Kurdistan: the Glorious Past and the Exciting Future

[Anthea]

Prominent politician warns KRG

cabinet could be further delayed

Lahur Talabany, leader of the People’s Front (Baray Gal), said on Wednesday that one of the ruling parties is deliberately stalling the formation of the new cabinet until the upcoming Iraqi parliamentary elections, seemingly to link the talks with the distribution of positions in Baghdad

"From what I see on both sides, I do not expect them to form a government quickly," Lahur Talabany told Rudaw’s Sangar Abdulrahman.

"I hear from here and there that one of them [Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) or Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK)] wants to delay the matter until the Iraqi elections, to negotiate positions there together - discussing positions like the Iraqi presidency, Kurdistan Region Presidency, and Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) premiership in one package,” Lahur Talabany added without naming which party.

The Kurdistan Region’s parliamentary elections took place on October 20, but political parties have yet to finalize an agreement on forming a new cabinet. The KDP and PUK have held multiple meetings, with officials from both sides expressing optimism about reaching a final deal before Iraq’s general elections, scheduled for November 11.

In its only session held on December 2, the Kurdistan Region’s legislature failed to elect a speaker, deputy speaker, or secretary. No further sessions have been scheduled, as lawmakers await the outcome of government formation talks between the KDP and PUK

The KDP came out on top in the last elections, securing 39 spots in the 100-member legislature. The PUK came in second with 23 seats. Since no single party won a majority, a governing coalition will need to be formed, as has traditionally been the case.

Negotiations are ongoing but have yet to produce concrete results, and discussions over the distribution of governmental, presidential, and parliamentary posts in the Kurdistan Region have not yet begun.

The Iraqi Council of Ministers last week set November 11, 2025, as the date for the next legislative elections.

The PUK had grappled for years over who would succeed the late party leader and Iraqi president Jalal Talabani, who died in October 2017. Eventually, Bafel Talabani, the son of the late Talabani, and cousin Lahur Talabany were elected as co-chairs of the PUK in February 2020.

Their internal issues surfaced in 2021, when Bafel Talabani changed the leadership of the party’s intelligence agency and counter-terrorism units, which were affiliated with Lahur Talabany, replacing them with individuals loyal to himself—effectively ousting Lahur from power

In January 2022, Lahur Talabany founded Baray Gal, which secured only two seats in the Kurdistan Region’s latest parliamentary elections.

“The election was rigged and designed,” he claimed, in the interview with Rudaw, adding that his party refuses to join a government if offered positions are based only on the two seats they have won.

“Our support is in the streets, not in ballot boxes,” he said.

He further stated that he is skeptical about the ability of the KDP and PUK to form “a unified government where party influence is removed.”

“I will be the first to strongly oppose you if I see you forming a government that is just for show, saying there's one Kurdistan Region and one government, but in reality it is two governments, two zones, with parties making decisions instead of government institutions,” he said, noting that he conveyed this stance to Kurdistan Region Prime Minister and KDP deputy leader Masrour Barzani in a phone call, where he was asked to participate in the government

“We are making preparations [for the Iraqi elections],” Talabani added, saying that the likelihood of elections being held on time depends on the outcome of ongoing talks between Washington and Tehran regarding Iran’s nuclear program. “I believe if Iran and the US don't reach some agreement, the Iraqi parliamentary elections won't happen, or there will be problems created for it in Baghdad.”

Regarding tensions in the region and US policy, Talabani said he believes US threats against armed groups in Iraq are serious. “These groups have become a threat to US's interests and its allies in the region. In the past, they operated outside the law and the Iraqi government’s authority, making certain decisions and movements. This time they must end these movements, either peacefully or forcefully.”

He expressed doubt over Baghdad’s ability to control these groups. “I heard Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani saying the Popular Mobilization Forces are under control, but I do not think so. The Iraqi government did not order them to fire missiles at Israel and American ships, but we saw most threats came from Iraq. So, they were not under the government control.”

