President Barzani’s Interview with Shams TV: Full Transcript

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - In an in-depth interview with Shams TV on Thursday, President Masoud Barzani offered a sweeping assessment of the Kurdistan Region's remarkable development, the deeply strained relationship with Baghdad, and the critical stakes of the upcoming Iraqi elections.

Against a backdrop of what the interviewer termed Kurdistan's "political and economic miracle," President Barzani contrasted the region's stability and progress with the "chaos" he said plagues the rest of Iraq. He attributed this disparity not to a lack of resources in other provinces, but to a failure of "will, planning, and precise execution" in the federal government.

President Barzani revealed that his party had seriously considered boycotting the upcoming elections due to an "unjust and unfair" electoral law. However, overtures from disillusioned Arab parties in Baghdad, who share a desire to reform the political process, convinced them to participate. The goal, he stated, is to form a new alliance post-election to "return the political process to its correct path."

The Kurdish leader did not mince words regarding the federal government, accusing some factions within the ruling "Coordination Framework" of harboring "more than hostility" towards the Kurdish region and actively seeking to undermine its constitutional rights. He staunchly defended the Kurdistan Region's autonomy, asserting that it would "persevere and suffer, but it will not kneel" in the face of political and economic pressure from Baghdad.

Looking ahead, President Barzani emphasized that the Constitution must be the ultimate arbiter in disputes between Erbil and Baghdad. He called for the full implementation of Article 140 concerning Kirkuk and other disputed territories and warned that if the constitution is abandoned, "whoever rejects federalism, we reject dictatorship with them. And let what happens, happen." The interview also touched upon the crucial role of the Peshmerga, the protection of minorities in Kurdistan, and the enduring goal of Kurdish unity, which he admitted is hampered by internal divisions.

Full interview transcript:

Elie Nakouzi: Good evening. An exceptional experience in the heart of Iraq, an experience that can be summed up in one word: Kurdistan. Anyone who sees the images today needs no words to express, for the scene alone is sufficient to express that Kurdistan is a promise being fulfilled. Erbil speaks for itself, not only with its voice, but with what it has achieved in terms of development, stability, and organization that has made it an oasis amidst the storms. What has been achieved here was not a coincidence, but a path and a journey of a man who carried the Kurdish cause in his heart, fighting for it as a militant in war, and building it stone by stone in times of peace. He is Masoud Barzani, the man who never separated loyalty to the homeland from the dream of the future, and who still, despite all the challenges, believes that Kurdistan deserves the best. In contrast, it is enough to look at the rest of Iraq's provinces to realize the extent of the difference, not in capabilities or budgets, but in will and vision. And despite all the tightening and political and economic pressures from successive governments in Baghdad, the region has been able to maintain its stability and its path towards development and construction. From here, and a few days before the upcoming Iraqi elections, we open in this meeting a frank dialogue with President Masoud Barzani about Kurdistan today and Iraq tomorrow; about challenges and alliances, the constitution that has become an arena of disagreement rather than a reference for agreement, and about the future of the region that has never given up its rights nor the protection of coexistence and shared living in a land that has brought together all components. Your Excellency the President, first of all, thank you for accepting this invitation, we know your schedule is very busy today. Welcome.

President Barzani: Welcome.

Elie Nakouzi: This introduction is only a small part of what has been achieved in Kurdistan. I would like to follow with you and the viewers this one-minute report on what Kurdistan was like 25 years ago and what it has become today, which is truly something of a political and economic miracle. One minute and we will return to continue this dialogue. This, Your Excellency the President, is a part... I mean...

President Barzani: Praise be to God, this is from the grace of my Lord.

Elie Nakouzi: What is your feeling when you truly see this development with the naked eye over 25 years?

President Barzani: By God, it is a feeling that cannot be described. I feel pride and honor, and I thank my Lord for this blessing and what He has bestowed upon my people.

Elie Nakouzi: Your Excellency the President, it is said - without exaggeration - that what we see today is better than any promises or political speeches presented to the voters, and this did not happen in an election season. If this is what we are seeing now, what is your vision for the future of the Kurdistan Region? What remains? And what does the future hold for the region?

President Barzani: It is always: let actions speak, not words. The region has very great ambitions, and what has been achieved is a source of pride and honor, and we look forward to achieving more construction, reconstruction, and development in all fields, and there are plans that the regional government is working to implement in stages.

