Barzani Affirms: Peshmerga United Kurdish Force Above Factions

Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region, affirmed on Monday that "there is no longer any force outside the umbrella of the Peshmerga forces," stressing the necessity for the Peshmerga to be a "Kurdish force" transcending partisan considerations. Barzani called upon the federal government to provide full support and secure their rights entirely. He added that the unification of forces represents a significant step long-awaited by the people of Kurdistan, with everyone working for years to ensure its success. Barzani emphasized that the Peshmerga is the force of the Kurdistan people, tasked with protecting all components of the region, including Kurds, Turkmens, Christians, Yazidis, and Arabs, asserting its role in preserving security and stability. Barzani pointed out that the Peshmerga is an integral part of the Iraqi defense system, and that strengthening its capabilities and coordination with federal forces enhances Iraq as a whole. In this context, he highlighted that the presence of Abdul Amir al-Shammari, Director of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces, at the ceremonies announcing the unification of forces, underscores the vital importance of this coordination. Concluding his remarks, Nechirvan Barzani stressed that the unity of the Peshmerga must be reflected across all its aspects, from training and duties to rights, promotions, and military doctrine, emphasizing that the military institution "must not become an arena for settling partisan and political scores."