On the situation in Syria, Talabani said that while Kurds there have established a degree of autonomy, the future depends on negotiations with Turkey. “They fought ISIS [Islamic State], they control certain things, including ISIS prisoners, which is important for European countries and US.

He criticized the interim Syrian constitution for excluding Kurdish rights. “He [Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa] could have shown good intentions. Instead, by closing the door on everyone, he has opened the door to regional intervention.”

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/170420251

[Anthea]

KDP, PUK Reach Agreement

on ‘MyAccount’ Project

The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) have reached a political agreement over the MyAccount initiative, easing a major point of contention in the Kurdistan Region’s financial reform efforts and government formation talks, according to sources familiar with the negotiations

The agreement grants oversight of MyAccount to the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Ministry of Finance, removing it from the direct purview of the prime minister’s office. In addition, the government will cease deducting fees from civil servants’ accounts, and all contract details signed with participating banks will be shared with the PUK.

These changes have paved the way for the PUK to support the project, marking a major shift from the party’s earlier opposition. For months, the PUK had resisted MyAccount, instead promoting Baghdad’s Tawtin (localization) system as a more trustworthy alternative for public sector salary payments, particularly in areas like Sulaymaniyah

First launched in March 2023, MyAccount was developed by the KRG as a digital salary payment system designed to increase transparency, reduce cash handling, and integrate public sector employees into the formal banking system. It was positioned as an alternative to the Iraqi federal government’s Tawtin initiative, which also seeks to pay state employees via bank transfers rather than in cash.

However, political rivalries delayed its acceptance. Critics, including prominent PUK leaders, claimed the initiative lacked transparency and centralized too much authority under the office of Prime Minister Masrour Barzani. During the 2024 election campaign, the PUK strongly urged civil servants in its strongholds not to register for MyAccount, arguing it was politically driven and unreliable.

The deadlock softened earlier this year, as negotiations over government formation created new opportunities for compromise. PUK President Bafel Talabani acknowledged in February that discussions over both MyAccount and Tawtin were progressing constructively, citing the cooperation of PM Barzani.

The political thaw now appears to be delivering results. As of March, more than 732,000 public sector employees had registered for MyAccount across the Kurdistan Region. Over 405,000 had received debit cards, and more than 550 ATMs had been installed to support the program.

The agreement not only removes a major partisan stumbling block but also signals broader willingness among Kurdistan Region parties to cooperate on financial and administrative reforms amid ongoing efforts to secure regular federal budget transfers from Baghdad and improve public services.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/881251

Seems as though the TRAITOR Bafel Talabani has been trying to sell Kurds out to Iraq AGAIN

[Anthea]

Kurdish Leaders Praise Coexistence

Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani, president of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), and Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani each released separate statements on Sunday to extend Easter greetings to Christian communities in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and around the world, emphasizing peaceful coexistence and shared values

Barzani wrote in his message: “I extend my warmest congratulations to our Christian brothers and sisters in Kurdistan, Iraq, and the world on the resurrection of Jesus Christ (peace be upon him).” He added, “On this occasion, we reiterate our commitment to the culture of coexistence, brotherhood, and harmony among all religious and ethnic communities in Kurdistan.” Barzani praised the Region’s culture of tolerance as a source of pride and emphasized the need to safeguard and enrich this legacy for future generations. He concluded by wishing all Christian communities a joyful Easter celebrated in peace and stability.

PM Barzani also issued a separate message to mark the occasion. “On the occasion of Easter, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our Christian brothers and sisters in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the world,” he said. “I hope this sacred occasion becomes a reason for peace, security, and stronger foundations of coexistence, unity, and mutual respect among all components of Kurdistan.” PM Barzani emphasized the importance of intercommunal unity and expressed hope for a future where all citizens celebrate their traditions in peace.

