Barzani urges Baghdad to keep Iraq out of regional conflicts

ERBIL — Masoud Barzani, president of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, urged Iraq’s leaders to take responsibility for steering the country away from regional conflict and internal instability, warning that failure to act could deepen Iraq’s challenges at home and abroad.

“Those now in charge in Baghdad must do everything possible to ensure Iraq does not become entangled in these conflicts,” Barzani said during a speech opening the 17th Erbil International Book Fair. “As we see, there are major wars happening around us. We hope they end soon and that the suffering of people—whether in Palestine, Lebanon, or elsewhere—ends.”

He warned that the country’s stability requires clear political decisions and a willingness to confront unresolved issues. “Those in power in both Erbil and Baghdad must have the courage to acknowledge their mistakes and open a new page to prevent Iraq from entering deeper crises,” he said.

Text of Barzani’s speech at the opening of the 17th Erbil International Book Fair:

Welcome, we are very pleased with your presence and hope you enjoy your time in Erbil. Thank you very much for coming.

Today, once again, we witness the opening of the 17th book fair in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region. This has become a tradition that brings us joy. On this occasion, I congratulate Kak Fakhri Karim and also express my thanks and appreciation to the Al Mada Foundation and all those who worked hard and were dedicated to organizing this event. Year after year, the book fair grows and improves, and every year it is better than the last. God willing, this effort will continue and always thrive.

Even as the world advances and technology progresses, the words of the great Arab poet Al-Mutanabbi remain true and alive: “The best companion in time is a book.” The value and importance of books are unmatched and will always endure.

On this occasion, I would like to touch on a few topics.
First: we reaffirm our commitment to the culture we take pride in — a culture of coexistence, mutual acceptance, freedom of thought, freedom of religion, and freedom of belief. These are fundamental values that must never be compromised. Let everyone understand this clearly.

I will also address the internal situation in the [Kurdistan] Region. Naturally, the Region’s condition is not separate from the broader context of the area. But in October of last year, elections were held in the Kurdistan Region — elections that many doubted would take place, or feared would bring serious problems. Yet the elections were held, and with the presence of the United Nations and all attending organizations, they were clean and fair. No election in the world is perfect, but compared to previous ones, this was a very successful election, and its results were announced.

Of course, we are pleased with all those who won seats. Everyone, in their own capacity, should now come together to form a government and cabinet. Kurdistan belongs to us all, and we are all brothers. We must not divide ourselves. There can and should be opposition, but it should be to present better alternatives for the cabinet, government, and parliament. A new page must be turned. I once again call on all parties to participate. But the greatest responsibility lies with the KDP and PUK. Until now, they have taken positive steps, but more is needed. They must complete the task as soon as possible and form the cabinet. As we see, the world and our region are experiencing deep crises, and greater ones may come. The only way for the Kurds and Kurdistanis to succeed is unity. For this purpose, we will do whatever is in our power. My recommendation to all parties — especially the KDP and PUK — is to accelerate the formation of the Kurdistan Regional Government cabinet.

Regarding relations between the Region and Baghdad, or Iraq in general, some issues have been resolved between Erbil and Baghdad, but many remain. Since the fall of the Ba’ath regime in 2003, Iraq was rebuilt on three core principles: partnership, balance, and construction. Unfortunately, these have not been adhered to. Also, in 2005, a constitution was written for Iraq, which the Kurds played a major role in, and 85% of Iraqis voted for. If there had been commitment to that constitution, many of the problems the Iraqi people in general, and in relations between Erbil and Baghdad, face today could have been avoided. The real solution lies in returning to those three core principles and upholding the constitution. We are ready to do whatever is required for this.

Those in power in both Erbil and Baghdad must have the courage to acknowledge their mistakes and open a new page to prevent Iraq from entering deeper crises. As we see, there are major wars happening around us. We hope they end soon and that the suffering of people—whether in Palestine, Lebanon, or elsewhere—ends. But most importantly, those now in charge in Baghdad must do everything possible to ensure Iraq does not become entangled in these conflicts.

In conclusion, I wish success to the people of Kurdistan, the people of Iraq, and all the peoples of the region. I wish them peace, stability, and happiness. Once again, welcome, and thank you very much for coming. We hope you enjoy your time.