President Barzani: ‘If We Do Not Protect Ourselves, No One Will Protect Us’
He said the Gulan Revolution continued with the support of Kurds from Northern and Western Kurdistan, adding that the KDP had historically championed the Kurdish national cause across different parts of Kurdistan and helped strengthen self-confidence among the Kurdish people.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — President Masoud Barzani on Sunday urged Kurds to strengthen their self-confidence and ability to protect themselves, warning that no one else would do so on their behalf.
“If we do not protect ourselves, no one will protect us,” President Barzani said in a speech at a graduation ceremony for the 20th class of the KDP Cadres Institute in Erbil.
He recalled the circumstances surrounding the KDP's establishment, saying the party was founded during a difficult period for the Kurdish people but succeeded in preventing despair and fostering hope among Kurds.
President Barzani also reflected on the Kurdish revolutions, describing the September Revolution led by the late Mullah Mustafa Barzani as a national movement that brought together Kurds from across Kurdistan.
He said the Gulan Revolution continued with the support of Kurds from Northern and Western Kurdistan, adding that the KDP had historically championed the Kurdish national cause across different parts of Kurdistan and helped strengthen self-confidence among the Kurdish people.
Addressing regional developments, President Barzani described the situation as highly sensitive and unpredictable. He referred to a major war that began in February, saying the Kurdistan Region and its people had largely been spared a major disaster.
On relations with neighboring countries, President Barzani said the Kurdistan Region seeks the best possible ties and does not consider Iran, Turkey, or any other country an adversary. He expressed hope that regional conflicts would end and that peace would prevail.
Regarding relations with Baghdad, President Barzani said ties with the Iraqi federal government are currently good. He stressed that the Kurdistan Region is seeking to secure its rights within the framework of the Iraqi Constitution.
"We are not asking for more than what is stipulated in the Constitution, and we will not accept less than what is stipulated in the Constitution," he said.
President Barzani also referred to an agreement signed between Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani and Hadi al-Amiri, saying its implementation would be a positive development.
However, he warned that if the agreement is not implemented, the Kurdistan Region would reconsider its position.