پەرلەمانی کوردستان
Qalachualan, Kurdistan Region, November 16, 2024
President Nechirvan Barzani participated in the graduation ceremony for the fourth cohort of officer training at the Qalachualan Military College in Sulaymaniyah today.
The event was attended by Vice President Sheikh Jaafar Sheikh Mustafa, Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, the Minister of Peshmerga, along with a number of military and civilian officials, as well as the families of the graduates. A speech was delivered by President Nechirvan Barzani at the ceremony; the following is a readout of the speech:
Dear Graduates,
Dear parents and relatives of the graduates,
Dear Attendees,
Good morning.
We are pleased to welcome you to the graduation ceremony for the fourth cohort of officer training at Qalachualan Military College.
I wish to offer a warm welcome to Shanaz Khan, the First Lady of Iraq, who is joining us for this ceremony.
It is with great pride and joy that we convene at this distinguished military institution to commemorate the graduation ceremony of a new group of defenders of our nation. These individuals embody a crucial part of the visionaries shaping a hopeful future for both Kurdistan and Iraq. This day signifies an important milestone for the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, as we celebrate the outcomes of the unwavering commitment demonstrated by both the graduates and their educators.
I am immensely pleased to witness the graduation of 769 young individuals from our nation, who, equipped with knowledge and military discipline, have completed their studies at this esteemed institution. It is particularly gratifying and a source of pride for all of us that among the graduates today, 48 are women. After nine months of rigorous study and training, they are now receiving their ranks as employees. Their contributions will invigorate the Kurdistan Peshmerga forces. We are confident that the people of Kurdistan will take great pride in witnessing these remarkable achievements.
I wish to convey my heartfelt congratulations and sincere appreciation to the esteemed graduates and their families, who have provided unwavering support and encouragement during their academic journey. Additionally, I would like to express my profound gratitude to the educators and officials of the Military College for their relentless dedication in nurturing and educating this promising and devoted generation for the benefit of Kurdistan and Iraq.
Dear graduates,
Your aspiration to enroll in the military college following your graduation reflects your commitment, intellectual maturity, profound sense of patriotism, and significant sense of responsibility. You have opted for a challenging journey rather than an easy one, embracing the honorable path of service to your country and safeguarding the accomplishments and esteemed values of our nation.
Your educational qualifications, academic history, and scientific knowledge represent significant advantages in your life. Naturally, they contribute to the enrichment of our armed forces. This expertise fortifies and improves their capacity to confront the challenges of both the present and the future. This marks the onset of a crucial turning point in the history of the Peshmerga and the armed forces of the Kurdistan Region.
I take great pride in acknowledging the involvement of girls and women within our Peshmerga and armed forces on this significant day. Throughout the history of our people's struggle, the women of Kurdistan have demonstrated that they are essential and impactful partners in the nation-building process and in the defense of our land and homeland.
In this context, they have made numerous sacrifices that deserve both respect and admiration. The inclusion of women in military and security organizations not only reflects the advancement of our society but also serves as a testament to our profound commitment to equality, justice, and authentic collaboration in fulfilling national duties and significant responsibilities.
The narrative of the Peshmerga is one of illustrious valor and unwavering dedication to Kurdistan. Since its inception, this esteemed force has consistently served as a formidable shield, safeguarding the region and its accomplishments. Throughout the decades, the Peshmerga has engaged in battles to uphold the freedom, rightful claims, and honor of the people of Kurdistan. They have bestowed upon Kurdistan a legacy of courageous martyrs. Presently, they remain committed to defending the democratic and constitutional advancements of our society, embodying the same spirit of patriotism and selflessness.
On this day, we honor all the martyrs who sacrificed their lives to protect Kurdistan and its accomplishments. Their legacy will forever endure.
Dear Graduates,
Distinguished young men and women,
Your graduation today marks not the conclusion of your journey, but rather the commencement of a significant new chapter in your life. It signifies the start of a journey characterized by dedication, sacrifice, and service to both the people and the nation. The knowledge, insights, and experiences you have acquired at this esteemed institution serve as formidable tools to aid your country and its citizens. Your involvement with the military institution carries a profound historical and national obligation to uphold the security, peace, and stability of our nation. On this occasion, we honor President Mam Jalal, who has envisioned the establishment of this military college since 1992, with the aim of serving Kurdistan and contributing to the welfare of the country.
In the Kurdistan Region, we hold a profound conviction that the Peshmerga and our military forces should function as an independent and professional national institution. It is essential to steer clear of any political or party-related disputes. These forces ought to represent the people of Kurdistan as well as the diverse communities within Kurdistan.
