ERBIL — Kurdish prominent leader and former president of Kurdistan Region, Masoud Barzani, said on Tuesday that religious leaders and clerics could play a significant role in fighting extremists and terrorist ideologies.

Barzani, who is also the president of ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), made the remarks in a statement on the occasion of sixth congress of the union of religious figures.

The Kurdish leader also hailed the role of religious figures throughout history, reminding that they have also engaged in promoting nationalistic ideas while the Kurds were under pressure of oppressors.

“Religious figures joining [Kurdish] revolutions was an important lesson, teaching everyone that fighting for freedom is not only a nationalistic duty, but also a religious obligation,” Barzani said.

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