Masrour Barzani: Peshmerga Symbolize the Struggle and Identity of the People of Kurdistan

ARK News.. Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani announced at an official ceremony the historic completion of the unification and reorganization of the Kurdistan Peshmerga Forces and their full integration under the umbrella of the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs, in implementation of the ministerial program of the ninth cabinet and in cooperation with the United States and the international coalition.

The ceremony was attended by Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, Director of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces Abdul Amir al-Shammari, and a number of senior officials and guests.

In his speech, the prime minister described the occasion as a “historic day for Kurdistan and the Peshmerga and a very special day,” noting that his government had pledged from its first day in office to devote all its efforts to achieving this goal.

He said that after four years of intensive work and continuous meetings, the unification and reorganization process had been successfully completed under the framework of the memorandum of understanding signed between the U.S. Department of Defense and the Kurdistan Regional Government.

Barzani praised the leadership and direct oversight of President Masoud Barzani, commending his lifelong commitment to serving the Peshmerga cause and preserving its status. He also thanked Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani for his continued support and active role in advancing the reform process, as well as Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani for his cooperation and coordination in completing the process.

The Prime Minister also expressed his appreciation to the United States and the international coalition for their decisive support in defeating ISIS and consolidating security and stability in the Region. He praised the efforts of the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs and its personnel, particularly Minister Shorsh Ismail, Deputy Minister Abdul Khaliq Babiri, and Chief of Staff Issa Uzair, as well as all officers, commanders, and fighters.

Barzani stressed that the unification of the Peshmerga represents “the first stage in a long process,” saying the next phase would be even more important and would focus on building and developing the Peshmerga’s overall capabilities, particularly human resources, while improving physical training and military awareness in line with international military standards and norms.

He said the goal was to establish a professional and organized national force capable of protecting the security of Kurdistan and confronting emerging challenges.

“The Peshmerga represent a symbol of struggle and the identity of the struggle of the people of Kurdistan,” Barzani said, recalling their role in defending all components of society, fighting terrorism, and protecting the values of freedom, democracy, and peaceful coexistence.

Peshmerga and Iraq’s Federal Defense System

Regarding relations with the federal government, Barzani said the Peshmerga are a constitutional force and a key component of Iraq’s defense system, serving as a safeguard for peace and stability. He stressed the need to strengthen security and military coordination and cooperation between the Peshmerga and the Iraqi Army.

In this context, he reaffirmed his government’s readiness to support Iraqi Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ali al-Zaydi in strengthening this partnership, and called on the federal government to guarantee the Peshmerga’s constitutional rights and ensure that their salaries and financial entitlements are equal to those of their counterparts in the Iraqi Army.

Barzani said all military formations had been officially incorporated into a modern and unified structure under the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs, covering operations, training, command and control, media, and financial administration.

He stressed that while political affiliation is a personal right, national and Kurdistan-oriented loyalty must be the sole criterion for members of the Peshmerga Forces. He called for full adherence to the military chain of command, hierarchy, and decisions of the ministry.

The Prime Minister also prohibited the use of the Peshmerga in partisan or internal political disputes, stressing that their highest mission is to defend the land and people of Kurdistan without discrimination and to remain a force for peace and stability in Iraq and the region.

Barzani concluded his speech by congratulating the people of Kurdistan on the historic achievement and paying tribute to the souls of the martyrs. He expressed deep gratitude to their families, as well as to wounded personnel, people with disabilities, and retired Peshmerga members, and prayed for the protection of Kurdistan and the Peshmerga from all harm.

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