President Barzani calls for investigation into Suleimaniah incident

Statement by Mr. Masoud Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region and President of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) on 17 February 2011: As a result of today's violent assault on the offices of the KDP in Suleimaniah, a number of people very regrettably lost their lives and some were wounded. While it is clear that a very small group of people are determined to undermine the stability of the Region and detract from the significant economic, social and political progress it has made over the last decade, a far greater number of our people are mindful of their intentions and stand united in determination to overcome any move towards violence or chaos. I call on all parties to behave calmly and to preserve the peace in Kurdistan. I call on the KRG to open an immediate investigation into this incident and hold those responsible for today’s violence accountable. We reject any actions that threaten the rightful will of the people, expressed through the Region's free and fair elections. The Kurdistan Region has always and will remain unwavering in its commitment to the right to peaceful assembly and the flourishing of a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic society. I also call on the people of Kurdistan to cooperate with the security and police forces to maintain everyone's safety. Together, through a continued partnership rooted in trust between the democratically-elected officials of the Region, the security forces, and the people, we will deny our detractors' attempts to bring chaos and instability to Kurdistan. The violent and illegal actions of the few will not detract from the right of peaceful groups to make themselves heard and peacefully voice their demands through demonstrations or the ballot box. We must all work together to maintain peace and stability. We will stand firm and resolute against any threats designed to put the security of our people at risk or undermine the democratic institutions and processes of the Region's government.