Masrour Barzani: The Strength of the Kurdistan Democratic Party Lies in Its Broad Popular Support
ARK News.. Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) Vice President Masrour Barzani on Thursday, October 16, 2025, urged the party’s supporters in Erbil to cast their votes in the upcoming Iraqi parliamentary elections, emphasizing the importance of choosing representatives who will defend their rights and convey their demands to Baghdad.
Speaking at a KDP campaign rally in Erbil, Barzani conveyed special greetings from President Masoud Barzani, the KDP leader, to the party’s members and supporters. He reaffirmed that “the Kurdistan Democratic Party will remain at the forefront of the people’s and popular struggle under the leadership of President Barzani.”
Highlighting the significance of the forthcoming elections, Barzani said: “Our competitors are only present in Baghdad. We must go to Baghdad to fight our constitutional battle.”
He added that the KDP’s participation in Baghdad aims to remove obstacles before Kurdistan’s development, redefine relations, and defend the rights of all Iraqis and communities through our representatives in Parliament.
“This,” he said, “is the moral essence of the Kurdistan Democratic Party.”
Barzani warned supporters that failing to vote or neglecting their electoral rights would allow “others to take over decision-making on your behalf,” stressing that “you will not obtain your rights nor find anyone to defend them.”
Concluding his remarks, Barzani stated that “the strength of the KDP is embodied in the strength of its vast popular base, whose votes will be the means to securing their legitimate rights.”
The Kurdistan Democratic Party is contesting the Iraqi parliamentary elections under List No. 275, aiming to secure the top position in both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region to ensure stronger representation and the defense of the region’s constitutional rights.
The campaign period for Iraq’s sixth parliamentary elections began on October 3, 2025, and will continue until November 8, 2025.
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Nechirvan Barzani: The Kurdistan Democratic Party Is the Guardian of the Kurdish People’s Achievements in Baghdad
ARK News.. A massive public rally was held today in Erbil in support of the Kurdistan Democratic Party’s (KDP) List No. 275 in the upcoming Iraqi parliamentary elections, attended by the party’s Vice President Nechirvan Barzani.
During his speech, Barzani addressed the Iraqi Constitution, stating:
“Most of the problems and crises between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad stem from the failure to implement the constitution.”
He emphasized that the implementation of the Iraqi Constitution is essential at this stage and that ensuring Kurdish rights and constitutional guarantees requires a strong Kurdish position in Baghdad.
Barzani thanked the attendees, saying: “You have given your party 800,000 votes in the past — this time, we want to reach one million.”
He continued: “President Barzani taught us that the party is a means, and Kurdistan is the shared goal of us all.”
The KDP Vice President stressed that a strong Kurdistan requires a strong representation in Baghdad, urging voters to send their party with determination to the Iraqi Parliament to fulfill the people’s aspirations.
Speaking proudly about his party’s legacy, Barzani said: “The Kurdistan Democratic Party carries the greatest legacy of pride in Kurdish struggle. Wherever the KDP exists, development follows.”
He affirmed that the people of Kurdistan have entrusted the KDP with the mission of progress and construction, describing it as the principal guardian of Kurdistan’s cause.
Barzani highlighted the achievements of the KDP-led administration in Erbil, saying: “What we have accomplished in reconstruction is only the beginning — much greater progress is coming from the Kurdistan Regional Government in the future.”
He added that peace, security, and coexistence in the Kurdistan Region stem from the vision and leadership of the KDP.
On the importance of the Iraqi parliamentary elections, Barzani said that political solutions in Iraq are achieved through the ballot box, urging citizens to vote for List No. 275: “When you go to vote, tell everyone that the identity of the Kurdistan Party is prosperity — its work is prosperity, and its path is peace and coexistence.”
Concluding his speech, Barzani underlined: “The Kurdistan Democratic Party is the guarantor of the Kurdish people’s achievements in Baghdad. If the KDP is strong in Baghdad, then Kurdistan will also be strong there.”
He also called on all Kurdish parties to unite in Baghdad to secure the rights of the Kurdistan Region’s citizens.
Nechirvan Barzani
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Sources Reveal Imminent Transfer of Eli Cohen’s Remains from Syria to Israel
ARK News.. Arab media sources have reported that the remains of Israeli spy Eli Cohen are expected to be transferred soon from Syria to Israel — nearly six decades after his execution in Damascus in 1965.
According to the reports, the transfer could take place in the near future, though no details were provided regarding the party overseeing the operation or its exact timing. The Syrian authorities have not issued any official confirmation.
In contrast, Nadia Cohen, the late spy’s widow, told Israel’s Ynet news site that the Mossad had no knowledge of any such plan, saying the agency was “unaware of this story.”
