Erbil, Kurdistan Region– Kurdistan DEmocratic Party (KDP) President Masoud Barzani issued a solemn message on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, extending his greetings to Muslims in Kurdistan, Iraq, and around the world while strongly criticizing the Iraqi federal government’s decision to cut salaries for the region’s employees.

In his message, Barzani specifically honored the families of martyrs, Peshmerga fighters, and the people of Kurdistan, praising their resilience in the face of economic hardships. He condemned Baghdad’s suspension of salaries as an "unjust and oppressive" act, comparing its severity to the atrocities committed by Saddam Hussein’s regime, including the Anfal campaigns and chemical attacks against Kurds.

"The policy of collective starvation against the people of Kurdistan is no less brutal than the crimes of the former regime," Barzani stated. "But the will of our people is stronger than any injustice. Those who oppose Kurdistan should learn from history—our people have always triumphed over oppression, while the oppressors have faced regret."

Barzani expressed gratitude for the perseverance of Kurdistan’s citizens and called for unity. He concluded with a prayer for peace and stability in Iraq, Kurdistan, and the wider region.

The salary dispute between Erbil and Baghdad remains unresolved, exacerbating economic challenges in the Kurdistan Region amid ongoing political tensions.