Elie Nakouzi: Today, let's also mention: 24-hour electricity, always-secured water, transportation - as we saw - development, an economic boom, and investments. For the Iraqi citizen living in Baghdad or in other provinces, what is the message, Your Excellency the President? What do you say?

President Barzani: On many occasions, I have met some Arab brothers who come from the south or the center, for example on holidays or special occasions, and what I hear from them truly makes me very happy. They praise Kurdistan more than the people of Kurdistan, and they feel the progress that has happened in it more than its own people. Of course, we hope to see the same progress and development in all regions of Iraq. But what has been achieved in Kurdistan is a source of appreciation for the Kurds and for the Arabs as well.

Elie Nakouzi: What prevents the achievement of what has been achieved here throughout Iraq? What are the obstacles?

President Barzani: The obstacles are very clear. Here there is will, planning, and precise execution, and leadership of the entire development process. In Baghdad, there is chaos - unfortunately - and delayed and stalled projects, and in many cases, these projects are exploited for enrichment, not for reconstruction. In the face of many obstacles, there is no sound planning, no sound management, and no real will.

Elie Nakouzi: Do you see yourselves as capable of playing a role at the Iraqi level, or after the bitter experiences of the past twenty years, have you preferred to withdraw and focus only on the region?

President Barzani: In fact, after the fall of the regime - let's say after 2003 - we made very great efforts to build a new Iraq, and I spent long periods in Baghdad, and we worked with diligence, sincerity, and honesty to serve all of Iraq. But over time, we noticed that this desire was met with obstacles and an opposing desire, until we reached a point where it seemed as if the region and the Kurds were not wanted in Baghdad. Therefore, we isolated ourselves a little; not by my own desire, but circumstances forced me to leave the matter to those in charge in Baghdad.

Elie Nakouzi: We are speaking a few days before the elections. And in the region, there were differing opinions: some wanted to boycott, and others wanted to participate. What decided the matter, Your Excellency the President? And why did you even consider boycotting?

President Barzani: We did consider boycotting, it's true; because of the law under which the elections are held. An unjust and unfair law that almost predetermines the results; so there is no point in the elections. The allocation of seats for the provinces was based on the ration card - and the mother of corruption is the ration card - so the distribution of seats was not real. Therefore, we initially thought of boycotting, then we noticed that many colleagues, brothers, and friends - in Baghdad as well, from the Shiites and Sunnis - came to the conviction that this law is not valid, and that the current administration of the state and the situation are not suitable for Iraq and will not achieve any progress or development for it. So as long as this intention existed in Baghdad, we preferred to participate to see if there is a room for an alliance with the authentic, main forces that have tired and struggled; if we see a room to return the political process to its correct path and amend many laws - not just the election law - we will enter the process with force. And if we do not find a room and those forces are incapable of any role, then for every event there is a story.

Elie Nakouzi: And for the Kurdish citizen who feels that the result is the same; whether we participate or not, we return to the same problems and the same political tune. Why should they participate today? What urges them to participate when they feel safe in the region and do not need Baghdad?

President Barzani: As I said: participation because there are signals and messages that we have received from Baghdad and from allied and authentic forces that have also been subjected to marginalization and exclusion. Messages to the effect that they are ready after the elections to take a step or form a new alliance to reform the situation and return the political process to its real path. The participation is very clear; it is not for the sake of increasing or decreasing seats - as they are fixed - but to seize the opportunity with the other forces that want to reform the situation, so that we cooperate and achieve what all Iraqis aspire to.

Elie Nakouzi: Why did the Democratic Party not ally with any of the parties in Baghdad? Why did you choose to remain alone in these elections?

President Barzani: It is not reasonable to form alliances before the elections. We will determine the alliances after the elections; with whom we will ally or cooperate. And the other reason is: to show others the strength and size of the Democratic Party.

Elie Nakouzi: A million votes?

President Barzani: We hope so.

Elie Nakouzi: Why this insistence? Is it a moral message?

President Barzani: In the previous elections, the Democratic Party got 800,000 votes - 812,000 - without Nineveh, Kirkuk, Baghdad, and Diyala. If we add these votes to the eight hundred thousand, the number exceeds one million - and this is what we hope for.

Elie Nakouzi: But it will not improve the number of seats; it just sends a message?

President Barzani: Yes, the seats are the same. Until the next elections - God willing - the law will be amended, and then the seats may increase or decrease. But the main goal now is to show the strength of the Democratic Party.

Elie Nakouzi: And one of your goals is to amend the election law to a "single constituency". Why, Your Excellency the President?

