On Kurdish New Year, President Barzani Announces Comprehensive Reform Program

Salahaddin, Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRP.org) - In an address to the nation on the eve of the Kurdish New Year, Newroz, President Barzani said that the KRG will launch a comprehensive reform program to fight corruption and improve government efficiency.

“We had a meeting with the KRG Council of Ministers yesterday and agreed on a comprehensive reform program in the Kurdistan Region. This program will include a number of measures to fight corruption and improve government performance,” said the President, adding that the effects of these reforms will be felt as early as in the next three or four months.

The President elaborated on the reform program saying that it would include concrete measures to: end preferential treatment when applying for government jobs; making the process of project tendering and awarding transparent; open investigations into questionable projects; curb market monopoly by large businesses; and prohibit subcontracting of government projects.

As part of this program, there will also be a major reshuffle of the KRG cabinet. The program will also include measures to oblige private companies to recruit more local people.

Later today, the President joined foreign ambassadors and representatives of international organizations to take part in Newroz celebrations in the capital Erbil. Ambassadors, heads of missions, and charge d’affaires from more than 30 embassies in Baghdad were invited to Erbil today for Newroz, the Kurdish New Year holiday.

Kurds in the Kurdistan Region and other countries have been celebrating Newroz, which means New Day, for at least three thousand years. Newroz falls on the Spring Equinox, 21 March, the first day of spring, and represents hope, unity and renewal.