Christians across the Kurdistan Region marked Easter this weekend with church services and family gatherings, continuing a long tradition of religious freedom and inclusion that defines Kurdish society.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/881237

[Anthea]

KDP reviews candidates

for ministerial posts

The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) has begun an internal selection process for ministerial posts in the upcoming tenth cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), as cabinet formation talks with the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) continue.

According to information obtained by Rudaw, KDP cadres have begun submitting resumes through internal party channels to be considered for ministerial positions in the new cabinet.

Bafel Talabani resume

Illegal coup to remove Lahor Şêx Cengi Talabani from his position as joint chair of PUK

Plus illegal removal of Lahor's government supporters

Turning traitor to the entire nation of Kurdistan by preforming TREASON giving Kurdish land to Iraq

Remember that by giving away Kurdish land Bafel Talabani went against the referendum in which over 90% of Kurds voted for independence and destroyed Kurdistan's chance of independence

I am positive that something underhanded took place during the elections with the help of Iraq, we know that the PUK soldiers were used to intimidate people as they voted

The KDP has also formed a committee to review the applications. The committee is chaired by Pishtwan Sadiq, the KRG’s current Minister of Endowment and senior KDP figure.

The development follows the joint statement issued by the KDP and the PUK on Tuesday, declaring that the two ruling parties had made “positive steps and good progress” in ongoing government formation talks. The statement followed a meeting between the parties’ negotiating delegations.

Rudaw had learned that Tuesday’s talks focused on the distribution of ministerial portfolios in the anticipated cabinet.

The Kurdistan Region held delayed parliamentary elections in October. The KDP emerged as the leading party with 39 seats in the 100-member legislature, followed by the PUK with 23 seats. As no single party won a majority, a governing coalition will need to be formed, as has traditionally been the case.

Fadhil Basharati, a former Kurdistan parliament lawmaker representing the KDP, said on Tuesday that the PUK is seeking the interior ministry portfolio in the upcoming cabinet.

Speaking to Rudaw’s Sangar Abdulrahman, Basharati noted that the PUK “has asked for the interior ministry, as far as I know." He argued however that based on "the election results,” the interior minister position should be allocated to the winning party - the KDP

Basharati further stressed that “in light of the election results, the prime minister position has been agreed upon, and it is the KDP's right to fill it."

Previous statements from the KDP and PUK had underscored the need to develop a robust and inclusive governance mechanism.

Importantly, the delay in government formation has also had a significant impact on the Kurdistan Region’s legislative authority.

Since the October elections, the Region’s parliament has convened only once in early December, during which no speaker, deputy speaker, or secretary were elected. No further sessions have been scheduled, as lawmakers are seemingly awaiting the outcome of the government formation talks between the KDP and PUK.

In my valued opinion Bafel Talabani is the MOST EVIL Kurd to ever walk the face of the earth and deserves to be in PRISON not government

[Anthea]

Kurdish Journalism a Tool for Our Cause

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Marking 127 years since the birth of Kurdish journalism, President Masoud Barzani issued a heartfelt message celebrating the pivotal role of the press in preserving Kurdish national identity, advocating for the Kurdish cause on the world stage, and promoting a culture of peace and coexistence

In his message, President Barzani extended warm congratulations to all journalists and media workers in the Kurdistan Region. Emphasizing the multifaceted power of the press, he wrote, "Journalism and media work are important factors in promoting national awareness and preserving and enriching the Kurdish language. At the same time, Kurdish media and journalism are powerful tools for introducing our people's rightful cause to the world."

Barzani underscored the significance of Kurdish journalism not only as a cultural force but as a strategic asset in the struggle for recognition and justice. He also highlighted the media’s role in nurturing the Region’s values of peaceful coexistence and tolerance: "They are also effective means for preserving the culture of coexistence and deepening the peace-loving culture and tolerance of the people of Kurdistan."

Calling for professional integrity, the President urged media professionals to approach their responsibilities with commitment and care. “I ask all dear journalists and media professionals to deal professionally with events and developments in their work and to consider the values and interests of our people,” he said.