President Barzani: The single constituency does not waste anyone's right, and each party gets its real size and its right in it. And it is easier. For example: why should a person from Basra be deprived of voting for a candidate in Erbil or vice versa? A seat in Erbil may need 30 or 40 thousand votes, while in a southern province, 2000 or 3000 votes are enough for it. The participation rate is not important; 70-80% or 20-30%, the seats are fixed. There is no justice in this; in fact, I can say that these are "fake" elections. It was not possible to amend the law so quickly, but in the future, it must be amended.

Elie Nakouzi: And this is a primary goal?

President Barzani: Or - allow me - an accurate census of the population and the number of inhabitants of each province should be conducted, not determining the seats according to the ration card. Then the multiple constituencies might work.

Elie Nakouzi: Have these issues been discussed with candidates or major alliances for the future?

President Barzani: They have been discussed with some forces, and most of them are convinced that this law needs to be amended.

Elie Nakouzi: What is your opinion on the boycott by some major parties, such as Mr. Muqtada al-Sadr?

President Barzani: I wished that the Sadrist movement and brother Mr. Muqtada would participate; it would have been better. But this is their decision.

Elie Nakouzi: In your election speeches, you called on the candidates to be representatives of all of Iraq, not just of Kurdistan. What is behind this call? And why are the Kurds being asked today to represent all of Iraq?

President Barzani: This call is not new. This is a principle, a policy, and a conviction. Previously, I also used to recommend the same directives to the parliament candidates. But I focused more this time after I met with delegations from the southern provinces - Muthanna, Kut, Amarah, Diwaniyah, Basra - and when they explained their suffering from the lack of services, electricity, water, and other things. It is our duty to defend them just as we defend the people of Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Kirkuk, and Duhok. Therefore, I recommended to the candidates of the Democratic Party to consider themselves representatives of every Iraqi province, not just the region, and to cooperate with the representatives of those provinces to defend the rights of their people as well.

Elie Nakouzi: Does Baghdad treat you in the same way? Do the candidates in the rest of Iraq treat the Kurds in the same way?

President Barzani: What matters to me is not whether they treat us the same way or not. We were struck with chemical weapons, and we were subjected to the Anfal operations to exterminate us, and yet we negotiated and forgave the soldiers who committed the crimes against our people. We have our customs, our habits, and our traditions, and they have their customs and their traditions.

Elie Nakouzi: It's as if you are comparing Saddam Hussein with the successive governments.

President Barzani: No. Saddam Hussein used chemical weapons and carried out the Anfal, but those who were our allies and with whom we struggled did not treat the Kurdish people as they deserved, and they did not do their duty; in fact, they harmed us too. And cutting off the livelihood of the Kurdish people is a very harsh operation.

Elie Nakouzi: Are you talking about a specific sect - Shiite or Sunni?

President Barzani: The problem is the culture of rejecting the other, and the culture of considering the Kurdish people as outsiders in the country. This culture that led to the chemical weapons, the Anfal, and the destruction of villages still remains with some of the Sunnis and Shiites. And now the "Framework" is the one leading the state; and a part of it bears the responsibility.

Elie Nakouzi: And if things continue as they are, what is the fate of the region and the relationship with Baghdad?

President Barzani: It must not continue. Because the continuation of this policy makes Iraq the first to be harmed. And whoever thinks that power will remain with them - impossible.

Elie Nakouzi: It is understood from your words as if the matter is no longer a political dispute but hostility. Have we reached the stage of hostility?

President Barzani: Not the entire "Framework." In the Framework, there are people we struggled with together and we respect them - even with our differences - but there are parties in it whose hostility is more than hostility, they tried by various means to end the region and strike it. And this is what they were able to do; otherwise, they would have done more.

Elie Nakouzi: Is it a domestic or foreign agenda?

President Barzani: Perhaps a combination.

Elie Nakouzi: After the elections - which is a stage we will overcome - if what I call "political blackmail" continues, and the hostility towards the Kurds becomes clear; what are the region's options in light of what is happening around us in the region?

President Barzani: The Kurdish people have become accustomed to facing aggressions over time, and they have developed an immunity to them. The region will persevere and suffer, but it will not kneel.

Elie Nakouzi: Does the region have the ability to be self-sufficient?

