پەرلەمانی کوردستان
May 14, 2026
President Nechirvan Barzani, Commander-in-Chief of the Peshmerga Forces, attended the 30th graduation ceremony of the Second Military College in Zakho.
The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Peshmerga Affairs and a number of Peshmerga officials. During the event, 359 young officers from the Kurdistan Region, all holding bachelor’s degrees, received their graduation certificates after completing nine months of military, academic, and practical training. They have now joined the ranks of the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs.
At the close of the ceremony, President Nechirvan Barzani delivered a speech congratulating the graduates and their families. He also addressed the legal and national status of the Peshmerga, the political situation in Iraq, and broader developments in the region. The following is the text of his remarks:
Dear Graduates,
Our brave Peshmergas,
Dear attendees,
Good day,
I warmly welcome all of you to the 30th graduation ceremony of the Second Military College in Zakho. This occasion is a source of pride for us and for all the people of Kurdistan.
Today, we proudly celebrate the graduation of 359 young officers from the Kurdistan Region. Following nine months of military education, academic study, and practical training, they have officially joined the forces of the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs.
It is truly a source of pride and admiration that after completing your university education and earning your bachelor’s degrees, you voluntarily chose to pursue military training and step forward to serve as officers within the Peshmerga forces.
This reflects your loyalty and commitment to serving and protecting Kurdistan. Today, alongside your families, we take great pride in your achievements.
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you and your families. Congratulations to all of you, and I wish you every success in your future duties.
Dear Graduates,
Since its establishment, the Peshmerga has represented pride, dignity, and responsibility. Being a Peshmerga is a sacred duty and a fundamental part of Kurdistan’s national identity. It is the continuation of a long struggle to protect the people of Kurdistan and all its communities.
Your graduation today and your academic achievements do not mark the end of your journey. You must know that today marks the beginning of your new duties and responsibilities in serving Kurdistan through its institutions.
Your degree today is not merely an academic accomplishment, but your pledge of honor and loyalty to Kurdistan. It represents a profound responsibility to serve your people and your country and reflects your readiness to make sacrifices for the dignity and prosperity of Kurdistan.
Throughout the history of the Kurdish liberation movement, the Peshmerga has made tremendous sacrifices. The Peshmerga has shed its blood and defended Kurdistan and its people with unwavering courage and resilience. The history of the Peshmerga is filled with heroism and sacrifice for the freedom and dignity of Kurdistan.
When ISIS, one of the world’s largest terrorist organizations, launched its attacks on Iraq and Kurdistan, it was the Peshmerga forces, under the leadership of President Massoud Barzani, that stood against ISIS on the frontlines and sacrificed their lives to protect Kurdistan from terrorism.
As long as the Kurds and Kurdistan remain, the Peshmerga will continue to be a source of inspiration for the people of Kurdistan. It will remain a guardian and a symbol of defense and resilience for our nation.
On this occasion, I express the Kurdistan Region’s gratitude for the support of the US-led coalition forces in the fight against ISIS.
Their support for the Peshmerga and the Iraqi army has been strategic and decisive. I also appreciate their continued cooperation and support for the reform process within the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs.
It is equally important to emphasize the significance of cooperation between the Peshmerga and Iraqi army forces in combating terrorism. Joint efforts are essential to preserving security and stability, particularly in the areas covered by Article 140, as ISIS continues to pose a serious threat to Iraq and the wider region.
On this occasion, we pay tribute to all the forces who sacrificed their lives to safeguard the nation, including the Peshmerga, the Iraqi army, and PMF forces.
Dear attendees,
On this occasion, we must acknowledge that the unification process of the Peshmerga forces has not progressed as it should, and the necessary progress has yet to be achieved.
The people of Kurdistan have long awaited the unification of the Peshmerga forces. Our allies in the international coalition continue to provide support, planning, and assistance while expecting us to demonstrate the necessary political will. Unfortunately, this has not happened to the required extent, which has negatively affected the reputation of the Kurdistan Region.
