President Barzani: ‘Build new Shingal beside old city’

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – The Kurdistan Region president suggested on Wednesday the building of a new city for Sinjar (Shingal) and leaving the old one as a symbol.

Masoud Barzani, the Kurdistan Region President, delivered a speech in Duhok during the commemoration of the second anniversary of the Islamic State (IS) attack on Shingal.

“Two years ago, our people experienced a big catastrophe at the hands of [IS] terrorists; this was not the first atrocity, but I hope it is the last one,” President Barzani stated.

“[IS] did not only come for Shingal, they came to commit atrocities across Kurdistan, they came to invade Kurdistan, but thanks to the brave Peshmerga forces for destroying the IS myth,” Barzani continued.

The President reiterated that the tragedy of the Ezidis was shared with all the people of Kurdistan, stating that “Ezidi girls and women are the symbols of honor.”

President Barzani referred to his conversation with the Ezidi leader following the IS attack on Shingal who feared that Ezidis would fade away.

“I told the Ezidi leader that Ezidis would only fade away when Kurdistan fades away; we will avenge the Ezidis, and we have delivered our pledge with the sacrifice of 500 of our Peshmerga forces,” Barzani added.

Additionally, President Barzani reminded all in attendance that “Peshmerga forces protected Mount Shingal and liberated the city.”

He also stated that it was unfortunate that some tried to misuse the IS attack on Shingal against Peshmerga.

Regarding those who committed the massacre against Ezidis, President Barzani said, “anyone who was with IS, helped or supported IS, would face the same fate as them.”

Moreover, The President suggested the building of a new city next to the old Shingal.

“The old Shingal should remain a symbol and memory for the next generation to know what happened to our people,” he explained.

President Barzani called upon the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to make serious efforts to rebuild the area and increase the level of livelihood for people.

The President concluded by stating that an independent Kurdistan is crucial to prevent the next generation from experiencing similar massacres.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany