Presidency of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

President Barzani’s Statement on Demonstrations in Iraq

2019-10-07T09:24:43.000000Z
Statements
Erbil, Kurdistan Region, 04 October 2019

The President of the Kurdistan Region Nechirvan Barzani issued a statement on the recent demonstrations in Iraq, calling on all parties involved to uphold the rule of law, maintain peace and security, and to safeguard the best interest of our nation.

Below is President Barzani’s statement:

We are deeply concerned about the violence during the demonstrations in Baghdad and several provinces in recent days. Peaceful demonstration is a right that is guaranteed by the Iraqi Constitution, and it should not lead to violent clashes, lawlessness, threats to public safety, or cause damage to public institutions.

Iraq’s accumulated problems is not confined to recent times, rather they are the result of wrong practices and policies of successive governments over decades. No government can solve these issues overnight. The fulfillment of the wishes and demands of the people requires the cooperation and support of all forces and parties. The protection of present and future security and stability of our country is the responsibility of all.

Iraq is witnessing pressing challenges that requires political stability and security. Undermining the security will drastically worsen the situation and causing more harm to the Iraqi people.

We call on all parties to respect the law, exercise restraint, and protect the best interests of the nation.