President Barzani Calls for Peaceful Solutions to Kurdish Question at MEPS 2024 in Duhok
At the fifth Middle East Peace and Security Forum (MEPS 2024), President Masoud Barzani delivered a profound address on the Kurdish question, urging for peaceful and respectful solutions to longstanding regional disputes.
In his speech, Barzani reflected on the historical injustices faced by the Kurdish people and the broader Middle Eastern context following World War II. "We all know that after World War II, the regional redistribution that took place wasn't satisfactory to any nation - not the Kurds, Arabs, Turks, or Persians. However, it was an imposed reality," Barzani said.
Barzani highlighted the plight of the Kurds under these imposed arrangements, describing them as the "greatest injustice" of the post-war settlements. "For 100 years, the Kurdish nation's existence was denied. And for 100 years, the Kurds resisted," he remarked.
Addressing the historical approaches taken by both sides, he noted their failure: "Neither the denial of Kurdish existence succeeded, nor could the Kurds change this reality." Drawing lessons from this, Barzani advocated for dialogue. "This teaches us that we must sit together and consider peaceful, brotherly solutions based on mutual respect," he said.
The Kurdish question has been a complex and sensitive issue in the Middle East since the treaties of the 1920s, which established modern national borders without addressing Kurdish aspirations for statehood. Despite early promises, the Kurds were left stateless, leading to decades of resistance and conflict.
Barzani’s call for peaceful dialogue comes at a time when many regional leaders are acknowledging the futility of militarized solutions. His remarks resonate with growing efforts to prioritize diplomacy over conflict in resolving historical grievances.
The MEPS forum, held in Duhok, has become a significant platform for open discussions about regional peace and security. Barzani’s address set a hopeful tone for the ongoing dialogue, emphasizing mutual understanding as the foundation for resolving the Middle East's enduring challenges.
