Erbil, Kurdistan Region – President Masoud Barzani paid tribute to the late Danielle Mitterrand, a celebrated advocate for Kurdish rights, at a ceremony marking her centenary in Erbil on Tuesday. In the presence of Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, President Barzani praised Mitterrand’s unwavering commitment to the Kurdish cause, stating that she held “great rights over us, the people of Kurdistan.”

"Madame Mitterrand played an enormous role in defending the Kurdish cause. She did everything in her power, and I'm certain she wanted to do much more for the Kurds, but circumstances only allowed this much," President Barzani remarked during his speech. Mitterrand's legacy in Kurdish history, especially her support during the 1991 Kurdish exodus, remains profound. Her advocacy was pivotal in influencing international leaders and securing the UN Security Council’s Resolution 688, which provided protection for Kurdish refugees.

Recalling a poignant moment from his first meeting with Mitterrand in France in 1989, President Barzani shared how deeply her empathy moved him. "When I wanted to explain the suffering of the Kurdish people, I noticed she was already well aware and needed no explanation," he said. "She spoke about visiting refugee camps near Diyarbakir, describing the people's condition with such emotion that tears rolled down her face. It was truly remarkable for me—the first time I had seen a European shed tears for the Kurds. This deeply affected me."

President Barzani also recounted a significant meeting with then-French President François Mitterrand in 1992, during which Mitterrand affirmed his support for the Kurdish people. “Tell the people of Kurdistan with certainty that they have a loyal friend in the Élysée,” he assured Barzani.

Throughout her life, Danielle Mitterrand championed Kurdish rights, dedicating her humanitarian efforts and diplomatic influence to the Kurdish cause. Her work has been instrumental in building the foundation of the Kurdistan Region and strengthening ties between the Kurdish people and France. As President Barzani emphasized, “We consider ourselves indebted to Madame Mitterrand. Until her final days, the Kurdish cause remained one of her top priorities.”

Mitterrand’s legacy endures as a powerful symbol of friendship and solidarity, reminding the Kurdish people of her exceptional role in their history.