Latest news with #NechirvanBarzani
Rudaw Net
20 hours ago
- Sport
- Rudaw Net
Duhok crowned Iraq Cup champions
Also in Iraq Iraq launches security operation after drone attacks UK condemns drone attacks in Kurdistan Region Iraq launches probe into Wasit mall fire that killed 63 Iraq holds nationwide mourning after mall blaze kills 61 A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Duhok SC won the Iraq Cup on Friday, beating out another Kurdish team, Zakho SC. This is the first time a Kurdish club has won the title since the cup's establishment in 1948. The historic achievement will allow Duhok SC to play in AFC Champions League Two. Both teams are also now eligible for the Iraq Super League. Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani congratulated both clubs for their achievements, adding that the Kurdistan Region is proud of them. Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani also congratulated the teams. The match was goalless, leading to a penalty shootout that ended 5-3. Erbil Sports Club was the first Kurdish club to make it to the final of the Iraq Cup in 2023 but failed to win the title following a dramatic defeat by al-Quwa al-Jawiya, one of Iraq's oldest football teams.
Shafaq News
3 days ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Kurdistan President extends condolences over Wasit fire
Shafaq News – Erbil/Wasit On Thursday, Kurdish President Nechirvan Barzani expressed heartfelt condolences following the deadly fire in Wasit province. In a post on X, Barzani said his heart was with the victims' families during this time of profound grief, voicing solidarity with all those affected by the tragedy. ببالغ الحزن والأسى، تابعنا الفاجعة المؤلمة التي نجمت عن الحريق المُروّع في مركز تجاري بمدينة الكوت، والذي أسفر عن وفاة العشرات من المواطنين وإصابة آخرين بجروح.قلوبنا مع عوائل الضحايا في هذا المصاب الجلل، ونشاركهم حزنهم العميق ومأساتهم الكبيرة. نسأل الله أن يتغمّد الراحلين… — Nechirvan Barzani (@IKRPresident) July 17, 2025
Rudaw Net
3 days ago
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Iraq holds nationwide mourning after mall blaze kills 61
Also in Iraq At least 50 killed, dozens missing in Iraq shopping mall fire Iraqi PM inaugurates Mosul airport on anniversary of city's liberation from ISIS Cardinal Sako urges Iraqi PM to halt 'violations' against Christian sites in Najaf Senior KDP, PUK figures to meet Iraqi PM amid financial crisis A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The death toll from a devastating fire that tore through a shopping mall in eastern Iraq has risen to 61, according to local authorities, with state media reporting that dozens of people remain missing. The tragic incident has sparked widespread reactions from both Iraqi and Kurdish leaders. "With profound grief and sorrow, we have followed the painful tragedy that resulted from the horrific fire in a commercial center in the city of Kut,' Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani said in a post on X, expressing condolences and wishing for a swift recovery of the wounded. The state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA) reported on Thursday that a blaze swept through the Hypermarket Mall in al-Kut, the provincial capital of Wasit, leaving dozens dead and missing. Iraq's supreme Shiite religious authority, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, on Thursday extended 'deepest condolences and sincere sympathy' to the families of the victims who are 'grieving the loss of their loved ones,' while also wishing for a swift recovery for the injured. Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid conveyed "great sorrow" over the incident and expressed "profound condolences and sympathy to the victims' families.' Pointing to 'the recurrence of such unfortunate incidents' in Iraq, Rashid urged 'an immediate investigation into the incident, to understand its circumstances, and to hold the negligent accountable." The Iraqi president underlined the importance of addressing broader safety issues, calling on the relevant authorities to "follow up on occupational safety procedures and enforce compliance.' In a post on his official Facebook page, Wasit Governor Muhammad Jamil al-Miahi declared 'three days of mourning for the souls lost' and added that lawsuits have been filed against the mall and building owners, as well as 'everyone involved.' 'We assure the innocent victims that we will not tolerate those who were a direct or indirect cause of this incident,' Miahi added, promising preliminary results from the investigation within 48 hours. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani on the same day dispatched the interior minister to the scene to launch an 'on-the-ground' and 'immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding' the deadly shopping mall fire in Kut. Sudani demanded "a precise technical inquiry to uncover any negligence and to take all necessary and strict measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents." In response, the Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari formed a high-level committee to "identify shortcomings with precision and transparency," pledging that the ministry "will not be lenient" in holding those responsible accountable. In a statement, the interior ministry also stated that the number of fatalities from the devastating blaze had reached 61 victims, who mostly died from suffocation. Fourteen charred bodies were also uncovered, and 45 people were rescued. Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani also expressed his condolences to the victims of the fire, saying he was 'deeply saddened' by the tragedy, adding that the Region's health ministry and institutions 'are ready to treat the injured and provide any necessary assistance.' Sulaimani Governor Haval Abubakir also offered condolences on behalf of the province, expressing 'sympathy for the tragedy' and wishing a swift recovery for those injured. Esmaeil Baqaei, spokesperson for the Iranian foreign ministry, offered his country's "heartfelt condolences" to the families of the victims. Fires are a recurring threat in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, where enforcement of fire and safety regulations is often inadequate. The risk increases significantly during the summer months, when extreme heat exacerbates the potential for electrical faults and other fire hazards. Contributing factors include aging infrastructure, overcrowded public spaces, poor electrical systems, and a widespread lack of basic fire safety measures.
