Masoud Barzani

In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate

The events in the city of Basra during the past few days, the loss of life of a number of citizens who were protesting and the injury of a number of others are of immense concern to us. We extend our condolences to the families of the victims and wish for the speedy recovery to the wounded.

We consider protesting to be a legitimate right of all people, and so the people of Basra deserve the right to live in reasonable conditions.  It is indeed astonishing to see how the people of one of the richest cities in the world are suffering from issues that cannot be justified, such as the lack of drinking water, the spread of disease and complete negligence.

We shall always remember the kindness, love and enthusiasm of the people of Basra during their reception of the late Mustafa Barzani and his comrades who had sought refuge in the former Soviet Union because of their struggle against injustice and discrimination for many years.  We hereby express our sympathy and solidarity with the people of Basra, hoping that there is respect for their rights and that their demands are met. That ultimately is one of the most basic rights that should be enjoyed by all human beings. We call on the people of Basra to remain peaceful and not to resort to violence.  We assure the citizens of the city of Basra that the people of the Kurdistan Region will do whatever it takes to help them.

Masoud Barzani

5 September 2018