President Barzani Participates in the MEPS Forum in Duhok

On Friday, November 22, 2024, President Masoud Barzani participated in the 5th Middle East Peace and Security Forum (MEPS) in the city of Duhok. The forum was attended by a significant number of dignitaries, political leaders from Kurdistan, Iraq, and around the world, as well as representatives and diplomats from various countries. During the event, President Barzani delivered a keynote speech.

President Barzani’s Speech:

In the Name of God, the Great and Merciful

"Distinguished guests, welcome to this important forum.

It is a great pleasure to join you today in this significant gathering. I hope this event will be a fruitful occasion with positive outcomes for everyone involved.

The presence of so many esteemed individuals here today is a testament to the progress of the Kurdistan Region. It also highlights the distinguished position of the American University in Duhok, which has established itself among the prestigious universities of the world as a center of knowledge and trust. This is a source of pride, and I extend my congratulations to you all.

Distinguished guests, the theme of this forum is crucial. Today, every region needs peace and security. The experiences of nations and states have shown that war achieves nothing; rather, peace, understanding, and mutual respect are the only viable paths to solving conflicts.

In the Kurdistan Region, less than a month ago, we successfully conducted a historic election. Many expected this election either wouldn’t take place or would be accompanied by significant challenges. However, I must extend my heartfelt gratitude to the people of Kurdistan for proving them wrong. They raised our heads high and demonstrated their sense of responsibility during a critical time. With a 72% voter turnout, the results of this election clearly reflect the will of the people.

Now, we hope that all sides will respect the legitimacy bestowed by the people through this election. Moving forward, once the results are formally announced by the commission, discussions among all parties will begin to ensure that the parliament starts its work promptly and the next steps are taken. We hope for your support in achieving a unified Kurdistan with one region, one parliament, one government, and one Peshmerga force.

Additionally, I am pleased that the recent nationwide census in Iraq was confirmed and guaranteed to be free of political motives. It will not have any impact on the areas addressed under Article 140. However, this census will significantly contribute to the federal government’s ability to create organized and scientific plans for the future.

Democracy demands progress, and the elections in Kurdistan and the nationwide census reflect this journey. We are now approaching Iraq’s upcoming federal elections, and we hope they will also proceed smoothly and benefit from the experience of elections in the Kurdistan Region.

In the Kurdistan Region, we firmly believe that all issues can and should be resolved through dialogue and understanding. Force is never a solution to any problem. Fortunately, we now have a positive relationship between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Federal Government, and there is cooperation aimed at resolving outstanding issues. We hope this mutual understanding will continue to grow and lead to further progress. With a pure intention and strong determination to address these issues, I believe there is no challenge that cannot be resolved.

As for the broader region, we see the conflicts in Lebanon and Gaza, and unfortunately, the devastating images emerging from there. We pray for and hope that these conflicts will come to an end as soon as possible. Most importantly for us, Iraq must not become entangled in or affected by these wars under any circumstances.

We are all waiting to see how the world moves forward after the election of a new U.S. president. There is widespread expectation that the administration of President-elect Trump will differ significantly from that of President Biden. Nonetheless, we remain hopeful that whatever changes occur, they will bring good to the world, our region, and us as well.

Distinguished guests, the challenges we face are numerous. Terrorism remains a major threat. However, the most significant challenge today, in my view, is the alarming spread of narcotics in the region. This poses a greater danger than anything else. Unfortunately, it is being concealed and facilitated by those in positions of power. Factories are being established to produce these drugs, but nothing is being done to stop them. Free trade in these substances is permitted, which presents a major threat and is akin to destroying an entire nation. Therefore, I call on all governments and authorities to take this matter seriously and put an end to it before it spirals out of control.

Distinguished guests, allow me to speak frankly about the Kurdish national issue. After World War I, the partitioning of this region imposed a reality that no nation—whether Arab, Kurdish, Turkish, or Persian—wished for. However, this reality brought immense oppression and injustice upon the Kurds. For 100 years, the existence of the Kurdish nation has been denied, and for 100 years, the Kurds have resisted. Neither denial nor resistance has changed this reality. What does this teach us? It tells us that we must seek peaceful, respectful, and mutual solutions. This is the right path to resolving these issues.

It is not reasonable to assume that a solution found in one part of the region can simply be copied elsewhere. Every region has its own unique characteristics, and the situation in Iraqi Kurdistan is different from other parts. However, we are encouraged to see renewed discussions about the peace process in Turkey. Wherever efforts for peace are made, we fully support them and are ready to assist in any way possible.

As Kurds, wherever we are, we must not allow terrorism to take root or align ourselves with it. This is a test for our nation. Supporting terrorism in any form is a betrayal of Kurdistan and the Kurdish nation.

We must extend the hand of peace to all, call for brotherhood, and seek peaceful solutions. I believe that today, the foundations for such solutions are stronger than ever before.

In conclusion, my experience has taught me that if we do not believe in ourselves, see ourselves for who we are, and prepare to make sacrifices, no one else can do anything for us. While our friends may support us, we must rely on ourselves and know what we are doing. At the same time, we must be realistic and understand the direction we are heading.

One final point, which I believe is crucial: every nation and community has its own beliefs, some tied to religion and others to tradition. We must not impose our values on others or allow others to impose theirs on us. Here in Kurdistan, Iraq, and the Middle East, we have diverse communities—Muslims, Christians, and others. We must treat all with mutual respect and accept one another as we are.

Once again, I extend my warmest regards to all participants. I hope this forum will lead to positive outcomes for all.

Peace be upon you all."