The Kurdistan region belongs to "the Kurdistani people"

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Anniversary of UN Resolution 688

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) - The Kurdistan Regiona's Prime Minister Masrour Barzani marked the 33rd anniversary of the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 688 with a poignant message, highlighting ongoing threats to the Kurdish nation and their rights

Resolution 688, passed on April 5, 1991, stands as a landmark response to the brutal attacks launched by the former Iraqi regime against millions of Kurdish people marching towards the borders.

Prime Minister Barzani emphasized the pivotal role of this resolution in establishing the no-fly zone, which served to curtail the oppressive actions of the Ba'ath regime and safeguard Kurdistan from further genocide, ultimately leading to the formation of the Kurdistan Region.

In his address, Prime Minister Barzani expressed profound gratitude for the unwavering support and cooperation of the international community, particularly singling out the United States, Britain, and France.

He paid tribute to “late figures such as former French President Francois Mitterrand and former US President George H. W. Bush, along with former British Prime Minister John Major and former US Secretary of State James Baker”, all of whom played crucial roles in advancing the Kurdish cause.

Moreover, Prime Minister Barzani extended appreciation to neighboring countries Iran and Turkey for “their assistance in accommodating hundreds of thousands of refugees” during those eventful days, underscoring the importance of regional solidarity in times of crisis.

Despite the significant strides made since the adoption of Resolution 688, Prime Minister Barzani cautioned against complacency, reiterating that threats to the Kurdish nation and their rights persist.

He called upon the international community to maintain a steadfast commitment to protecting the Kurdish population and upholding their legitimate rights, thereby preventing the recurrence of genocide and rights violations.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/34 ... lution-688

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District Governorships in Nineveh

The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) has addressed speculations surrounding the party's purported demands for governorships in Makhmur and Sheikhan districts of Nineveh province

Reports originating from media outlets affiliated with the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) suggested that the KDP sought these positions as part of a post-election agreement within the Nineveh provincial council.

In response, Nazm Harki, head of the 17th Sinjar branch of the KDP, refuted these claims, emphasizing the KDP's unwavering commitment to democratic processes and adherence to legal frameworks. He underscored the party's insistence on the implementation of district council elections in Nineveh, as mandated by provincial council elections law.

According to Harki, the KDP advocates for the distribution of administrative posts based on electoral outcomes, highlighting the party's rightful claim to governorships in Sinjar, Sheikhan, and Makhmur districts. He stressed the importance of respecting agreements between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Iraqi government regarding the governance of Sinjar.

Speaking on behalf of the KDP, Harki emphasized the need for transparency and democratic accountability in the allocation of administrative positions. He rejected any unilateral actions outside of established agreements and electoral processes, affirming the party's commitment to democratic values.

Addressing concerns over electoral integrity, Harki dismissed rumors as baseless, asserting the KDP's dedication to fair and transparent elections. He noted opposition from certain quarters to district council elections, attributing it to apprehensions regarding electoral outcomes.

Concluding his remarks, Harki reiterated the KDP's stance on electoral mandates and geographical realities in the allocation of administrative posts. He urged all stakeholders to uphold democratic principles and respect electoral outcomes in the governance of Nineveh province.

The KDP's response comes amidst ongoing discussions surrounding the allocation of administrative positions in Nineveh, underlining the importance of democratic processes in shaping the region's governance landscape.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/845388

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After the founder and leader of the PUK, Jalal Talabani, died in 2017, a struggle for the leadership of the party ignited between Jalal's son Bafel Talabani and the then co-president Lahur Sheikh Jangi. On the PUK's fourth congress in December 2019, Sheikh Jangi received the most votes for the General Leadership Council.

In a compromise, he and Bafel were proclaimed co-presidents. In July 2021,

Bafel shut down a media outlet close to Sheikh Jangi and ousted several important commanders from the counter-terrorism and intelligence units of the PUK, who were seen as affiliates of him. Shortly after, Bafel was declared the sole leader of the party. In November, Lahur Sheikh Jangi was expelled from the PUK along a few others and Bafel took full control over the party's finances.

Sheikh Jangi filed a lawsuit against the expulsion. In February 2023, a court in Erbil ruled, that the ouster from the co-presidency was contradicted PUK's internal regulation and reinstated him. A day after however, on February 21, the judicial authority on Iraqi elections in Baghdad declared Bafel Talabani the sole leader of the PUK.

