Latest news with #KurdistanParliament
Shafaq News
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
President Barzani: Protecting minority rights is a principle not a slogan
Shafaq News/ Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani reaffirmed on Monday that safeguarding the rights of all components in Kurdistan is a deeply held principle, not a mere slogan. The Kurdistan Region of Iraq is home to a diverse mosaic of ethnic and religious communities, including Kurds, Arabs, Turkmen, Assyrians, Chaldeans, Armenians, Yazidis, and Shabaks. Speaking at the opening of the Church Endowments Administration Conference in Erbil, Barzani said that his participation reflects clear support for all components of the Kurdistan Region, especially for Christian citizens, 'who are an essential part of the fabric of this society and Kurdistan's shared history.' 'This land has been known for thousands of years as a place of peaceful coexistence, acceptance of others, and fair participation in rights and duties.' He stressed that minority rights are not symbolic rhetoric, but 'firm principles and concepts we genuinely believe in,' adding that peaceful partnership must be the foundation of society. Barzani recalled that since the establishment of the Kurdistan Parliament, there has been a strong emphasis on inclusive representation, noting that peaceful coexistence has been a key factor in Kurdistan's stability and strength. Barzani reiterated that the diverse communities of the Kurdistan Region 'are not guests, but an inherent and rooted part of this land.' 'Kurdistan has always embraced all, historically providing space for freedom and peaceful coexistence,' he said. 'Achieving these principles can only be done through a clear legal framework that guarantees rights and protects diversity.' He called for accelerating the passage of a dedicated law for the management of Christian endowments that aligns with Iraqi legislation and ensures protection against encroachments. 'Such a law would not only be a legal framework but a clear message that Christians' rights are protected, their presence is guaranteed, and their ancestral heritage is safeguarded.'
Shafaq News
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Ex-Asayish director wanted in journalist assault
Shafaq News/ A court in the Kurdistan Region has issued an arrest warrant for the former Asayish director in Kalar in connection with a 2011 assault on journalist Kawa Garmiyani, his widow confirmed on Sunday. Shirin Amin, a former member of the Kurdistan Parliament and Garmiyani's wife, told Shafaq News that the decision followed multiple judicial sessions related to the case, which predates the journalist's assassination. Garmiyani was injured in 2011 during an incident involving members of the local security agency in Kalar. On December 5, 2013, he was fatally shot outside his home by unidentified gunmen. At the time of his death, Garmiyani worked as a correspondent for the Kurdish weekly Awene and served as editor-in-chief of Rayala magazine. He was widely known for his investigative reporting on corruption. His killing drew national and international condemnation. In 2014, a suspect named Twana Khaleefa was sentenced to death for the murder. However, rights groups and the journalist's family have continued to demand further accountability, alleging broader political involvement. The case remains under scrutiny by press freedom organizations, with the recent arrest warrant marking the first legal action tied to the earlier assault on Garmiyani prior to his assassination.
Shafaq News
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
High-level visit: Jordanian Speaker of Parliament in Erbil
Shafaq News/ On Friday, Jordan's Speaker of Parliament, Ahmed Al-Safadi, arrived in Erbil for an official visit. Upon arrival at Erbil International Airport, Al-Safadi was received by Iraq's Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Shakhawan Abdullah, and Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw. Al-Safadi is scheduled to visit the Kurdistan Parliament in Erbil on Saturday as part of his official program, following meetings with both Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.
Iraqi News
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Barzani: The plan put out by Prime Minister Al-Sudani to reconcile tensions between Baghdad and Erbil is sound
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani confirmed on Wednesday that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani's vision for resolving the differences between Baghdad and Erbil is correct. In his speech at the Sulaymaniyah Forum, attended by an Iraqi News Agency (INA) reporter, Barzani said, "The world is witnessing major radical and political changes that are altering international relations and regional and international balances." He noted that "wars, such as those occurring in Ukraine and Gaza, and intense economic competition, affect the entire region." He added, "The world faces common challenges in the area of climate change, which poses a threat to food security, migration, terrorism, and other risks. Many people around the world have been forced to relocate due to these events." He called on "the international community to assume shared responsibility for global issues that concern all of humanity." He continued, "We are pleased to witness the changes in the region and the achievement of peace. We affirm our support for all peace efforts and support any opportunity to establish peace in the region." He added, "The pursuit of peace is strength and an approach for those who believe in it, and it does not defeat anyone." He pointed out that "the world faces common challenges, and the Syrian government must represent all its components." He emphasized that "the Kurdistan Region believes in integration, and that the region's progress is a major strength added to Iraq." He emphasized "the firm commitment to the Iraqi constitution and that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani's vision for resolving the differences between Baghdad and Erbil is correct," calling for "the activation of the Kurdistan Parliament and the acceleration of the formation of the regional government."
Shafaq News
16-03-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
President Barzani honors Halabja victims with moment of silence
Shafaq News/ In a solemn ceremony on Sunday, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani and staff at the Regional Presidency observed a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the 16 March 1988 chemical bombing of Halabja. In a statement issued on the anniversary, President Barzani called on the Iraqi government to complete the process of designating Halabja as a province, stressing that "the international community must continue its efforts to prevent such crimes anywhere in the world." Earlier in the day, thousands in Erbil, the capital of the Region, observed a minute of silence to mark the 37th anniversary of the Halabja chemical attack. The memorial, held at the city center and various public locations, saw participation from local officials, employees, and citizens, while the Kurdistan Parliament also conducted its own commemorative session. The attack, ordered by Saddam Hussein's regime, killed more than 5,500 civilians—primarily women and children—and injured thousands, many of whom continue to suffer severe health repercussions. International reports indicate that the Halabja bombing was part of a broader campaign of genocidal crimes carried out by Saddam's regime in southern Kurdistan, which also included violent assaults against the Feyli Kurds, resulting in dozens of deaths and the displacement of thousands, with many still missing.
