Duhok, Kurdistan Region: President Nechirvan Barzani of the Kurdistan Region has stressed the need for thoughtful solutions to the issues facing the Iraqi people, urging a focus on problem-solving rather than turning Iraq into a battleground. Speaking at the Middle East Peace and Security Forum (MEPS23) in Duhok on Monday, November 20, 2023, Barzani emphasized that if Iraqi political parties work in accordance with the constitution, addressing problems will be more manageable.

In his address at the American University in Duhok, President Barzani stated, "Iraq must be stable to progress, and now is the time to think about solving the problems of the Iraqi people rather than turning Iraq into a battlefield."

President Nechirvan Barzani highlighted the adverse consequences of not adhering to the constitution, leading to numerous problems, disputes, and instability. He called for a return to the principles of partnership, consensus, and balance upon which the new Iraq was built.

Barzani urged Iraqi political parties to assist the government and state institutions in implementing the constitution. He emphasized that the federal system is the foundation of Iraq's constitution, ensuring equality and full partnership.

Emphasizing the importance of an inclusive Iraq, Barzani stated, "Iraq should be a country for all components without discrimination to achieve progress and stability." He warned that discrimination and differences among components would weaken Iraq and lead to its backwardness. Barzani stressed the necessity for all components to participate in political decision-making and country management, ensuring that no Iraqi citizen feels injustice or discrimination.

Regarding the stability of Iraq, Barzani emphasized, "Working in line with the spirit and content of the Iraqi constitution makes problem-solving easier. Every step that weakens political stability in the country undermines the lives of the Iraqi people."

President Nechirvan Barzani highlighted that the key to Iraq's stability lies in resolving issues between the Kurdistan Region and the federal Iraqi government. He emphasized the need for political will from all parties to resolve problems peacefully and in accordance with the constitution. Barzani expressed the Kurdistan Region's readiness to address its issues with Baghdad through mutual understanding, ensuring a solution that serves the best interests of the entire country.

In light of the tense situation in the region, Barzani called for wise and cautious actions in the current circumstances, citing the serious tensions in the Middle East and the global interconnectedness of security, stability, and the economy. He emphasized that the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas underscores the real meaning of global security and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution.

Barzani concluded by stating that the renewal of war between Hamas and Israel emphasizes that problems cannot be solved by postponing or suppressing them. He reiterated the importance of peace, stating that war fosters revenge, violence, and destruction, while a two-state solution is the only path to ending tensions and resolving the issue.

In his final remarks, President Barzani called on the world to work towards stopping the ongoing war and ending the killing of civilians, emphasizing that global security, stability, and the economy are interconnected, and events anywhere can have varying impacts worldwide. He urged the international community to strive for a stable Iraq, emphasizing its role in global progress.