Prime Minister Barzani urges vigilance on anniversary of UN Resolution 688

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) - The Kurdistan Regiona's Prime Minister Masrour Barzani marked the 33rd anniversary of the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 688 with a poignant message, highlighting ongoing threats to the Kurdish nation and their rights.

Resolution 688, passed on April 5, 1991, stands as a landmark response to the brutal attacks launched by the former Iraqi regime against millions of Kurdish people marching towards the borders.

Prime Minister Barzani emphasized the pivotal role of this resolution in establishing the no-fly zone, which served to curtail the oppressive actions of the Ba'ath regime and safeguard Kurdistan from further genocide, ultimately leading to the formation of the Kurdistan Region.

In his address, Prime Minister Barzani expressed profound gratitude for the unwavering support and cooperation of the international community, particularly singling out the United States, Britain, and France.

He paid tribute to “late figures such as former French President Francois Mitterrand and former US President George H. W. Bush, along with former British Prime Minister John Major and former US Secretary of State James Baker”, all of whom played crucial roles in advancing the Kurdish cause.

Moreover, Prime Minister Barzani extended appreciation to neighboring countries Iran and Turkey for “their assistance in accommodating hundreds of thousands of refugees” during those eventful days, underscoring the importance of regional solidarity in times of crisis.

Despite the significant strides made since the adoption of Resolution 688, Prime Minister Barzani cautioned against complacency, reiterating that threats to the Kurdish nation and their rights persist.

He called upon the international community to maintain a steadfast commitment to protecting the Kurdish population and upholding their legitimate rights, thereby preventing the recurrence of genocide and rights violations.