Presidency of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

President Nechirvan Barzani: The resolution of the budget and salary issues in the Kurdistan Region is of utmost importance and should be addressed promptly

2024-01-13T09:46:25.000000Z
Speeches
Baghdad, Iraq, January 13, 2024

President Nechirvan Barzani attended the 21st anniversary of the martyrdom of Ayatollah Muhammad Baqir al-Hakim in Baghdad this morning, alongside the Iraqi President, the Iraqi Prime Minister, and the President of the Supreme Judicial Council of Iraq. Among the many guests in attendance were a large number of Iraqi political leaders and foreign diplomats.

President Nechirvan Barzani delivered a speech at the ceremony, in which he highlighted the past struggles of the Iraqi political parties against dictatorship, as well as the current situation in the country. He called on the authorities and the Federal Iraqi Government to quickly solve the issue of non-payment of the Kurdistan Region’s budget entitlements and public employees’ salaries.

The President delivered the following speech at today’s Commemoration.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good day,

Today, we gather here to commemorate a significant event, Iraqi Martyr’s Day and the 21st anniversary of the martyrdom of Ayatollah Muhammad Baqir al-Hakim. Countless Iraqis gave their lives in the struggle for freedom from oppression and the eradication of terrorism. The most profound way to honor the memory of these martyrs is by fostering prosperity, improving the lives of the Iraqi people, and securing a bright future for both present and future generations.

Ayatollah Muhammad Baqir al-Hakim, known as the Martyr of the Mihrab, was a courageous leader who fell victim to terrorism. He played a pivotal role in uniting the Iraqi opposition parties, aiming to liberate the people from oppression and dictatorship.

As we commemorate the martyr Ayatollah Muhammad Baqir al-Hakim in a liberated Iraq, it is crucial that we honor his memory and that of all the martyrs in two fundamental ways. Firstly, by eradicating all forms of oppression and injustice, and secondly, by urging all political parties to refrain from transferring their rivalries and conflicts into Iraqi society and its communities.

The collaboration and unity between the Martyr of the Mihrab and my late father, Idris Barzani, as well as with President Masoud Barzani, the late President Mam Jalal, and other leaders of the Iraqi opposition, have strengthened the bonds between the oppressed Iraqi people.

It is crucial for us, our generation, to reinforce that bond rather than dismantle it. The path our leaders chose is one that promotes love and equality among all communities of Iraq. Doing the contrary does not align with their chosen path, it contradicts their teachings.

The actions of our struggle and political movement are deeply rooted in a rich history. Our religious scholars and leaders possessed extensive knowledge and a compassionate outlook. As a result, the great Marja'iyya in Najaf maintained good relations with Barzan and Kurdistan’s scholars in general.

The late Mulla Mustafa Barzani, leader of the Kurdistan Revolution, maintained a continuous relationship with the Supreme Marja'iyya in Iraq. The fatwas issued by Grand Ayatollah Muhsin al-Hakim and Grand Ayatollah Muhammad Baqir al-Sadr in 1965 and 1974, despite the risks to their lives under the dictatorship, were truly righteous. These two esteemed Maraji’ issued a fatwa prohibiting the war against the Kurds and the Kurdistan Peshmerga. The people of Kurdistan will forever remember their historic fatwas and their stand.

These commemorations are important, they allow us to preserve our cherished past. Our past was built with a broad vision, it was built on ties of friendship and love. We must not undermine our present and future by spreading hatred, conflict, and division. Instead, we must strengthen them by embracing and nurturing our shared values.

Furthermore, apart from our shared history, we currently possess a significant legal tool to foster and enhance harmony among the various communities in Iraq. Since 2005, we have been governed by a constitution. The essence of this Constitution is to establish a democratic system, ensure justice, and maintain power sharing. By implementing the federal system as it stands, we can preserve our society’s rich heritage and enhance our present and future.

Hence, with the presence of numerous Iraqi leaders and officials here today, I urge all of us to collectively adhere to this Constitution. It safeguards the equality of all Iraqi communities, regions, and provinces, as well as the stability of our nation.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Given the current lack of budget and public salaries in the Kurdistan Region, public employees and residents are enduring a dire situation. This unfortunate circumstance has greatly affected all sectors within the Kurdistan Region. It is crucial that this significant problem is promptly addressed and resolved. This is a collective responsibility, as the Kurdistan Region and its employees are integral parts of Iraq.

Hence, I urge all political leaders, parties, factions, and members of the Iraqi parliament to be supportive in solving the lack of budget and salaries of the Kurdistan Region employees.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The effective leadership of my dear brother Mr. Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has greatly contributed to the success of the Federal Iraqi Government, and has strengthened Iraq’s position. This approach has the potential to further enhance Iraq's standing. However, violating the authority of the commander-in-chief of the Iraqi armed forces by attacking diplomatic envoys, coalition forces and the Peshmerga, disrupts the work of the Government and creates major, sweeping complications in Iraq.

These attacks have inflicted significant harm on the security and well-being of the people in the Kurdistan Region, causing widespread concern throughout the Iraqi market. Furthermore, they have provided an opportunity for ISIS terrorists to intensify their assaults.

Coalition forces have been here in response to Iraq's request to combat ISIS. The Federal Government and Prime Minister Sudani should be given the opportunity to engage in peaceful negotiations with them, in order to establish a common plan and ensure a problem-free environment for cooperation between the coalition forces and Iraq.

Iraq, as a nation with established institutions, must ensure that these institutions fulfill their responsibilities. Failure to do so will only lead to further problems and complications for the Iraqi people, who are in dire need of stability at this crucial time.

Lastly, I would like to express my gratitude to my dear brother, Sayyid Ammar al-Hakim, for organizing this event. I pay tribute to the memory of the Martyr of the Mihrab, the late Ayatollah Muhammad Baqir al-Hakim, and His Eminence the late Sayyid Abdul Aziz al-Hakim, and all the brave martyrs of Iraq.

I wish you all success,

Thank you.