vote possible and called for continued unity in defending Kurdish rights.

The recognition of Halabja as Iraq’s 19th province grants it new administrative powers, budgetary allocations, and enhanced representation within the federal framework. The newly established province includes the central district of Halabja and the towns of Khurmal, Byara, Sirwan, and Bamo. It also shares an 18-kilometer border with Eastern Kurdistan.

President Masoud Barzani, one of the earliest advocates for Halabja’s provincial status, welcomed the vote as a tribute to the city’s martyrs. “This reflects the commitment of all those who have worked to make Halabja a province,” he said. “It will serve as a stepping stone to revitalize this resilient region and help heal the wounds of its citizens.”

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani called the decision a symbolic acknowledgment of Halabja’s suffering, pledging continued service improvements from the Kurdistan Regional Government. “This decision is a recognition of the suffering endured by the patriotic and loving people of Halabja,” he stated.

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani described the recognition as a “joyous and historic achievement,” emphasizing that the measure honors the city’s sacrifices and opens the path to improved services and development. “It is our collective duty to serve Halabja with unwavering commitment,” he said.

The parliamentary vote was not without its challenges. MPs Shwan Kalari and Sipan Sherwani highlighted the political hurdles overcome in achieving consensus, noting the key roles played by figures such as Deputy Speaker Abdullah, First Deputy Speaker Mohsen Mandalawi, and various Kurdish and national political blocs.

The path to recognition began with the bill’s first reading on April 2, 2023, followed by a second reading on May 4, 2023. Since then, Halabja’s demand for justice and acknowledgment had become a rallying point for both public and political will. Monday’s outcome, timed poignantly near the annual commemoration of the Anfal genocide, represents not just legal recognition but a powerful affirmation of Kurdish identity, memory, and resilience.

As celebrations erupted in Halabja and tributes poured in from across Iraq and the international community, Italy’s message stood out as a reminder of the global solidarity with Halabja’s people and the shared hope that such atrocities never happen again. The moment is not only a triumph for the city—it is a solemn pledge for peace, dignity, and a future shaped by cooperation rather than conflict.