On Wednesday, President Masoud Barzani attended the opening of the 10-day 17th International Erbil Book Fair, underlining the importance of Kurdish unity and urging all political parties to participate in the political process in the Kurdistan Region.

“We reaffirm our commitment to the culture we honor, a culture of unity, mutual respect, freedom of thought, freedom of religion, freedom of belief; these are the foundations that should never be compromised, and everyone should understand this clearly.”

During last year’s October 2024 parliamentary elections, the ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party secured 39 seats, while the ruling Patriotic Union of Kurdistan obtained 23 seats. Despite these results, the two parties have yet to form a new government.

“We are happy with those who gained seats, and we will create a government, a cabinet, based on the collective will of everyone. Kurdistan belongs to all of us, and we are all brothers, no one should be treated differently,” President Barzani said.

“There should be an opposition, but the opposition should help in advancing the cabinet, the government, and the parliament. A new page should be opened; once again, I urge all parties to participate.

“Around us (in the Middle East) and in the world, there are great crises, and it is possible that even greater crises will arise. Therefore, the only chance for the success of the Kurds is unity.”

President Barzani also criticized Baghdad’s lack of commitment to the foundations of the new Iraq amid ongoing disputes over oil exports, ga,s and the Iraqi budget.

“A new Iraq was built on three fundamental pillars: partnership, equality, and building. Unfortunately, there was a failure to commit to them. If there had been a commitment to the Constitution, many of the problems faced by the people of Iraq, including the relationship between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad, would not have occurred.

“We are facing many crises around us, including large-scale conflicts. We hope that these conflicts end as soon as possible, and that the suffering of the people, whether in Palestine, Lebanon, or any other region, comes to an end.

“Those currently in power in Baghdad must, with all their strength, work to ensure that Iraq does not become involved in these wars.”