Nechirvan Barzani, Commander-in-Chief of the Peshmerga Forces, attended the 30th graduation ceremony of the Second Military College in Zakho, where 359 new officers officially joined the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs after completing nine months of military, academic, and practical training.

The ceremony was attended by senior officials, including the Minister of Peshmerga Affairs and a number of Peshmerga commanders and military officials. All graduates hold bachelor’s degrees and successfully completed intensive military preparation before being commissioned as officers.

In his address, President of the Kurdistan Region Nechirvan Barzani congratulated the graduates and their families, praising the young officers for voluntarily choosing military service after completing their university education.

“Being a Peshmerga is a sacred duty and a fundamental part of Kurdistan’s national identity,” he said, emphasizing that the graduates’ responsibilities begin with their commissioning and that their service represents loyalty and commitment to protecting Kurdistan and its people.

The President of Kurdistan Region highlighted the historical role of the Peshmerga in defending Kurdistan, particularly during the war against ISIS. He stated that the Peshmerga forces, under the leadership of Masoud Barzani, played a decisive role in confronting the extremist group and protecting both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

He also expressed appreciation for the continued support of the US-led international coalition in the fight against ISIS and praised the ongoing cooperation between the Peshmerga forces and the Iraqi army, especially in disputed territories and areas covered by Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution.

A significant portion of the speech focused on the long-delayed unification of the Peshmerga forces. President of the Kurdistan Region Nechirvan Barzani acknowledged that progress in the reform and unification process has fallen short of expectations, despite support and pressure from international allies.

“The current situation is not acceptable and cannot continue,” he said, stressing that the unification of the Peshmerga is a national necessity and promising continued efforts by the Kurdistan Region Presidency and the Kurdistan Regional Government to complete the process.

He further underlined that the Peshmerga are an integral part of Iraq’s constitutional defense system and called on Baghdad to fulfill its legal obligations by providing support, weapons, and resources to the forces.

Addressing regional developments, President of the Kurdistan Region Nechirvan Barzani warned of growing tensions across the Middle East and reaffirmed the Kurdistan Region’s commitment to resolving disputes through peaceful means. He stated that the Kurdistan Region does not want Iraq to become involved in regional conflicts.

The President also voiced readiness to work with Iraq’s Prime Minister-designate Ali Al-Zaidi on the basis of constitutional partnership, mutual respect, and federalism, while safeguarding the rights of the Kurdistan Region and all Iraqi communities.

Concluding his speech, President of the Kurdistan Region Nechirvan Barzani urged the graduates to remain committed to justice, discipline, democracy, human rights, and coexistence, while staying away from political disputes and serving as a national force under the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs.

He also paid tribute to the martyrs of Kurdistan and thanked the instructors and administrators of the Military Academy in Zakho for their role in preparing a new generation of Peshmerga officers.