President Barzani: Certainly, but it needs some time. In any case, the region will persevere, and it will not compromise on its rights, and it will not kneel to any demand or aggressive or unjust act. There is a constitution between us; let it be the judge. If we ask for more than the constitution, let them refuse, but we will not accept less than our constitutional entitlement. If the constitution is the judge, there will be no problem. But if we leave the constitution and move to personal whims and the imposition of will; then whoever rejects federalism, we reject dictatorship with them. And let what happens, happen.

Elie Nakouzi: Your critics say: you call for the constitution and the Federal Court is the one that decides on its issues, but when it decides, you reject its decisions. So who is the judge then?

President Barzani: No one has worked on the constitution like I have; I spent two months in Baghdad, and during my presence, we were subjected to 36 rocket attacks from the terrorists. We endured. I said then: the constitution is not without flaws, but compared to the constitutions of the region and Iraq in the past, it is a wonderful, advanced constitution, and it serves the purpose. And it has enough positives to support it. So it is not reasonable for me to abandon a constitution that I worked on more than anyone else. As for the Federal Court, it is not a constitutional court; it dates back to the time of Bremer, and with its decisions, it has become a politicized and biased court, targeting the region and its dismantling; therefore, we rejected its decisions. The reference must be the "Federation Council" mentioned in the constitution, and it must be formed in the next stage.

Elie Nakouzi: We continue this meeting. We are talking about the constitution and its violation. Frankly: do the militias today move the political process in Iraq or the political parties?

President Barzani: You want the truth? There is a mix and chaos. Everyone considers themselves a state; we have "statelets within a state." Things have really been lost, and I cannot answer accurately. The "statelets within a state" are the ones in control and they are the ones who decide for the parliament, the constitution, and the government... this is a reality.

Elie Nakouzi: Yesterday, the Prime Minister said - when asked: when will the weapons of the militias be disarmed? - that this weapon is linked to the presence of occupation forces in Iraq, i.e., the coalition forces. What is your opinion?

President Barzani: Perhaps it is better to go back a little to the past. In 2011, there was talk about the exit of the "occupier" and the American forces. A meeting was held in Baghdad and I was invited to it. The discussions were between the Iraqi government and the United States about the withdrawal of forces. The council included different parties, and there were bids. The Minister of Defense and the Minister of Interior were present. I asked: without an agreement now - and since they are occupation forces - can an American officer enter this hall and arrest us all? Someone answered: not an officer; a soldier can. I said: then what are you talking about? We asked the Minister of Defense: do you have a force to protect the country? He said: I don't. And we asked the Minister of Interior about internal security and he said: by God, I don't. I said: then we need these forces. The forces left, and ISIS came. Now the same scenario: the exit of the coalition forces - the American ones - paves the way for the return of ISIS. As for the factions, they should not interfere in politics; their weapons must be within the framework of the constitution, the law, and the defense system, not to be above the government, the state, and the constitution.

Elie Nakouzi: And do you see the Prime Minister as convinced of the existence of these factions or forced to accept? Can we compare it to Hezbollah in Lebanon?

President Barzani: It could be the same case. I don't think he is able to confront them.

Elie Nakouzi: You previously supported Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani, but it seems that the support is absent now and the alliance is not in place. Has the alliance ended?

President Barzani: It is too early to answer. It depends on after the elections, the nature of the alliances, the program we will agree on, the real guarantees, and learning from past experiences. We have many agreements; and this time the situation must be different, and things must be very clear and their implementation guaranteed 100%.

Elie Nakouzi: Do you want to involve international parties to guarantee future agreements? As they have been concluded and then repeatedly violated before.

President Barzani: If we return to the basic principles on which Iraq was founded after 2003 - partnership, balance, consensus - and to the spirit of the constitution, we will not need any guarantees. Then the problems of salaries, economy, and security will not remain. It is not permissible for a component that sees itself as a majority to impose itself on others; this is a failed experiment. The biggest guarantee is real partnership, balance in positions, and consensus - especially in strategic issues - with recourse to the constitution between us.

Elie Nakouzi: Who is closest to your orientations in Baghdad?

President Barzani: I don't want to mention names. There are those who think like us but they were besieged and terrified. We are trying to help them regain their courage so we can work together to reform the situation; for the previous situation will not lead Iraq to a desired result.

Elie Nakouzi: Will what happened regionally after the 12-day war in Gaza affect the upcoming elections?

President Barzani: It will have an impact, but I do not know how big it will be.

Elie Nakouzi: "Conspiracy" scenarios have been raised for a post-election alliance directed against you, relying on other Kurdish parties to form the government and keep you out. Have you heard of this?

