On Friday, President Masoud Barzani congratulated the Yezidis on the occasion of Çileyê Havînê (the Summer 40 Festival), which is celebrated annually by the Yezidi community on August 2 and includes 40 days of fasting.

“I extend my warmest congratulations to the Spiritual Council, religious leaders, and all Yezidis in Kurdistan and across the world,” President Barzani said.

“I hope that our Yezidi sisters and brothers celebrate all their feasts and occasions in peace, security, and harmony.”

Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani also extended his “warmest congratulations and best wishes to our Yazidi brothers and sisters in the Kurdistan Region and throughout the world, hoping that this occasion will bring goodness, prosperity, and blessings to all.

“We take this opportunity to reaffirm our unwavering support for the Yezidis and our commitment to standing by their rights and just demands.”

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani also offered his “sincere congratulations to His Excellency Baba Sheikh, the Mir of the Yezidis, the Yezidi Spiritual Council, and to all Yezidis across the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the world. May these days bring happiness, unity, and prosperity to all.

“We renew our commitment to our Yezidi citizens and to all ethnic and religious communities that the Kurdistan Region shall endure as a homeland of coexistence for all its people, free from discrimination, and that we will continue to protect and uphold the rich diversity of its culture.”