President Masoud Barzani Urges Swift Formation of Kurdistan Government, Stresses Constitution as Key to Resolving Disputes with Baghdad
Following the fall of the Baath regime in 2003, a new Iraq was envisioned based on three core principles: partnership, balance, and consensus. Unfortunately, these ideals were never fully upheld,” he remarked.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — President Masoud Barzani has called for the expedited formation of a new regional government cabinet, urging political unity and cooperation among all parties. Speaking at the opening of the 17th Erbil International Book Fair on Wednesday under the theme “The World Speaks Kurdish,” Barzani also emphasized the need to resolve lingering disputes between Erbil and Baghdad through strict adherence to Iraq’s constitution.
During his keynote address at the event, President Barzani celebrated the cultural and intellectual significance of the book fair and used the platform to comment on critical political developments, both domestically and nationally. “Although the world is rapidly advancing in technology, the timeless value of books remains unmatched,” he said, quoting Arab poet Al-Mutanabbi: “The best companion in time is a book.”
A Call for Unity and Government Formation
Addressing the delayed government formation following last year’s regional elections, President Barzani acknowledged that while the elections were initially doubted by many, they were successfully conducted and internationally observed. He praised their integrity and called for immediate action in forming the new cabinet.
“We are pleased with those who have earned their seats, and now it is time for everyone—based on their mandate—to join hands and build a united government,” he said. He stressed that Kurdistan belongs to all its people and encouraged the inclusion of all political voices, including the opposition. “Let the opposition be constructive, pushing the government and parliament to perform better.”
Barzani placed the primary responsibility on the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), urging them to finalize their negotiations swiftly. “They have made good progress, but time is of the essence. We need a government that can respond to growing regional and global crises.”
Erbil-Baghdad Relations: The Constitution as the Only Framework
On federal relations, President Barzani acknowledged some recent progress but warned that fundamental issues remain unresolved. He pointed to the 2005 Iraqi Constitution, crafted with Kurdish input and endorsed by 85% of the Iraqi population, as the foundational agreement that must guide future cooperation.
“Following the fall of the Baath regime in 2003, a new Iraq was envisioned based on three core principles: partnership, balance, and consensus. Unfortunately, these ideals were never fully upheld,” he remarked.
Barzani stressed that lasting solutions between Erbil and Baghdad—and for Iraq as a whole—require a return to these principles. “We must all, whether in Baghdad or the Kurdistan Region, have the courage to admit past mistakes and open a new chapter to prevent Iraq from slipping into deeper turmoil.”
Regional Turmoil and Kurdistan’s Responsibility
In light of escalating tensions across the Middle East, Barzani expressed concern about the impact of conflicts in Palestine, Lebanon, and elsewhere, and urged Iraqi leaders to shield the country from being drawn into these crises. “Those in charge in Baghdad must do everything in their power to keep Iraq neutral in these regional conflicts,” he said.
He concluded with a message of hope and solidarity, wishing peace and success for the people of Kurdistan, Iraq, and the broader region.
The 17th Erbil International Book Fair is one of the largest cultural events in the Kurdistan Region, drawing publishers, writers, and intellectuals from across the Middle East and beyond. It serves not only as a platform for literary exchange but also as a stage for national dialogue.
President Barzani’s remarks come at a critical juncture for the Kurdistan Region, which has faced prolonged political deadlock since the 2024 elections. Amid increasing economic pressures, public frustration, and geopolitical instability, his address seeks to galvanize unity and political will among Kurdish parties and reaffirm the Kurdistan Region’s commitment to a peaceful and constitutional relationship with the federal government in Baghdad.