President Barzani: Of course, and we have information. But it is better for them to think twice.

Elie Nakouzi: Is this a threat?

President Barzani: It is not a threat. I compared the Democratic [Party] to an oak tree; it withstands all challenges and difficulties. This conspiracy - the details of which we know - will not affect the Democratic [Party].

Elie Nakouzi: How does the Democratic [Party] face this challenge?

President Barzani: With its masses, its program, its will, and its history.

Elie Nakouzi: Confident about the coming days?

President Barzani: Very confident. "Emergencies" do not affect the Democratic [Party].

Elie Nakouzi: Kirkuk?

President Barzani: Kirkuk is Kurdistani - an Iraqi city with a Kurdistani identity - and this is non-negotiable. Article 140 is not forgotten with the passage of time; it is alive and remains until it is implemented to the letter: normalization, census, referendum. We do not ask for more than that. As for the occupation of Kirkuk or its usurpation or changing its demography, it is impossible - even if it succeeds temporarily - the right must return to its owners.

Elie Nakouzi: There is talk that after the elections, the presidency of the republic will not be given to the Kurds this time, and that there are Sunni demands for it.

President Barzani: There might be a Sunni person who has "hit a snag" - as we say in Iraq - on the presidency of the republic. Let's see.

Elie Nakouzi: Is it possible that you would agree for the presidency of the council of representatives to be for the Kurds, and the presidency of the republic be given to the Sunnis?

President Barzani: The position is truly symbolic and ceremonial. After the Anfal and the chemical bombing and the destruction of thousands of villages, for a Kurd to become president of the republic was a moral matter. In terms of powers and influence, the speaker of parliament is more important than the president of the republic. And the issue is not personal; it has become a custom that it is an entitlement for the Kurds. Acceptance or rejection depends on the other parties and on the position of the Kurds.

Elie Nakouzi: There were wishes for you to take this position and you refused. Why?

President Barzani: Because it is not my place. With these powers and in this situation, I cannot. The position is more protocol and symbolic.

Elie Nakouzi: Within the region, we see a model that protects minorities, preserves the rights of the components, and does not treat them as second-class citizens - especially the Christians. What message does the region send in this regard?

President Barzani: This coexistence between the components is a culture we inherited from our ancestors. We are proud of it, we cherish it, and we preserve it, and we consider it one of our top priorities, and we will defend it with all our strength.

Elie Nakouzi: It was said that you asked a security official: how many crimes are related to coexistence? And he answered: zero. Is this accurate?

President Barzani: I believe it is accurate - I cannot be 100% certain - but until now I have not heard of a crime occurring because of religion or sect.

Elie Nakouzi: And this is thanks to the culture, not the decisions?

President Barzani: Yes. It is a culture among the Kurdish people, and everyone is convinced of it.

Elie Nakouzi: It is noticeable that the Kurdish people are loving of others and hospitable.

President Barzani: Truly; a hospitable, forgiving, pure-hearted people. What our people have been subjected to throughout history was enough to make them different, but after the 1991 uprising, I became even prouder to belong to them; the two corps of the Iraqi army that committed the crimes in Kurdistan were taken prisoner, and not one of them was harmed, nor was a bad word directed at them; we forgave them. These are the natures of the people before the decisions of the leadership.

Elie Nakouzi: And you mentioned the incident of the Christian village of "Bedyal" with the Anfal of the Barzanis...

President Barzani: Yes. The village is entirely Christian, but its people wear the same clothes as the Barzanis, so you can hardly tell the difference. When the Barzanis were driven to the south, among them was a group from the village. They were told: you are Christians, go back; they said: we are Barzanis, our life and death are with the Barzanis. And indeed, they were martyred with them and their remains returned with us. They chose death with the Barzanis over a "life" in that way. This is the meaning of loyalty and coexistence.

Elie Nakouzi: In your opinion, has this spirit been transferred to Baghdad and the south?

President Barzani: I do not have a clear answer.

Elie Nakouzi: Returning to the elections: Nineveh and Sinjar... what is your message?

President Barzani: I said at the beginning: we will not ask for more than what is stated in the constitution, and we will not accept less than it. Article 140 says: these areas will be resolved through normalization, census, and referendum. Then the problem will be solved. If it is not applied, the problem remains.

Elie Nakouzi: What tools are in the hands of the party today?

President Barzani: The constitution - it is the biggest and strongest tool.

