President Barzani, France, and Its People Will Always Remain in the Hearts of the Kurdish Nation
ARK News.. Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani affirmed today that the Peshmerga will continue to defend human rights, freedom, and democracy, stressing that “France and its people will always remain in the hearts of the Kurdish nation.”
President Barzani made the remarks during a ceremony in Paris marking the inauguration of a pathway named after the Peshmerga and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque honoring their sacrifices.
“Today is a historic day for the Kurdish people,” Barzani said, expressing gratitude to France for naming a Parisian pathway after the Peshmerga. “France has always treated the Kurdish people with humanity and friendship, and it was the first European country to allow the establishment of the Kurdistan Institute in Paris.”
“The Peshmerga fulfilled a sacred duty,” he continued. “This tribute today reflects not only respect for their sacrifices, but also the deep friendship between the Kurdish and French peoples.”
Barzani recalled the war against ISIS, noting that 12,000 Peshmerga fighters were killed or wounded. “Despite the heavy price, they achieved a great victory for the people of Kurdistan,” he said.
The Kurdish leader underlined the unwavering stance of France on the Kurdish cause. “Although many presidents and governments have changed, France’s position toward the Kurds has never shifted,” he said.
He recalled his first official reception in Europe in 1992: “President François Mitterrand was the first European head of state to welcome me, and his wife, Danielle Mitterrand, was the first European woman to shed tears for the victims of the Kurdish people.”
Barzani closed his speech by reaffirming the strength of Kurdish–French relations
“As long as there are Kurds, they will remain grateful to the French people. France and its people will always be in the hearts of the Kurdish nation. Long live Paris, long live Erbil, and long live the friendship between our two peoples.”
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