KDP President Masoud Barzani: Newroz symbolizes renewal, light, and freedom for Kurds

ERBIL — Kurdistan Democratic Party President Masoud Barzani said Newroz represents “spring, renewal, light, and freedom” for the people of Kurdistan and carries “the message of light’s victory over darkness and oppression.”

In a Newroz statement issued Thursday, Barzani congratulated “the proud families of martyrs, the heroic Peshmerga, and all components of the people of Kurdistan.” He also extended greetings to Kurds across the region and to all nations for whom Newroz is a cultural tradition. Addressing the Kurdish diaspora, he said, “You are always in our thoughts and conscience, and your joy and celebrations are an extension of our own.”

The Kurdistan Regional Government has declared March 21, 22, and 23 public holidays in honor of Newroz, the Kurdish New Year traditionally celebrated on March 21 to mark the arrival of spring.

Full statement from KDP leader, Masoud Barzani:

Newroz for the people of Kurdistan is spring, renewal, light, and freedom. Newroz signifies a new life and brings the message of light’s victory over darkness and oppression. On the occasion of the national celebration of Newroz, I extend my congratulations to the proud families of martyrs, the heroic Peshmerga, and all components of the people of Kurdistan. I also congratulate all Kurds in other parts of Kurdistan. My congratulations extend to all nations for whom Newroz is part of their history, culture, and legacy.

On this occasion, I warmly extend my Newroz greetings to the Kurdish diaspora and the millions of Kurds who, despite being far from their homeland, celebrate Newroz with pride and spread its values across the world. I tell them that they are always in our thoughts and conscience, and their joy and celebrations are an extension of our own. It is a source of pride to see that, hand in hand and in unity, they raise the flag of freedom and dignity during Newroz.

I am pleased to see that in the city of Cologne, Germany, during a grand ceremony, you reaffirm your love and commitment to your homeland. You are the voice and color of your people, and I commend you for that.

On the national occasion of Newroz, we proudly emphasize the culture of coexistence and the peaceful message of the people of Kurdistan. From this spirit, we reiterate our support for the peace and resolution process in Turkey, believing that peace is the only correct path to overcoming conflicts.

Similarly, we hope that the suffering and pains of the Kurdish people in Syria comes to an end and that Kurds, through a mutual stance and peaceful means with other Syrian parties, reach a solution that serves all sides.

I hope this year’s Newroz marks the beginning of joy and prosperity for all the people of Kurdistan, Iraq, and that all their Newroz celebrations bring happiness. I aspire for the peoples of the region to live under the shadow of peace and stability, in an atmosphere of coexistence and brotherhood.

Happy Newroz! Wishing you all joy and prosperity.