After that, Sheikh Jangi proceeded to work on founding his own party.[11] His new party, the People's Front received its license from the interior ministry on 17 January 2024[12] and was joined by several former PUK-members from Lahur's wing.

Bafel Talabani is a lying, thieving deleted expletive and should not be allowed to take part in elections until Sheikh Jangi is reinstated as joint leader of PUK

Better still, after Bafel Talabani illegal of Sheikh Jangi, Bafel Talabani should be replaced

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Background checks on Kurdistan candidates

Background checks on candidates in the Kurdistan Region’s upcoming parliamentary election will begin on Monday, Iraq’s electoral commission spokesperson said on Sunday

“On Monday, the list of names and files of the candidates will be sent to the parties that need to investigate the eligibility of the candidates,” Jumana al-Ghalai, spokesperson for the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC), told Rudaw.

The background checks will be done by the regional and federal interior ministries and integrity commissions, according to Ghalai.

The Kurdistan Region will hold parliamentary elections on June 10, two years late after multiple postponements caused by disputes between political parties and legal cases related to the electoral process.

The IHEC announced last week that two alliances, ten political parties, and 57 independent candidates registered for the vote.

The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and the Change Movement (Gorran) as well as the opposition New Generation Movement are among the parties running.

The Kurdistan Region Alliance, consisting of the Kurdistan Social Democratic Party (KSDP), the Kurdistan Communist Party and the Kurdistan Toilers' Party, and the Sardam Alliance, composed of the Kurdistan Laborers' Party (PRK), the Democratic National Union of Kurdistan (YNDK) and the Kurdistan Conservative Party, are the only alliances taking part.

The Iraqi Turkmen Front decided to participate in the polls despite its concerns over a court ruling that eliminated minority quota seats.

The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) is standing by its choice to boycott the election, despite calls to reverse its decision. The party claimed the federal court’s ruling on the minority seats and the division of the Region into four constituencies are “unconstitutional.”

The KDP is the largest Kurdish party and the dominant force in both Erbil and Duhok provinces. Its withdrawal from the election has led many pundits to speculate that the vote may not be held as scheduled in June.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/140420243

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The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) faced a major leadership crisis since PUK leader Bafel Talabani began efforts to oust Lahur Talabani, his co-leader and cousin.

The two were selected as party co-leaders in February 2020 after the death of Bafel’s father, Jalal Talabani

Bafel Talabani is an evil, traitorous, not nice person and must NOT be allowed to run in the election as head of the PUK

UNLESS his cousin Lahur Talabani is joint chair, or better yet sole leader of the PUK

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Bafel and Qubad Talabani Impeding Peshmerga Unification

The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) is, on the surface and in terms of privileges and power, one of the main partners of the ninth cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). The party has been given more posts and power than it actually deserves. The PUK is not only playing a negative role against the Kurdistan Region and its people, it is also the biggest impediment standing in the way of carrying out reforms as well as efforts to unify Peshmerga forces

The conduct of the PUK is such as if its primary duty is to oppose the constitutional status of the Kurdistan Region and its people. The party has been embezzling public revenues in Sulaymaniyah, Halabja, Garmian, and Raparin district. Moreover, the PUK has also monopolized revenues generated at border crossings, is involved in smuggling commodities, and also taking bribes from traders. The party has also confiscated all strategic pieces of land in these areas, using them to advance its interests and those of its companies.

The PUK, which is monopolized by Bafel and Qubad Talabani, doesn't use revenues generated in Sulaymaniyah for public service projects in the province, nor does the party allow the Kurdistan Regional Government to execute service and infrastructure development projects in these areas. The party's security establishment has been found complicit in plotting to assassinate party members and leaders critical of the PUK in Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Garmian, and Raparin district.

Yet, Bafel and Qubad Talabani continue to harbor murderers and terrorists, and have consistently refused to hand them over to the judiciary. What's more, the PUK has consistently been hindering efforts to unify Peshmerga forces and carry out Peshmerga reforms

Bafel and Qubad Talabani seized power without having competence or experience.

