Masoud Barzani

President Masoud Barzani released a statement today on the first year anniversary of the 2017 Kirkuk Crisis. He described it as a “dark day” in the history of the people of Kurdistan. The statement makes reference to assistance that was provided by certain elements within Kurdistan to occupy the city of Kirkuk and describes that interference as an act of betrayal.

The statement goes on to say that the act was unjustly belittling the brave role of the Peshmerga forces who had tirelessly fought against the terrorists of the Islamic State. President Barzani’s statement also states that while much of what happened prior to October 16, 2017, was indeed anticipated, however, not the “backstabbing” betrayal of certain elements within the Kurdistan Region.

The objective of the October 16 plan, the statement adds was to result in the complete end of the Kurdistan Region as it is known, however, that plan failed because of first and foremost the will of the people of Kurdistan. The statement goes on to say that the Kurdistan Region had repeatedly called for a peaceful resolution to the disputed areas and that Kirkuk should continue to be the city of co-existence for all of its components.

The President calls upon all sides to respect the history and rights of the people of Kurdistan and that chauvinistic policies will only result in war and demolition. The statement concludes by saying that while Kirkuk should always remain a city of co-existence, its Kurdish identity is not a bargaining matter.