She expressed both hope and anticipation, adding: “Given what’s happening in Syria, there may be more flexibility. I have always been optimistic and never lost hope.”
Earlier this year, Israel carried out a covert operation inside Syrian territory, recovering around 2,500 documents and personal belongings that once belonged to Cohen.
Eli Cohen was born in Egypt in 1924 to a Jewish family and joined the Mossad in the early 1960s. He was later assigned a secret mission in Syria, where he infiltrated high-level political and military circles under the alias Kamel Amin Thaabet, before being discovered and executed by hanging in Damascus.
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Lavrov: Russia Not Insisting on Keeping Its Troops and Bases in Syria
ARK New.. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has revealed that Moscow is keen on maintaining constructive and friendly relations with Syria following immediate communication with the country’s new leadership.
He emphasized that President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly affirmed that Russia will not remain in Syria if the Syrian leadership no longer desires its presence.
Lavrov stated that “Moscow’s relationship with Damascus has always been one of genuine friendship rather than opportunism, which is why we resumed our contacts.” He added that President Putin had recently spoken directly with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa.
According to Lavrov, Russia had previously reached an international agreement involving the United States and several regional powers, but the deal was never implemented. He stressed that Moscow remains “deeply interested in continuing cooperation with the new government in Damascus.”
Lavrov explained that the Russian president has made it clear on several occasions that Moscow would not insist on remaining in Syria if the leadership there objected. However, “it seems that the Syrian authorities, along with some regional countries, are interested in our continued presence,” he noted.
He went on to say that the missions of Russia’s military bases in Syria should be redefined in light of the new circumstances. Among the new roles, Lavrov highlighted the possibility of establishing a humanitarian logistics center at Syria’s port and airport facilities to facilitate the delivery of aid shipments from Russia and the Gulf states to African countries.
Lavrov concluded that previously agreed-upon projects between Moscow and Damascus could be resumed and adapted to reflect the evolving situation on the ground.
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Nechirvan Barzani Meets with Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Discuss Regional Developments
ARK News.. Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region, traveled to the Turkish capital Ankara on Thursday for an official visit, where he is set to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
In a statement, the Kurdistan Region Presidency said: “This morning, Thursday, October 9, 2025, President Nechirvan Barzani departed Erbil for Ankara on an official visit.”
The statement added: “During his visit, President Barzani will meet with President Erdogan to discuss relations between Turkey, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region, as well as the overall situation in the region and a range of issues of mutual interest.”
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Masrour Barzani and Nicolo Fontana Emphasize Strengthening Kurdistan Region–Italy Relations
ARK News.. Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani received the Italian Ambassador to Iraq, Nicolo Fontana, on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.
During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed the importance of further strengthening bilateral relations across various sectors, particularly in agriculture and tourism.
The discussions also touched on the overall political situation in Iraq and ongoing preparations for the upcoming parliamentary elections.
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President Barzani receives Ammar al-Hakim, head of the National Wisdom Movement
ARK News.. President Masoud Barzani met with Ammar al-Hakim, leader of the National Wisdom Movement, in Pirmam.
The Barzani Headquarters announced that on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, President Barzani received Ammar al-Hakim, head of the National Wisdom Movement, and his accompanying delegation.
During the meeting, they discussed the political situation in Iraq and the wider region, as well as the obstacles and challenges facing the political process and the relations among Iraqi political parties.
The Barzani Headquarters added that President Barzani and Ammar al-Hakim also discussed the upcoming elections for the Iraqi Council of Representatives.
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President Barzani Extends Congratulations on the Occasion of the “Jama” Festival to Yazidi Sisters and Brothers
ARK News.. President Masoud Barzani congratulated the Kurdish Yazidis on the occasion of the Jama Festival, stressing that it is the duty of all parties to work toward protecting and strengthening the culture of coexistence and solidarity among all religious and ethnic communities in Kurdistan.
Below is the text of his message:
In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
I extend my warmest congratulations and blessings to all Yazidis in Kurdistan and around the world on the occasion of the Jama Festival.
The Yazidis are a cherished and inseparable part of the people of Kurdistan. Despite all the hardships and ordeals endured by our Yazidi sisters and brothers, including the imposition of an illegal and abnormal situation on Sinjar and their areas for several years—a matter that continues to concern us—the Kurdish Yazidis celebrate their religious festivals and occasions in peace and freedom, thanks to their strong faith and resilience.
On this occasion, I reaffirm that it is the duty of all parties to work for the protection and promotion of the culture and values of coexistence and unity among all religious and ethnic components of Kurdistan.
