Nechirvan Barzani: Kurdish Unity on a Peaceful Resolution for Syria Is a Source of Joy

ARK News.. President of the Kurdistan Region Nechirvan Barzani reaffirmed that federalism is the true guarantor of the rights of all Iraqi components without discrimination, describing the Kurdistan Region as a pillar of stability and security capable of playing a vital role in fostering peace in the region.

Speaking at the Sulaymaniyah Forum on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, President Barzani stated:
“We in the Kurdistan Region believe that the international community must bear its shared responsibility for global issues that affect all of humanity.”

Below is the full text of President Nechirvan Barzani's speech:

I am truly pleased to be here with you today in the historic and beloved city of Sulaymaniyah, taking part in this important forum. Sulaymaniyah has always been a beacon of intellect, culture, and political pluralism—an enduring fortress of patriotism. The Sulaymaniyah Forum has now become a vital platform for dialogue and for exchanging views on regional and global affairs.

I extend my warmest appreciation to my dear brother Dr. Barham Salih and all the organizers of this forum, along with the American University of Iraq–Sulaymaniyah. I am confident that your discussions will yield constructive outcomes and innovative ideas for addressing our collective challenges.

Distinguished guests,

This forum is being held at a time when the world is undergoing major geopolitical shifts, altering the nature of international relations and potentially reshaping regional and global balances. Ongoing wars and conflicts in places like Ukraine and Gaza, coupled with intensifying economic competition between major powers, are also impacting our region.

Simultaneously, the world faces collective challenges—most notably climate change, which threatens food security, along with migration, terrorism, and other dangers to global stability. In Iraq, we are already witnessing the tangible effects of these crises, such as widespread internal displacement due to water shortages.

In the Kurdistan Region, we strongly believe in international cooperation and joint efforts to confront such challenges. The international community must fulfill its collective duty toward global concerns that affect us all.

Amid these challenges, we welcome the positive regional developments aimed at achieving peace. The recent peace initiative in Turkey presents a historic opportunity. We wholeheartedly support this process, as it could enhance stability and foster constructive cooperation across the region.

Peace is a powerful force. Pursuing peace is the path of the strong and the faithful. Peace is not a defeat for anyone—rather, it is a collective victory that brings prosperity to all. The power of peace surpasses that of any war.

The Kurdish people have always embraced peace, and whenever a glimpse of hope for peace appears, they welcome it with open arms. All individuals and political entities in Kurdistan should believe in this peaceful will of our people.

It brings us great joy that all Kurdish parties have united around a peaceful solution to the Kurdish issue in Syria. This consensus and their recent steps toward unifying their demands are commendable. We hope they will succeed, together with the Syrian government, in building a democratic Syria that ensures the rights of all national and ethnic communities and serves as a source of regional stability.

Syria’s future government must represent all its people without discrimination and guarantee the rights and participation of all communities.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The Kurdistan Region has proven time and again that it is a source of stability and peace. We remain committed to playing a constructive role in promoting security and peaceful coexistence in the region. We aim to strengthen relations with neighboring countries and the international community based on mutual respect and shared interests.

We are firm believers in integration between the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and surrounding countries to achieve sustainable development and regional stability. Through diplomatic dialogue and peaceful solutions, cooperation between the Kurdistan Region, Baghdad, and neighboring countries will create new opportunities for all.

The progress of the Kurdistan Region as a part of Iraq is closely linked to Iraq’s stability, and the Region's development represents a powerful asset for the entire country.

The past century has clearly shown that denying the rights of the Kurdish people has only led to war, chaos, destruction, and suffering—not just for Kurds, but for the entire region.

History has taught us a painful but vital lesson: any attempt to erase a people of tens of millions, living in their homeland in the Middle East, can never bring peace. Rather, it will perpetuate fear, conflict, and instability.

Therefore, the time has come to seriously address this issue. Together, let us extend hands of friendship and build lasting peace founded on coexistence, mutual acceptance, and voluntary cooperation, paving the way for a bright and secure future for all generations in the region.

There is now a real opportunity in every country where Kurds and other communities live together—sharing thousands of years of history—to resolve internal issues based on each country’s specific context, through dialogue and peaceful means.

The Kurdish people are an indigenous and major nation in the region. Peace will significantly amplify their role in regional development, bringing greater strength and prosperity to all.

Distinguished guests,

Regarding our relationship with the federal government in Baghdad, we reaffirm our commitment to the Iraqi Constitution as the framework for resolving all disputes. We believe that its core principles—federalism, pluralism, and partnership—are the true guarantees for the rights of all Iraqis.

Recent months have witnessed notable progress in resolving outstanding issues between Erbil and Baghdad, thanks to the commendable efforts of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani. His approach of emphasizing common ground and minimizing divisions is a wise path forward.

I want to emphasize the urgent implementation of the Property Restitution Law and the activation of the Article 140 Committee as outlined in the Iraqi Constitution.

We will continue constructive dialogue with Baghdad to reach lasting solutions that serve Iraq’s interests and protect the constitutional rights of all components.

To the people of Kurdistan, and all present here,

Under the current regional circumstances, it is essential to activate the Kurdistan Parliament. The primary duty of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, and the winning parties from the last parliamentary elections must now be to swiftly form a new cabinet—one that is responsive to citizens’ needs and capable of navigating today’s challenges.

I also take this opportunity to extend heartfelt congratulations to the people of Halabja on the official establishment of Halabja Governorate. We are committed to seizing this moment as an opportunity to improve services for the city and its residents.

Finally, on behalf of all participants, I extend my congratulations to Duhok Sports Club for winning the Gulf Club Championship. You are a source of pride for both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

Wishing you all a successful and joyful day.

Thank you very much.

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