Iraqi President Latif Rashid: Newroz symbolizes heroism, sacrifice, and renewal

BAGHDAD — Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid marked the Newroz holiday with a call for “national unity” and “progress.”

“We extend our warmest congratulations to our Kurdish people and all components of the Iraqi people, wishing that this cherished occasion brings goodness, prosperity, and blessings,” Rashid said in a statement.

He described the lighting of the Newroz flame as “a symbol of heroism, sacrifice, struggle, and the triumph of truth over falsehood” and emphasized the holiday’s significance as the start of the Kurdish New Year.

Earlier today, Kurdistan Democratic Party President Masoud Barzani also published a Newroz message, stating that it represents “spring, renewal, light, and freedom” for the people of Kurdistan and carries “the message of light’s victory over darkness and oppression.”

Statement from the Presidency of the Iraqi Republic:

On the occasion of Newroz, we extend our warmest congratulations to our Kurdish people and all components of the Iraqi people, wishing that this cherished occasion brings goodness, prosperity, and blessings to our people, and that joy and happiness spread throughout the country.

The lighting of the Newroz flame is a symbol of heroism, sacrifice, struggle, and the triumph of truth over falsehood. It also marks the dawn of a new day and the beginning of the Kurdish New Year.

As we celebrate Newroz, our national message reaffirms the call for all political forces to strengthen national unity, move forward in consolidating and reinforcing the foundations of our democratic system, promote freedoms, protect human rights, safeguard achievements, and support constitutional institutions, including the legislative, judicial, and executive authorities, in a way that contributes to the country’s progress and development.

May Newroz be a blessed occasion for you and for all the peoples of the world. Wishing everyone a year filled with goodness.