Elie Nakouzi: And there is an intention not to apply it.

President Barzani: I do not want to talk now about other means. We will focus on the constitution and be patient in its application. But if we reach a stage where there is no constitution - neither in this article nor in others - then, as I said, if the region and the constitution are rejected, then dictatorship is also rejected.

Elie Nakouzi: I have followed you since 2003 and saw the effort you put into writing the constitution. Do you consider that you were subjected to "betrayal" from some allies?

President Barzani: "Betrayal" is a heavy word. I say: there was a renunciation of promises and covenants.

Elie Nakouzi: Which is betrayal.

President Barzani: I said: "renunciation."

Elie Nakouzi: Do you have hopes in new political parties, or does the Iraqi situation produce the same parties and repeat the same methods?

President Barzani: I am sure that the Iraqi people are not with this official policy of the government at all. And we are proud that - despite the unjust, oppressive, and dictatorial measures against the Kurdish people - the governments have not succeeded in creating enmity between the Kurdish and Arab peoples. This is a great achievement that must be preserved. The dispute with the government does not mean a dispute between the Kurds and the Arabs.

Elie Nakouzi: So you differentiate between the government and the people.

President Barzani: Certainly. And after the messages, contacts, meetings, and my reception of influential delegations and personalities, a general conviction became clear to us that the situation is not sound, and it must be amended and reformed. This is an opportunity; we will cooperate with them. If we succeed, then it is for the best. And if we do not succeed - then God is generous.

Elie Nakouzi: Good luck. My penultimate question concerns the regional government: what are the obstacles to its formation after an election that went smoothly?

President Barzani: A year has passed since the regional elections, and it was unfortunate and harmful to the region's reputation that the government has not been formed yet. After the elections, the Democratic Party invited all the winning parties to form a broad-based government; most of them chose the opposition - we respect their choice. The matter remained between the Democratic [Party] and the Union. Meetings were held and delegations from both sides were formed, and we reached a good agreement on the administration of the government - and this is important - and then on the distribution of positions fairly, even more than the Union's electoral entitlement. Nevertheless, I recommended the utmost flexibility to the Democratic Party. But we saw procrastination and waiting until after the federal elections - perhaps based on a perception of a defeat for the Democratic [Party] and alliances that would give them an upper hand. If this perception is correct, it will not be fruitful. And this is the reason for not forming the government.

Elie Nakouzi: Are you worried about electoral surprises?

President Barzani: If there is no fraud, there is no worry. If fraud occurs, we will have a very clear position. Last time we had 33 seats, and two seats were stolen from us by a court decision - we endured it. But this time it is impossible for us to accept the manipulation of a single vote.

Elie Nakouzi: Are there indications of that possibility?

President Barzani: There is news, and there are also assurances that the process is guaranteed. We will see. And if the process is politicized with unjust decisions as before - we will not accept.

Elie Nakouzi: It is always said: "The enemy of the Kurds is their lack of unity." Do you agree? And what prevents the unity of the Kurds?

President Barzani: I agree. There is no nation that is united on everything. But what should the unity be on? On principles. There are strategic issues that cannot be compromised: the unity of the region, the constitutional entitlement, the Peshmerga, the economy... there is no compromise on them. So if a party goes to Baghdad as a guide for some who are still under the influence of chauvinistic thought, showing them how to harm the region and bankrupt it - how can the forces that believe in these principles be united? I see that the enemies of the Kurds from among themselves may be fiercer than the external enemies. And we have historically suffered from this problem.

Elie Nakouzi: In conclusion of the meeting: what is your message first to the voters outside the region, to the Iraqis outside the region?

President Barzani: My message is to wish them success, and I call on them to think about the future of Iraq and to work seriously to reform the unsound situation that currently exists.

Elie Nakouzi: And for the inside? After we have seen Kurdistan and said that it is a promise being fulfilled; what is your promise to the Kurds? And what is your message to them in these elections?

President Barzani: Their conscience is the judge; let them vote for who they see serves them, protects them, and guarantees their future. And my ambition - like any Kurdish citizen - is to see Kurdistan develop and progress. And God willing, we will see more achievements - and this is what I hope for.

Elie Nakouzi: Your Excellency the President, thank you for this meeting. I wish you all the best, and to the Democratic Party as well, in these elections. And in the hope that we meet after the elections to see the form of the alliances, and that the political malice and this hostility will disappear. And I wish you success on a personal level. Thank you.

President Barzani: Thank you.