President Barzani Meets Nineveh, Sinjar, and Duhok Communities: Calls for Unity and Constitutional Adherence
On the evening of Thursday, October 29, 2025, President Masoud Barzani held two separate meetings in the city of Duhok with representatives and community leaders from Nineveh, Sinjar, and Duhok, where he delivered speeches addressing key national issues, the upcoming elections, and the enduring principles of coexistence and constitutional governance.
In his first meeting with a segment of the communities from Nineveh and Sinjar, President Barzani underscored the special importance of Nineveh and Mosul, describing them as “an extension of the Kurdistan Region, specifically the two governorates of Duhok and Erbil, and vice versa.”
He emphasized the historical and social ties between these regions, referring to Nineveh as “a miniaturized Iraq” in terms of its diverse social fabric.
Speaking about the fight against ISIS, President Barzani highlighted the sacrifices of the Peshmerga forces, stating that “the Peshmerga defended all components and sacrificed their lives to defend the values and spirit of the citizens in Nineveh, Duhok, and all other areas,” noting that 12,000 Peshmerga were martyred or wounded in that struggle.
He reaffirmed that the Kurdistan Region “has been and will remain a safe haven for all citizens without discrimination,” recalling its role in hosting displaced and persecuted individuals during the conflict.
President Barzani also addressed the destruction caused by ISIS, acknowledging that the group “harmed coexistence and brotherhood,” but praised the resilience of all communities who “overcame that ordeal through the efforts of devoted people from all religions, sects, and ethnicities.”
Turning to the upcoming elections for the sixth term of the Iraqi Council of Representatives, President Barzani expressed hope that the results would “help the political process return to its correct path and renew adherence to the constitution and the principles of partnership, balance, and harmony.”
He reiterated his commitment to the Iraqi constitution, describing it as a document that clearly defines rights and duties, and stressed the need to uphold Articles 111 and 112 concerning the management of oil and gas.
“We must return to the constitution,” he said, adding that, “if they say there should be no federalism, no constitution, and no region, we reject dictatorship in all its forms.”
President Barzani also reminded attendees that his party’s candidates “represent all of Iraq and its components,” and cited the September Revolution as an example of the party’s inclusive stance, affirming that “never at any time have we sent a message to harm any Iraqi citizen, from the south to the north.”
Concluding his remarks, he urged citizens of Nineveh and Sinjar to “vote for those who serve and defend your rights,” asserting that “the people have complete freedom” in their choice and rejecting those who “do not represent the true opinion of the Arab street.”
Later that evening, President Barzani met with representatives of Duhok’s communities, where he reflected on the party’s historic commitment to elections and democratic principles.
He recalled that “in 1991, during the uprising, no one was thinking about elections — we were the ones calling for them,” reaffirming that “from the first election to the last, we have always believed in the people’s vote and responsibility.”
He stated that the party has never shirked responsibility, but rather “has shouldered not only its own responsibilities but also those of others,” emphasizing the importance of accountability, stability, and service.
Addressing post-election expectations, President Barzani voiced optimism that “after the elections, the situation will improve, and problems will be solved,” and he thanked the people of Kurdistan for their steadfastness “in the face of all challenges and conspiracies.”
He highlighted the achievements of the Kurdistan Democratic Party in reconstruction, education, health, infrastructure, security, and economic development, noting that “these accomplishments were not achieved easily.”
He also discussed the significance of dam and bridge projects and water preservation efforts, calling them vital for Kurdistan’s future.
President Barzani emphasized the need to preserve Kurdistan’s culture of coexistence, urging that this tradition be strengthened further.
He also spoke about the formation of the new Kurdistan Regional Government, expressing hope for continued cooperation between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) in accordance with electoral entitlements.
He concluded by calling on all political forces to ensure that the election campaign for the sixth term of the Iraqi Council of Representatives be conducted “peacefully, safely, and without violence.”
