Kurdish leaders’ messages on Newroz

Written on March 21, 2012 by Editor in Iraq, KRG, Kurdistan

Newroz celebration. Photo - Sana

The three main political leaders of the Kurdistan Region have made televised speeches to the people on the eve of Newroz (the Kurdish New Year).

Jalal Talabani, president of Iraq and leader of the PUK, has told the people of Kurdistan that the days are gone when rulers and leaders can stay in power forever: the people can topple them and put them in the history books. Talabani looked old and frail, and he said nothing of the three-decades rule by himself and his cronies.

Nawshirwan Mustafa, the leader of Gorran, told the Kurdish nation that building on its hopes and dreams requires not only talking but also working on solid ground. He referred to people asking for a Kurdish state and said that this should be based on a nation unified in its law, army, parliament, security, etc.

Masud Barzani, KRG president and KDP leader, told the Kurdish nation that his patience with the Iraq government is running out and the crisis needs a quick solution. If not, he said, we will go back to our people for a decision. He accused the Iraqi prime minister Maliki of dictatorial rule and one-man control of the army, administration, finance, foreign office, etc.

He added that if Maliki acquires F16 fighter jets, he will send them to Kurdistan. Barzani said the current Iraqi state will not undergo constitutional reform and does not want to resolve any issues with the Kurdish people. Instead it wants the Kurds not to prosper and stay like the centre and south of Iraq.