ERBIL — Kurdish leader and the president of Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), Masoud Barzani, on Saturday issued a statement to wish a happy Newroz to all in Kurdistan and beyond, saying the Kurdish new year symbolizes liberty from oppression and the struggle for freedom.

“Allow me to wish the people of Kurdistan, and also those who celebrate this holiday around the globe, a happy Newroz. Newroz symbolizes liberty from oppression and subordination. I sincerely hope that the coming year will bring more peace, prosperity, and tranquility to all,” Barzani wrote on Twitter.

The Kurdish leader emphasized that his nation believes in coexistence between different faiths and ethnic groups, and it will remain committed peace and tolerance.

“The people of Kurdistan want to determine their fate peacefully, resolve the issues through peaceful means, and they do not believe in war and violence.”

However, Barzani pointed out, the Kurds will never tolerate oppression.

In Iraq, he said, the Kurds remained part of the country based on voluntary union and partnership. “Violating this principles of voluntary partnership, resorting to majority and minority will, and exercising the culture of self imposition and denial of others, will never resolve the disputes,” he stressed.