The Peshmerga play a crucial role within the Iraqi defense framework. Consequently, it is the responsibility of Iraq to provide comprehensive support to the Peshmerga. We are diligently and earnestly engaged in enhancing the capabilities and refining the skills of the Peshmerga, enabling them to effectively confront all challenges and threats, thereby serving as the steadfast shield for the protection of Kurdistan, as they have always done.
The valiant Peshmergas of Kurdistan, alongside our forces, have demonstrated their commitment to combating terrorism and the ISIS organization through their courageous actions and sacrifices. Their blood has been shed across every corner of Kurdistan, transcending divisions of identity; all have united in their willingness to fight and sacrifice for the nation. They have exemplified unparalleled heroism, professionalism, bravery, and dedication to their homeland. In this critical period, as terrorism and extremism continue to pose significant threats, we underscore the necessity of ongoing collaboration and coordination among the Peshmerga, the Iraqi army, and coalition forces.
On this occasion, it is essential to express our profound appreciation to the international coalition forces combating ISIS for their unwavering support and assistance to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. We extend our heartfelt thanks for their contributions to the reform and unification of the Peshmerga, facilitated under the auspices of the Ministry of Peshmerga of the Kurdistan Regional Government, aimed at establishing a national force dedicated to safeguarding the accomplishments of the Kurdistan Region and its diverse communities.
It is acknowledged that challenges exist within the current process; however, despite these difficulties, progress is being made, albeit at a gradual pace. We would like to reassure the people of Kurdistan and our allies in the international coalition of our steadfast commitment to achieving victory and the unification of the Peshmerga.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The challenges and tensions present in the Middle East pose significant risks to the security and stability of Iraq, the Kurdistan Region, and the broader area. In the Kurdistan Region, we stress the importance of shielding Iraq from regional disputes and issues. It is essential for Iraq to achieve peace, stability, and sustainable development, rather than being further embroiled in crises and conflicts.
Following a tumultuous history marked by suffering and devastation due to successive conflicts, Iraq is in urgent need of peace and stability. It is essential for the nation to harness its resources for the purposes of reconstruction, development, and the enhancement of all aspects of life. The citizens of Iraq, including those in the Kurdistan Region and all other areas, are entitled to improved living conditions and services, rather than being mired in the current turmoil affecting the region.
The Kurdistan Region reaffirms its commitment to being a catalyst for peace in the region and is prepared to offer cooperation to all stakeholders to ensure the preservation of peace, stability, and harmonious coexistence among all communities.
Our extensive experience in the Kurdistan Region over the years has demonstrated that dialogue, mutual understanding, and ongoing negotiations are the sole effective means to address conflicts and navigate crises. We are convinced that enhancing collaboration and coordination among all Iraqi communities serves as a genuine assurance for the establishment of a federal democratic Iraq that honors pluralism and diversity while safeguarding the rights and freedoms of every community.
Dear attendees,
In light of the delicate political landscape following the successful Kurdistan parliamentary elections, it is noteworthy that approximately seventy-two percent of the people of Kurdistan engaged in the electoral process, marking a significant achievement for Kurdistan. It is imperative to initiate a serious, responsible, and constructive dialogue aimed at establishing a robust and effective government. This government must be capable of addressing the aspirations of the citizens and adeptly managing both present and future risks and challenges.
It is essential to highlight the necessity and significance of addressing the disputes between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad in accordance with the constitution and the political agreements established between the two entities. For Iraq to effectively navigate the challenges posed by the volatile regional landscape, it must embody a nation that represents all communities without bias. Every Iraqi should have a tangible stake in the governance and political administration of the country, ensuring that all individuals, whether in the Kurdistan Region or elsewhere in Iraq, perceive themselves as equal stakeholders of the country.
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the graduates and their families once more. I would like to express my profound gratitude to the commanders and officials of Qalachualan Military College, as well as to all the educators and trainers, for their dedicated efforts and unwavering commitment in nurturing this generation of patriots, who represent the hope of Kurdistan and the future of our nation.
I wish for each of you to achieve success in your service to our nation and its citizens. It is essential to uphold unity and solidarity, fostering a rich culture of mutual acceptance, coexistence, and tolerance in Iraqi Kurdistan, as this represents our sole path to progress. May God protect our country.
Peace be upon the souls of our fallen heroes.
I hope you have a pleasant day
Thank you.