Kurdish Journalism Day is widely celebrated through conferences, exhibitions, and public statements, reflecting on the sacrifices and perseverance of generations of Kurdish journalists who faced censorship, exile, and hardship in their pursuit of truth and identity. From the first issue of Kurdistan—published by Mir Mikdad Midhat Bedir Khan in Cairo—to today’s vibrant media landscape, the press continues to be an essential force in the life of the Kurdish people.

President Barzani concluded his message by expressing hope for continued success in the field: “I wish success and continuity for all journalists in Kurdistan.”

Tuesday, April 22, 2025, commemorates the anniversary of the publication of the first Kurdish newspaper, Kurdistan, in 1898—a milestone that laid the foundations for Kurdish media in the modern era. The occasion is recognized annually as Kurdish Journalism Day and also marks the anniversary of the establishment of the Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/836358/kurdish-journalism-a-tool-for-our-just-cause-says-president-barzani

[Anthea]

Prayer and Pluralism in Kurdistan

Set a Model for the Entire Region

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – On the sidelines of the Kurdistan National Prayer Breakfast Day in Erbil on Wednesday, Nadine Maenza, President of the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Secretariat, hailed the Kurdistan Region as a powerful model of interfaith harmony, describing the event as “a beautiful moment” that reflects a deeper commitment to religious coexistence, human dignity, and regional peacebuilding

In an interview with Kurdistan24, Maenza said the Kurdistan National Prayer Breakfast in Erbil had successfully brought together global dignitaries and local leaders in a shared message of unity:

“It’s wonderful to see this government stand up for religious freedom, include leaders from around the world, but also leaders from their own communities… We have a truly remarkable mix of people standing for peace and social cohesion—which is what all the people in the region really want.”

“No Peace Without Social Cohesion”

Maenza emphasized that true stability in the Middle East cannot be achieved without addressing the core issue of sectarian division.

“We can’t have peace and stability, especially in this region, if there isn’t that social cohesion among the different religious communities,” she said, noting that in places like Syria and Damascus, years of sectarian conflict have left deep scars that still require healing.

In contrast, she praised the Kurdistan Region for actively maintaining harmony among its religious groups and for ensuring that leaders continue to speak publicly about the importance of inclusion.

Faith Without Division

Maenza rejected the notion that living peacefully with those of other faiths means compromising religious conviction.

“It’s not compromising your religion to live in peace with neighbors who believe differently,” she explained. “Our differences are what make this beautiful. We don’t become less religious by working together—we maintain our full beliefs while still affirming the human dignity of others.”

The act of praying together across religious lines, she added, sends a profound message that unity is achievable without theological conformity.

“Even though we’re praying together, we’re not necessarily agreeing with each other’s beliefs—and that’s what makes it even more beautiful. We can all be deeply religious people and still live in peace with one another.”

A Model for the Middle East

Describing the Kurdistan National Prayer Breakfast Day as both “a spiritual and diplomatic innovation,” Maenza said she hopes similar initiatives will be replicated in other capitals across the region.

“The Kurdish people are showing that they believe in coexistence, they believe in tolerance, and they believe in modeling peace and stability not only for themselves, but for the broader Middle East,” she said. “This event—with its policy discussions—offers a unique and hopeful way to inspire unity.”

The Kurdistan National Prayer Breakfast Day, held for the first time in Erbil, brought together more than 400 religious, political, and cultural leaders from across Iraq, the Kurdistan Region, the Middle East, Europe, and the United States. Under the banner “Toward Unity in Faith,” the event highlighted Kurdistan’s unique role as a beacon of tolerance and inclusion in a region often fractured by sectarian divisions.

In closing, Maenza noted, “This gathering proves that strong religious identity and deep mutual respect are not only compatible—but essential—for building a peaceful future.”