They are inept, and are fit for anything other than leading a party or governing a province. These two brothers are currently very close allies of Iraqi militia groups blacklisted as terrorist groups by the US and the EU. Therefore, they behave with a militia mentality, fearing the fact that Peshmerga forces will be under the command of the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs if they are unified, and not under their control.

Shorish Ismael was Minister of Peshmerga Affairs from the beginning of this KRG cabinet. He was known to be a supporter of Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and his vision for reform making and a unified Peshmerga force. Ismael also had good coordination with US and coalition forces. He was very serious and determined to unify Peshmerga forces. That's why Bafel and Qubad Talabani removed him from his position as minister to prevent the unification of Peshmerga forces and reforms.

We all know that the US and its allies including the UK, Germany, France, and Italy, have been supporting the KRG and have been very serious in their support for the unification of Peshmerga forces. But, PUK's Bafel and Qubad Talabani have consistently been impeding the Peshmerga unification process, disappointing the US and allies in this regard.

So, why would Bafel and Qubad Talabani prevent the unification of Peshmerga forces?

1.Current PUK's ruling leaders are not statesmen. Rather, they are solely concerned with money making and enriching themselves.

2.Current PUK's ruling leaders, Bafel and Qubad Talabani in particular, think with a militia mentality. That's, they want their Peshmerga forces to remain under their command, not under the command of the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs.

3.Current PUK's ruling leaders are closest allies with leaders of Iraq's militia groups, who are blacklisted. Note that Bafel Talabani appears wearing a pair of boots and black costume normally worn by militia groups.

4.Current PUK's ruling leaders are complicit in the financial corruption endemic in PUK Peshmerga budget. That's why they want to keep access to this financial corruption.

5.Current PUK's ruling leaders are very hostile to the KRG despite being main partners in this cabinet, and this is because Prime Minister Masrour Barzani remains committed to confronting corruption.

6.There's a dangerous regional agenda working to undermine the government in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Current PUK's ruling leaders are part of this agenda.

7.Current PUK's ruling leaders want PUK's Peshmerga forces to serve the interests of Iraqi militia groups.

The people of the Kurdistan Region, as much as the KRG Prime Minister, want to see Peshmerga forces unified. The US and its allies along with other friends of the Kurdistan Region share the same wish. That's why, the PUK, Bafel and Qubad Talabani will pay a heavy price for opposing the unification process of Peshmerga forces. Until then, I hope they cannot do more harm to the Kurdistan Region and its constitutional status.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/816611

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Former PUK Senior Member Targeted

A bomb detonated in the vehicle of a former high-ranking member of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) on Friday afternoon in the Sarchinar neighborhood of Sulaimaniyah in the Kurdistan Region

Ata Sarawi, the targeted former PUK senior member, confirmed the incident to the PUK media, stating that the explosion caused material damage to the neighborhood. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported. Other vehicles in the vicinity also suffered damage from the blast.

Sarawi expressed condemnation, labeling the act as cowardly. He emphasized that precautions had been taken, but the attack still occurred. Security forces promptly arrived at the scene to conduct an investigation.

As of now, no group or individual has claimed responsibility for the assault. Sarawi pledged to address the incident further once more information becomes available.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/845964

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PM Barzani Engages with the Public

Vowing to Serve All Citizens

Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani reaffirmed his commitment to serving all citizens of Kurdistan, prioritizing their interests over political agendas

During a special event titled 'Conversation with the Prime Minister' in Sulaymaniyah province, he addressed key issues and engaged directly with local residents. The event, which lasted nearly 50 minutes, was broadcasted by multiple TV channels

Commitment to Serving All Citizens

"I want to serve all the people of Kurdistan. It would be my greatest wealth if people are pleased with me," PM Barzani stated during his interaction with attendees.

Emphasis on 'MyAccount' Project

Barzani also highlighted the significance of 'MyAccount', a project aimed at serving citizens, emphasizing that criticisms against it often stem from political motives or a lack of understanding.

Economic Diversification and Job Creation

Regarding economic initiatives, Barzani noted, "The government is assisting young people in finding jobs and focusing on economic diversification to reduce reliance on energy, oil, and gas."