Shafaq News
4 days ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
President Barzani with Estonia DM: Terrorism fight on table
Shafaq News – Erbil On Wednesday, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met with Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur to discuss security cooperation. According to a statement from the Presidency, the meeting focused on strengthening bilateral ties in defense and counterterrorism, with both sides highlighting Estonia's contribution within the Global Coalition against ISIS. سهرۆك نێچيرڤان بارزانى لهگهڵ وهزيرى بهرگريى ئيستۆنيا كۆبووهوه — Kurdistan Region Presidency (@KurdistanRegion) July 16, 2025 Barzani expressed appreciation for Estonia's support to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, reaffirming his commitment to expanding cooperation in all sectors. Pevkur, in turn, praised the Region's efforts in fighting terrorism and underscored his country's interest in deepening relations with both Erbil and Baghdad. The meeting also covered regional developments, including the situation in Syria, relations between Erbil and Baghdad, and other shared concerns.
Rudaw Net
4 days ago
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
President Barzani, Estonian defense minister discuss defense ties, regional developments
Also in Kurdistan KRG cabinet to address financial crisis amid new round of meetings with Baghdad KRG ministry condemns drone strikes on Duhok oil fields as operations halt Kurdistan oil fields targeted for third day in a row in drone attacks Archaeologists unearth over 6,000-year-old settlement near Erbil A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Wednesday met with Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur to discuss strengthening security and defense cooperation, as well as Estonia's continued role in the Global Coalition to Defeat the Islamic State (ISIS). A statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency cited President Barzani as expressing 'sincere gratitude and appreciation for Estonia's unwavering support and assistance to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, particularly in our collective fight against terrorism.' He also emphasized the Kurdistan Region's readiness 'to strengthen joint cooperation with Estonia in all fields.' For his part, Minister Pevkur affirmed Estonia's commitment to expanding relations and deepening cooperation with both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. He conveyed his country's 'appreciation for the Kurdistan Region's role in the fight against ISIS' and broader counter-terrorism efforts, the Kurdistan Region Presidency said. The talks also covered the status of Erbil-Baghdad relations, the situation in neighboring Syria, recent developments in the Middle East, and other matters of shared interest. Also attending the meeting were Kurdistan Region Vice President Sheikh Jaafar Sheikh Mustafa, Peshmerga Minister Shoresh Ismail and Peshmerga Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Issa Ozeir. ISIS captured large areas of northern and central Iraq in 2014, but its self-declared caliphate was dismantled in 2017 after Iraqi and Kurdish forces, backed by the US-led Global Coalition, reclaimed the territory. Estonia has been part of the coalition since 2016. In April, Tallinn deployed up to 110 personnel to Erbil, tasked with base defense, rapid response, and providing security for coalition advisors during missions outside Erbil Air Base. While Estonia's role in the coalition is not widely publicized, its contributions include counter-terrorism financing, intelligence sharing, and humanitarian aid.