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/83 ... ire-region

[Anthea]

Peshmerga Unification to Be
Completed in Next Cabinet

Kurdistan’s Minister of Peshmerga Affairs, Shorish Ismail, announced that the unification of the Peshmerga forces is expected to be finalized under the next Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) cabinet

Speaking to Kurdistan 24, Ismail emphasized that a decision has been made and that there is strong political will from all sides to establish a unified, national Peshmerga force.

“Serious steps have also been taken regarding air defense,” he said, adding that cooperation with the Coalition forces remains steady and unhindered.

Ismail stressed that continued reforms within the Ministry of Peshmerga and serious efforts toward unification are essential to strengthening the force’s capabilities and securing broader international support.

He further revealed that the plan involves restructuring the Peshmerga into 11 divisions, encompassing Support Forces One and Two, along with two Military Regional Commands, drawn from the existing 138,000 personnel.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/882082

Just keep the TRAITOR Bafel Talabani away from any form of control

[Anthea]

KDP, PUK yet to reach agreement

on government positions

The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) met on Monday in the Dukan district of Sulaimani province to discuss the formation of the new Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) cabinet. However, no final agreement was reached on the allocation of key government posts, sources told Rudaw

The KDP delegation was led by Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, who also serves as the party’s deputy head. The PUK delegation was headed by the traitor Bafel Talabani and included Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, a senior PUK figure.

A PUK delegation member, speaking to Rudaw on condition of anonymity, said the meeting "proceeded in a positive and good atmosphere," but noted that no final decisions were made regarding cabinet positions.

For his part, a member of the KDP’s central committee also told Rudaw that the meeting between the two ruling parties was “good.” Speaking on condition that his name be withheld, the KDP figure noted that the PUK had requested several sovereign ministerial portfolios.

Sovereign portfolios traditionally refers to the topmost important ministries in a cabinet, including the defense, interior, foreign, finance and justice ministerial portfolios.

In the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), the Peshmerga ministry functions as the equivalent of a defense ministry.

The same KDP source added to Rudaw that his party only “offered one sovereign ministry” to the PUK: the Peshmerga ministry. Rudaw’s correspondent in Dukan, Peshawa Bakhtyar, confirmed that the KDP additionally agreed to hand over the finance ministry.

However, according to Bakhtyar, the PUK additionally demanded the positions of interior and natural resources ministers, as well as the post of chancellor of the Kurdistan Region Security Council (KRSC). The PUK also requested that the authorities and duties of the Kurdistan Region’s Deputy PM Qubad Talabani be defined in writing.

The KDP reportedly rejected the aforementioned demands. Accordingly, further talks will be held.

Of note, a former Kurdistan parliament lawmaker representing the KDP, Fadhil Basharati, told Rudaw on Tuesday that the PUK is seeking certain government positions that, based on "the election results,” should be allocated to the winning party - the KDP.

The Kurdistan Region held delayed parliamentary elections in October. The KDP emerged as the leading party with 39 seats in the 100-member legislature, followed by the PUK with 23 seats. As no single party won a majority, a governing coalition will need to be formed, as has traditionally been the case.

Since then, talks between the KDP and PUK on the shape of the KRG’s tenth cabinet have been ongoing.

Notably, the ongoing deadlock has significantly impacted the region’s legislative process. Since the October elections, the Kurdistan Parliament has convened only once, in early December. No speaker, deputy speaker, or secretary were elected during that session, and no further meetings have been scheduled, as lawmakers await the outcome of the coalition talks.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/280420256

Bafel Talabani is an evil TRAITOR who committed TREASON and deserves to be in prison:

Bafel's illegal coup to remove Lahor Şêx Cengi Talabani from his position as joint chair of PUK

Plus illegal removal of Lahor's legally government supporters

Turning traitor to the entire nation of Kurdistan by preforming TREASONOUS act of giving Kurdish land to Iraq

Remember that by giving away Kurdish land Bafel Talabani went against the referendum in which over 90% of Kurds voted for independence and destroyed Kurdistan's chance of independence

[Anthea]