Most importantly, the dedicated and capable graduates we celebrate today deserve to serve within a unified national force. The current situation is not acceptable and cannot continue.
I reiterate that the unification of the Peshmerga forces is a national necessity for the Kurdistan Region and must be achieved. We, in the Kurdistan Region Presidency and Kurdistan Regional Government, will continue with our responsibilities and exert every effort to ensure the success of this process. To achieve this, we will continue to coordinate with our partners in the international coalition.
The Peshmerga is an integral part of Iraq’s defense system. The presence of this military academy in Zakho, affiliated with the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, reflects this reality. Iraq is constitutionally and legally obligated to fulfill its responsibilities toward the Peshmerga by providing the necessary support, assistance, weapons, and ammunition.
The Peshmerga is not a threat; rather, they are the protectors of the country. They have clearly demonstrated this in the war for the liberation of Iraq, in safeguarding the security of Baghdad, and in the war against ISIS.
Esteemed attendees,
Our region is currently facing a sensitive and complex situation. Regional tensions have affected everyone. We in the Kurdistan Region reaffirm our firm commitment to resolving disputes and conflicts through peaceful means. We do not want Iraq and the Kurdistan Region to become involved in regional tensions.
In this regard, we look forward to working with the forthcoming Iraqi government in Baghdad and with Prime Minister-designate Mr. Ali Al-Zaidi in a spirit of true national partnership and in accordance with the Iraqi Constitution. We are ready to cooperate in serving all of Iraq while safeguarding the federal system and the constitutional rights of the Kurdistan Region and all communities, and ensuring security, development, and prosperity for all Iraqis.
The Kurdistan Region is an essential part of Iraq. The future of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region is interconnected. Our achievements, challenges, and destiny are shared. The strength of the Kurdistan Region is a source of strength for Baghdad.
Therefore, cooperation based on the Constitution, mutual respect, and genuine national partnership remains the only path toward building a stable and prosperous Iraq that serves all its citizens. We remain committed to resolving all issues and disputes in accordance with the Constitution.
Dear Graduates,
Always remember that the Military Academy was established to prepare you to carry out your duties and responsibilities as capable commanders. Your mission is to uphold justice, humanity, and the protection of Kurdistan. The core principles of high national values, sacrifice, and discipline should always remain at the forefront of your thoughts and actions.
As Peshmerga, you represent all the people of Kurdistan and all its communities. Your responsibilities go beyond combat and military expertise. Your mission also includes promoting a peaceful and united society and standing firmly against extremism, fear, and terrorism.
You carry the responsibility of defending the values of freedom, peace, democracy, human rights, and an open civil society, while promoting coexistence and mutual acceptance. Strive to be role models in defending justice and the rights of all citizens in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.
We have full confidence in your ability to confront challenges and excel in your responsibilities to serve your country to the best of your abilities. Be a national force within the framework of the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs and avoid becoming involved in political disputes.
Finally,
I extend my gratitude to the Dean, instructors, officials, and administrators of the Military Academy in Zakho. Their dedication, loyalty, and service are deeply appreciated.
Their responsibilities are sacred, and their efforts are essential in strengthening the Peshmerga forces and preparing a new generation of protectors of the country, educated in military sciences and devotion to their homeland. I extend my appreciation to the head of the academy and all its officers.
I offer my deepest respect to the souls of all martyrs of Kurdistan who sacrificed their lives for Kurdistan so that we can stand here and celebrate this great occasion today, and to all the heroes who were injured in their duty to protect Kurdistan. Please accept my greetings, and I wish them all a swift recovery.
Once again, I warmly congratulate all of you, the graduates, and wish you continued success in your duties. I sincerely wish that God guides you as you embark on this new chapter of your life. I look forward to witnessing your happiness, safety, and success. We extend our gratitude to the Zakho Autonomous District for its support to the college. I hope each of you achieves continued success. May Kurdistan thrive, and may you all stand as its defenders.
Thank you very much.
