Prime Minister Masrour Barzani’s Speech at the Unity and Constitution Conference
Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) - Prime Minister Masrour Barzani today addressed an audience of diplomats, officials, students, and academics at the "Unity and Constitution" event held by the University of Kurdistan-Hawler and gave the following speech:
"It is an honour to be here today and participate in this conference on two critical topics: unity and the Kurdistan region's constitution. Unity is a term we often hear, but it is not just a concept; it requires dialogue, shared goals and efforts. We cannot demand unity and move in two different directions, much like how a ship cannot be steered in two separate ways. And before we can explore the concept of unity in the Kurdistan Region, we must first understand what unites us, our goals and aspirations, and the future we envision.
"Indeed, this cannot happen out of thin air. We know there needs to be an ongoing dialogue between all parties, space where we listen to one and other and approach each discussion with an open mind and with the interests of our people at heart. These are the foundations on which we can map a way forward toward greater unity.
"Throughout our history, there are many examples of unity in Kurdistan, where even parties at odds worked hand in hand. At the beginning of the 1991 Uprising, we witnessed what Kurdish parties could accomplish when united. Together, we established an internationally recognised constitutional entity, where we now peacefully coexist. Through our shared struggle and combined efforts, we formed a government and a parliament and overcame tyranny. We recently saw the results of our joint efforts and coordinated approach with the passing of the 2021 federal budget bill, which could not have been achieved without a united front.
"Nevertheless, it is natural to have different opinions, and most political parties have disagreements. This is why there must be checks and balances to lean on each other, a framework that promotes cooperation and defines fundamental principles that protect the Kurdistan region's constitutional integrity. It will determine what principles none of us should part from or where consensus is mandatory. For example, one side cannot ask for independence while another aims for something else. We must all set a specific goal and reach a mutual understanding of our priorities to set aside our differences.
"I believe this framework can be defined in the constitution, and I would highlight two reasons why the constitution is crucial: First, it is needed to guarantee those who are elected truly represent citizens and that they properly represent the majority of the people of Kurdistan. Second, it is necessary so that the parties in power are held responsible. These principles can be enshrined in the constitution.
"Our constitution should be a reflection of Kurdistan's people and values. We take pride in Kurdistan's religious and ethnic diversity, its pluralistic society where the people have coexisted for hundreds of years. The Constitution of Kurdistan should reflect this diversity, our commitment to peaceful coexistence, and religious tolerance. The constitution should protect the equal rights of every citizen of Kurdistan, where no one is above the other.
"We must all try to ensure that our constitution best represents the will of the people of Kurdistan, not only within Kurdistan, but also in Iraq, in the region, and around the globe.
"Kurdistan's history is a rich one, marked by its remarkable struggle and its unwavering desire to coexist with its neighbours peacefully. The constitution must take this into account, and we cannot base the constitution on a single perspective. To represent all of the people of Kurdistan, we must hear the opinions of all and become united in our vision for the future. This is the basis on which our constitution should be built.
"As the Kurdistan Regional Government, we are doing our best to ensure people can vote freely, without pressure or undue influence, on their constitution. We must always protect and respect the rights of all individuals in Kurdistan, including their right to a political opinion, and their freedom of expression. However, we should know to separate freedom from immorality.
"We must protect all the people of Kurdistan and ensure that our people live freely and with dignity. And we must also ensure we are a united people, which cannot be achieved if we are separated and closed off from one another. We must hear from each side and discuss what is in the public interest of Kurdistan so that we may determine our goals as a united people.
"This government must be a government of the people, a government that provides services to every single Kurd, no matter their background or position. We are not the government of only those who participate in it. We have made it our goal to be the government of even those who are not a part of it. We serve and represent all the political parties of this country, even those outside the regional government.
"We have called and continue to call on all government parties to be united in the service of the people, and we ask that all political parties outside the government support our efforts and operate under the national framework that is in the interest of the people of Kurdistan. Help us where we fall short so that we may all improve, and celebrate our successes as your own so that we may grow.
"It is my hope that this will be another step in the right direction, where we can work closely together to unite our efforts and march forward in the service of our people and our nation.
"Thank you."
