Kurdistan Democratic Party condemns the violent political protests and acts of sabotage ignited by Gorran (Change) Movement led by Nawshirwan Mustafa

On Saturday evening, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) led by President of the Kurdistan Region Massoud Barzani condemned the violent protests started by Gorran (Change) Movement and creating tension amid political protests where protestors have sabotaged KDP administrative branches in southern Kurdish cities of Slemani, Halabja, Kalar and Qaladze.

The KDP strongly believes that the Gorran Movement is responsible for this unrest. The KDP Political Bureau believes that demonstrations were not spur-of-the-moment but rather planned in advance – by Gorran - to sabotage the presidency extension situation and attack KDP offices at a time when the Party is coordinating a plan to defeat the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), the terrorist organization.

“This Party believes that it is appropriate to respond to this sedition as it deems necessary, with the first step being reconsidering the participation of Gorran Movement in the formation of the government, the KRG and the presidency of the Kurdistan Parliament.”

The statement continued stating that the KDP is committed to restraint, taking into account the welfare of the people of Kurdistan. It also expressed its disappointment in the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan's security forces for failing to protect KDP branches in their strongholds.

Following these recent incidents, the KDP has requested that security and administrative authorities to prioritize this situation and prevent further escalation of the situation.

Transcribed by the KDP Foreign Relations Office, Communications Department.