Kurdish Unity in Action as KDP, PUK
Plan Joint Ticket for November Election

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a strategic move aimed at maximizing Kurdish representation in Kurdistani Territories Outside KRG Control, a delegation from the election committee of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), led by Jaafar Eminki, Head of the Election office of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), visited the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) politburo on Sunday. The delegation was formally received by Rizgar Haji Hama, head of the PUK's election committee, marking the first in-depth technical meeting between the two sides

Kurdistan24 reporter Nawres Abdullah, who broke the news, reported that the discussions were centered around the possibility of running a joint electoral list for the upcoming Iraqi parliamentary elections, with a particular focus on Kurdish-majority areas located outside the Kurdistan Region’s formal administrative boundaries.

Remember why there are so many Kurdistani territories outside KRG control, because the TRAITOR Bafel Talabani committed TREASON against Kurdistan by giving Kurdish land to Iraq

The timing and substance of the meeting reflect mounting concerns among Kurdish political actors that internal fragmentation could again cost them critical seats in key areas such as Kirkuk. Under the current electoral law, parliamentary seats are awarded based on individual candidate vote share, not aggregated party votes. As a result, running too many Kurdish candidates in a single constituency can lead to vote dilution, thereby increasing the chances of rival candidates from other ethnic or sectarian groups clinching victory.

“Today’s meeting marks the first technical dialogue between KDP and PUK on this crucial matter,” Abdullah reported. “The primary objective is to forge a tactical understanding that ensures no Kurdish seat is lost due to scattered voting patterns, especially in disputed zones like Kirkuk.”

This renewed push for coordination comes amid broader discussions within Kurdish political circles about the need to close ranks ahead of critical national elections. Although previous unity initiatives have faced challenges, shifting electoral dynamics and increasing demographic pressures in multiethnic regions now present compelling opportunities for cooperation.

Although no final agreement has yet been reached, both sides are reportedly committed to further rounds of technical talks. The stakes are high: Kurdish political representation in Kurdistani areas remains a litmus test for the broader project of Kurdish political agency within Iraq’s federal framework.

The prospect of a united front between the KDP and PUK signals the potential for a more cohesive cabinet within the Kurdistan Region, while also paving the way for a stronger, unified position in negotiations with Baghdad. Such alignment could enhance Kurdish leverage on issues of national significance and elevate Kurdish representation in both national and regional political arenas.

This is not the first instance of a political alliance between the Kurdistan Region’s leading parties. In 2005, following the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), and other Kurdistani political groups joined forces to contest Iraq’s first post-Ba’athist parliamentary elections under the banner of the Democratic Patriotic Alliance of Kurdistan (DPAK), also known as the Kurdistan Alliance (KA).

The coalition achieved a sweeping victory in the Kurdistan Region, securing 1,570,665 votes—approximately 90% of the total—for the Kurdistan National Assembly. At the federal level, the DPAK garnered nearly 26% of the national vote, translating into 75 out of 275 seats in the Iraqi National Assembly.

This united front continued in the 2010 federal elections under the Kurdistan List, which won 1,681,714 votes—equivalent to 14.37% of the nationwide vote from a total of 10,813,216 ballots cast. The alliance secured 43 seats in the Iraqi Parliament and played a pivotal role in the election of Jalal Talabani as President of Iraq.

As history demonstrates, political unity within the Kurdistan Region has often amplified the effectiveness of the Kurdish cause, both domestically and on the national stage. Renewed discussions around forming a united front could significantly bolster Kurdish representation and provide a stronger, more coherent negotiating position in addressing critical issues between Erbil and Baghdad.

Sunday’s meeting could well be a first step toward a significant shift in Kurdish electoral strategy—one that privileges coordination over competition in the interest of national influence and territorial presence.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/83 ... r-election

[Anthea]

Qatar invites President Barzani to Doha Forum

Kurdistan President Nechirvan Barzani on Wednesday received an invitation from Qatar’s prime minister to attend the Doha Forum in December, during a meeting with Doha’s consul general to Erbil, where bilateral ties and business opportunities were discussed

Consul General Hussein Ali Saleh al-Fazala “delivered an invitation from His Excellency Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the Prime Minister of Qatar, to President Nechirvan Barzani to participate in the Doha Forum,” the Kurdistan Region Presidency said in a statement.

