On Thursday, Kurdish leaders commemorate the 35th anniversary of the March 1991 uprising against the brutal regime of Saddam Hussein and underline the importance of unity amid challenging regional developments.

“The uprising was the result and continuation of the struggle and sacrifices of the masses and forces of Kurdistan over decades,” President Masoud Barzani said.

“As our region is currently going through very complex and sensitive circumstances, we hope that all problems and disputes in the region will find their way toward solutions through peaceful means. For our part, we will do everything in our power to keep Kurdistan away from wars, tragedies, and calamities, and to ensure it remains protected and safe.”

“Today our region is passing through a very complex and sensitive situation,” Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani said in a statement. “We hope that all the problems and disputes in the region will be resolved peacefully. For our part, we will do everything we can to ensure that Kurdistan remains protected and kept away from war, suffering, and instability. 

“Today more than ever, unity is our greatest strength and we must continue to protect our national achievements,” he added.

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani also praised the Kurdish uprising and underlined that the “that the Kurdistan Region will consistently serve as a cornerstone of peace and will not engage in any conflict or military escalation that jeopardizes the lives and security of our people.

“Safeguarding the status of the Kurdistan Region and our constitutional achievements can only be realized through unity, solidarity, and a collective national responsibility among all political parties and communities in Kurdistan.”