May your festival be blessed, and may you remain in happiness and well-being.
Masoud Barzani
October 6, 2025
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Masrour Barzani to Kurdistan’s Youth: Love Your Homeland and Believe in Yourselves
ARK News.. Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani affirmed that youth represent the nation’s hope and future, congratulating the organizers of the eighth “TEDx Nishtiman” conference and wishing them continued success.
Speaking at the event held at the Saad Abdullah Hall in Erbil, Prime Minister Barzani said:
“Youth are the hope and future of our homeland. I congratulate the organizers of "TEDx Nishtiman" and wish them lasting success. They are making efforts to strengthen the self-confidence of young people and raise awareness of their potential.”
He noted that “all sides have tried to discourage us, to instill despair, and to strip us of hope in our ability to develop our country. They created obstacles, stirred chaos, withheld our budget, provoked political crises, and caused us security and stability challenges.”
Barzani continued: “But thanks to the resilience of our beloved people, and with the support of all our esteemed partners, we have managed to overcome all these challenges. Not only will we continue to surmount these crises one after another, but we will also move forward steadily toward a more prosperous future, achieving major successes across various fields.”
Addressing Kurdistan’s youth, Prime Minister Barzani shared personal advice:
“Above all, you must love your homeland. Before coming here, I met two young people who asked me for two pieces of advice. I told them: first, love your homeland; second, believe in yourselves.”
He added: “Our response to anyone who wants to separate youth from their homeland is this: our young people know better than anyone the value of this land, for they understand that its soil is soaked with the blood of our martyrs, and every particle of this soil is sacred.”
Barzani further pointed to one of his government’s key achievements: diversifying Kurdistan’s economy beyond oil and gas. He highlighted efforts to bring farmers back to their lands and boost local production so that Kurdistan not only meets its domestic needs but also exports to international markets.
“For the first time, Kurdistan’s local products have been exported abroad, and the process is ongoing. This is a source of great pride for us,” he said.
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63rd Anniversary of the Exceptional Census that Stripped Kurds of Syrian Citizenship
ARK News.. Today, Sunday, October 5, 2025, marks the 63rd anniversary of the "Exceptional Census" of October 5, 1962, which stripped more than 300,000 Kurds in Syria’s Jazira region of their Syrian citizenship, according to Amnesty International’s 2011 report.
Following the Ba’ath Party’s seizure of power in 1963, successive Syrian governments pursued policies of Arabization, including changing Kurdish place names, banning Kurdish cultural expression, prohibiting Kurdish names for newborns, and implementing the “Arab Belt” project under Law No. 75 of 1964, which declared Hasaka a “border province.” Kurdish farmers were banned from owning agricultural land, reducing them to tenants on their own properties through annual leasing contracts with the Ministry of Agriculture.
The exceptional census, carried out under President Nazim al-Qudsi and Prime Minister Basheer al-Azma, divided Syria’s Kurds into three categories:
Full Syrian citizens.
Kurds stripped of citizenship, registered as “foreigners.”
Kurds deprived of nationality and unrecorded in civil registries, labeled “Maktoumeen” (“unregistered”).
This classification also extended to children born to mixed-status parents—such as an “unregistered” mother and a foreign father—further perpetuating statelessness across generations.
As a result of this discriminatory measure, hundreds of thousands of Kurds were denied basic civil, political, and economic rights tied to citizenship: the right to vote, work, travel, own property, register marriages and births, or perform military service. Stateless Kurds lived in a state of social exclusion marked by poverty, unemployment, and systemic discrimination.
Despite decades of protests, appeals, and promises by Syrian authorities to resolve the issue, the injustice persisted. In fact, conditions worsened with Legislative Decree No. 49 of September 10, 2008, which prohibited the registration of property transactions in border areas, further eroding Kurdish rights.
The Syrian National Organization for Human Rights described the census and its aftermath as a clear violation of Syrian nationality law and international human rights conventions ratified by Syria, warning of the damage inflicted on the country’s social fabric and national unity.
Although deposed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad issued Legislative Decree No. 49 in 2011 granting citizenship to Kurds registered as “foreigners” in Hasaka in a bid to win Kurdish support during the uprising, the move failed to sway the Kurdish population after five decades of repression. For many, citizenship alone could not compensate for decades of dispossession and denied rights.
The Kurdish community had already risen up in 2004 against Ba’athist oppression, sacrificing dozens of lives, with hundreds wounded and thousands detained. When the Syrian revolution erupted in 2011, Kurdish youth joined the uprising in mass, signaling that the legacy of the exceptional census and Ba’athist rule could not be erased with token gestures.
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