During the meeting, President Barzani thanked the Qatari diplomat for the invitation and “showed his willingness to participate in the forum,” which is scheduled for December 6 and 7, according to the Presidency statement. “He also emphasized the Kurdistan Region’s desire to enhance relations and expand joint cooperation with Qatar.”

Fazala also relayed Doha’s desire to strengthen ties with Erbil.

“Both sides highlighted the opportunities for Qatari business and investment in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region,” the statement added.

Last year, Qatar officially inaugurated its consulate in the Kurdistan Region’s capital of Erbil.

Qatar reopened its Baghdad embassy in 2015 after shutting it during the 1990s Gulf War when several regional and world powers suspended diplomatic relations over Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait.

In February, President Barzani met with Qatari Minister of State Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, where they discussed regional developments, bilateral ties, and the fate of Kurds in Syria.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/070520251

[Anthea]

6,000 Years Shine Again
Erbil Citadel Lit in Landmark Moment

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — In a moment charged with symbolism and historic pride, Erbil's iconic citadel was partially illuminated on Thursday night, marking a major milestone in the ongoing restoration of one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited sites

The lighting of more than half of the citadel’s edge structures not only showcased the architectural grandeur of the ancient site, but also signaled the progress of an ambitious revival plan that envisions families returning to live inside its fortified walls.

Falah Hassan, Head of the High Commission for the Revival of Erbil Citadel, spoke with visible pride during the event. “After extensive work, and through the hands of Kurdish engineers and workers, along with our commission’s coordination, on Thursday we illuminated more than half of the houses along the edge of Erbil Citadel as a test,” he announced, drawing attention to the deep local involvement in the preservation of this monumental site.

The Erbil Citadel, perched atop a mound rising 28 to 32 meters above the surrounding plain, is more than an architectural relic—it is a living testament to six millennia of uninterrupted human settlement. Its unique egg-shaped layout spans a length of 430 meters and a width of 340 meters, encircled by a continuous ring wall that gives it both aesthetic harmony and defensive integrity.

According to Kurdistan24 sources, the citadel’s restoration has entered advanced phases, with the renovation of the Grand Mosque, numerous traditional houses, and multiple neighborhoods either completed or nearing completion. The master plan also includes the reintroduction of residential life within the citadel, a return to tradition that envisions Kurdish families reclaiming their ancestral dwellings.

With a network of narrow pedestrian alleys, inward-facing courtyards, and historical structures including tekiyas (Sufi lodges), public bathhouses, artillery posts, and palaces, Erbil Citadel reflects a layered urban fabric. Each era—Sumerian, Akkadian, Babylonian, Assyrian, Persian, Greek, Islamic, and Ottoman—has left its imprint on the site, turning it into a rich mosaic of civilizational continuity.

The lighting ceremony was more than symbolic; it represented a step toward the vision of reviving the citadel not just as a static heritage monument, but as a dynamic cultural and residential hub. International preservation organizations, including UNESCO, have long recognized Erbil Citadel’s universal significance, and its restoration is seen as a flagship project for cultural heritage in the Kurdistan Region.

Despite its progress, the restoration effort is not yet complete. Technical and logistical challenges persist, particularly in maintaining historical authenticity while adapting the structures to modern standards of living. Yet the renewed glow along the citadel’s perimeter offers a tangible sense of momentum and hope.

As Kurdistan24 continues to monitor developments, the illumination of Erbil Citadel stands as a reminder that even amidst modern political and urban transformations, the roots of Kurdish history remain firmly—and now visibly—anchored in the ancient stones of this enduring citadel.

Link to Article - Photos

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/83 ... ion-moment