President Barzani: We Reject Dictatorship in All Its Forms
ARK News.. President Masoud Barzani met on Wednesday evening, October 29, 2025, in the city of Duhok, with representatives of various social and community groups from Nineveh and Sinjar.
In his address, President Barzani emphasized that Nineveh and Mosul, with their people and land, hold a special place in the hearts of the Kurdish people, describing them as a natural extension of the Kurdistan Region, particularly of Duhok and Erbil, and vice versa. He highlighted the deep historical ties that bind these areas, calling Nineveh “a miniature Iraq” that embodies the spirit of coexistence among its diverse communities.
Reflecting on the battle against ISIS and the role of the Peshmerga forces in liberating Nineveh and Sinjar, President Barzani said: “We witnessed what happened in the region and how the Peshmerga protected all communities, sacrificing their lives for the safety of civilians in Nineveh, Duhok, and other regions. The number of Peshmerga martyrs and wounded in this battle reached 12,000.”
Reaffirming the Kurdistan Region’s humanitarian commitment, Barzani stated that Kurdistan has always been — and will remain — a safe haven for all Iraqis without distinction, offering refuge to those in need regardless of ethnicity or religion.
He noted that ISIS committed heinous crimes that deeply harmed the region and its values of brotherhood and coexistence. Yet, thanks to the dedication of sincere people from all faiths and communities, the region managed to overcome that dark chapter.
Barzani drew a distinction between political disputes with the authorities and the social bonds among people, urging everyone not to let political circumstances harm the sacred ties that connect the peoples of Iraq.
Regarding the upcoming sixth parliamentary elections, President Barzani expressed hope that the vote would produce different results from previous ones and help restore Iraq’s political process to the right path — based on the principles of partnership, balance, and consensus, and full adherence to the constitution.
Touching on the Iraqi constitution, he stressed that it clearly defines rights and responsibilities, saying it contains sufficient guarantees to protect and honor all Iraqis. Addressing Articles 111 and 112 — related to oil and gas — Barzani called for a return to constitutional principles, stating:
“If they reject federalism, the constitution, or the Kurdistan Region itself, then we reject dictatorship in all its forms.”
He further emphasized that Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) candidates were instructed to represent all Iraqis and their diverse communities, not just the Kurdistan Region.
Recalling the September Revolution, Barzani noted: “At no time did we ever take any action that harmed Iraqi citizens — from the south to the north.”
In his closing remarks, President Barzani addressed the people of Nineveh and Sinjar, saying: “Vote for the individuals and parties who will serve you and defend your rights. The choice is yours, and you are free to make it. We do not pay heed to those issuing threats — such voices are merely the noise of election fever. We know they do not represent the true will of the people, especially the Arab street.”
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