Infrastructure Development and Dam Construction

"We have made extensive efforts to construct numerous medium and small dams and reservoirs across Kurdistan. Additionally, we have collaborated with the federal government to include four large dams in our development program, securing financing for their construction in Duhok, Erbil, and Sulaymaniyah. These projects are crucial as they contribute significantly to groundwater management, agricultural sustainability, and even tourism," Barzani added. "I am personally dedicated to maximizing our utilization of groundwater resources and advancing dam construction across the region."

Environmental Sustainability and Governance

Barzani emphasized his inclusive approach to governance, addressing concerns ranging from infrastructure development to environmental sustainability.

Addressing Immigration Concerns

On immigration concerns affecting Kurdish youths, Barzani pointed out the detrimental role of smugglers and political exploitation, describing them as primary culprits.

Progress in Negotiations with Baghdad

Furthermore, Barzani expressed optimism about nearing a resolution with Baghdad concerning Kurdish government employees. He also underscored the government's commitment to developing the agriculture sector within his current cabinet.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/853593

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Restoration of Minority Quota Seats

Kurdistan Region Minister of State for Minority Affairs Aidan Maroof announced on Thursday that there is an active request to restore the removed quota seats for minorities

Maroof, who also heads the Turkmen Front in the Kurdistan Region, addressed reporters following a meeting that included political representatives and civil society organizations from the Chaldean, Turkmen, Syrian, and Assyrian communities.

"We have emphasized in the past that the last five ethnic groups in the Kurdistan Region are small. The division of these last five on the basis of geography is wrong and the division is more political," Maroof stated.

He reiterated the need for timely Kurdistan parliamentary elections and the importance of inclusive participation by all parties, including minority communities. Maroof criticized the current allocation of seats, calling for an increase to 11 seats to better represent the diverse communities.

In February, the Iraqi federal court restructured the Kurdistan Region into four constituencies for future elections, reducing parliament seats from 111 to 100. This included 34 seats for Erbil, 38 seats for Sulaimaniyah, 25 seats for Duhok, and 3 seats for Halabja. The ruling faced strong opposition from the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and minority groups

In late May, the Election Judicial Board (IEB) directed Iraq's Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) to allocate five seats in the Kurdistan Region’s parliament to various communities. This decision, issued on May 20th, responded to complaints about inadequate measures to protect community representation rights.

Maroof criticized the judiciary board's decision as political, stating that reducing the seats to five undermines the dignity of the Kurdistan Region.

Azad Kurachi, a Turkmen politician and MP in the Kurdistan Parliament, welcomed the return of community seats but criticized their distribution among provinces as unjust. "Two seats have been allocated for Turkmens and Christians in Sulaimaniyah and two seats for Turkmens in Erbil, whereas in reality, 90% of the Turkmen live in Erbil and less than 10% in Sulaimaniyah," Kurachi explained.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/853988

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Barzani Commends KDP Members in Erbil

Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani, president of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), on Thursday met with the party members in Erbil, delivering a speech that acknowledged their enduring struggle and hard work

Barzani expressed his gratitude to the KDP members and cadres, emphasizing that their efforts have been a source of hope for the Kurdish nation through various stages of resistance. He underscored that the KDP was established to revive the hope and self-confidence of the Kurdish people and to serve their needs effectively.

In his address, Barzani also provided an overview of his recent visit to Baghdad, explaining the purpose of his meetings with various Iraqi parties and leaders. He shared insights from these discussions, highlighting the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation for the stability and progress of the broader region.

Additionally, he offered clarity and guidance on the internal organization of the KDP, addressing key issues and future plans to strengthen the party's structure and operations. He reassured the members of the party’s commitment to serving the Kurdish nation and meeting their aspirations.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/854032

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Kurdistan elections

Kurdistan: A total of 139 lists and individuals have registered with the Iraqi electoral body to compete in Kurdistan's October 20 parliamentary election

13 parties
2 coalitions
124 independents registered

Thirteen parties and two coalitions have registered, said Jumana al-Ghalai, the spokesperson for the Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commision (IHEC).

A total of 39 people from the Christian and Turkmen communities have registered to vie for five minority quota seats in the legislature. There are 19 Christian candidates, seven in both Erbil and Duhok and four in Sulaimani. And there are 20 Turkmen candidates, 14 in Erbil and six in Sulaimani.

Another 85 candidates are running as independents.

“The next step is to scrutinize the candidates' names and then send the names to the Ministry of Interior and the Integrity Commission for approval,” Marwan Mohammed, the head of IHEC’s office in Erbil, told Rudaw.

3.7 million people are eligible to vote

The election, which is happening two years late, has been marred with difficulties, including tensions between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and its rival Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), fueled by interference from Baghdad.

The election was also delayed following a February ruling from the Iraqi Federal Supreme Court that eliminated 11 minority quota seats in the legislature and drew the ire of the KDP, which announced it would not participate in the vote. The minority quota seats were later restored and the KDP decided to take part.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/200720243

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Kurdistan to Reclaim Lands

The Ministries of Agriculture and Municipalities of Kurdistan (KRG) are collaborating to restore lands that were converted into forced labor camps under Decrees 810 and 532 by the former Baath regime in 1987

On Thursday, the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources announced a special meeting with the Ministry of Municipalities and Tourism to coordinate efforts and address shared issues.

The joint committee discussed strategies for safeguarding and reclaiming agricultural lands previously designated as forced labor camps. The goal is to develop a clear process to return these lands to the Ministry of Agriculture, making them available for farmers under existing contracts.

The meeting also focused on implementing the Council of Ministers' decision to distribute land to employees. The Ministries agreed to identify lands unsuitable for agriculture, particularly rocky areas within urban master plans.

Both sides decided to prepare a proposal for the Prime Minister's Office to cancel the Baath regime's decrees and remove the designation of these lands as forced labor camps, facilitating their return to agricultural use.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/855414

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Kurdish ancestors built hundreds of huge castles and lavish palaces, lived in them and were rulers over it.

And every huge hall tells you the story of a Kurdish hero and a great people, who built the oldest historical civilizations on the land of Mesiopotamia.

Since those times, Kurdish castles such as Wan Castle, Erbil Castle, Kri Awabed, Mozan Village, Kri Tel Halaf, Kri Sharmoula and Kri Shagrabazar And Krey Tel Bedr and many others, stand as live witness to those days.

History has decisively proven that the Kurdish nation is superior to the minds of its children and over many other nations, and this is something that calls for pride, glory, and esteem that the Kurdish people are one of the builders of historical world civilizations.

Let us bring back Kurdish Glory and Pride

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Peshmerga Chief meets US security officer

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a key diplomatic and military engagement, Lieutenant General Issa Ozer, Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Peshmerga, met with Colonel Gevin Rice, Head of the Security Cooperation Office at the US Consulate General in the Kurdistan Region, on Sunday

The meeting focused on reinforcing the strong partnership between the Ministry of Peshmerga and the US military advisory team, as well as other coalition forces. Both parties emphasized their commitment to ongoing cooperation and mutual support.

The Ministry of Peshmerga provided an update on their reform initiatives, including the reorganization of their forces. They acknowledged the critical role of the U.S. military advisory team in supporting the Kurdistan Peshmerga forces and reiterated their dedication to continued collaboration with the coalition.

The support from the US military advisory team is crucial in enhancing the operational capabilities and strategic planning of the Peshmerga forces. Their expertise and resources significantly contribute to the ongoing reforms and modernization efforts within the Ministry of Peshmerga. This collaboration not only strengthens the defense posture of the Kurdistan Region but also bolsters regional stability and security.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/36 ... gthen-ties

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PM Barzani’s Son Completes
Royal Sandhurst Military Course

Areen Barzani, son of the Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, completed on Friday the rigorous Regular Commissioning Course at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom, earning the esteemed international medal awarded by the academy

The Sovereign's Parade, the grandest event at Sandhurst, marked the occasion. Friends, family, and VIPs gathered at Old College Square to witness the final parade of the cadets who have undergone extensive training to become effective military leaders.

PM Barzani attended the parade to celebrate his son's achievement. The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, renowned for its leadership training, has prepared over 5,400 international students from 129 countries since 1947. The Commissioning Course, a challenging 44-week program, is a key component of the academy's curriculum, known for its rigorous standards in producing officers for the British Army.

Graduates of the course, including Areen Barzani, receive a medal sanctioned by the UK's Ministry of Defense, symbolizing their successful completion of the demanding program. The academy also hosts a special event for the families of those who graduate, further honoring their accomplishments.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/856825