The Kurdistan region belongs to "the Kurdistani people"

[Anthea]

Kurdish Leaders Review Election Preparations

A joint delegation from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Presidency of the Council of Ministers met on Wednesday with the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) to review preparations for the upcoming parliamentary elections

The delegation, including Fawzi Hariri, chief of staff to the presidency, and Omed Sabah, Head of Diwan for the KRG Council of Ministers, focused on finalizing the steps and measures necessary to ensure a successful and fair election. The discussions underscored the commitment to conducting the elections in a peaceful environment.

The IHEC representatives highlighted their preparations and commended the efforts of the KRG and the presidency in facilitating a successful electoral process.

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani has announced that the parliamentary elections are set for October 20. The IHEC has affirmed its readiness to hold the elections on the planned date.

Earlier this week, Judge Omar Ahmad, Chair of the IHEC, assured that preparations are on track. In an interview with Kurdistan 24, Judge Ahmad noted that the commission is addressing fingerprint registration challenges and has implemented measures to resolve these issues through targeted visits to registration centers.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/857396

They cannot ensure a successful and fair election all the while the evil Bafel Talabani is in control of PUK

[Anthea]

PUK congratulates KDP on 78th anniversary

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - The Political Bureau of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) has extended a congratulatory message to the Political Bureau of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) on the occasion of the party's 78th anniversary

In the message, the PUK expressed warm congratulations to the KDP's members and supporters, acknowledging the significance of the milestone.

"We warmly congratulate you and your members and supporters on the 78th anniversary of the establishment of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP)," the message reads.

The PUK's statement emphasized the current need for unity and cooperation among Kurdistan's political factions. "Today, Kurdistan needs more than ever to coordinate and work together and strengthen its ranks on the basis of the highest interests of our people with all its communities, in order to improve and further develop governance through the prosperity of our national entitlements and constitutional rights in the federal Iraq."

Looking forward, the PUK highlighted the importance of the upcoming elections in Kurdistan as a vital opportunity to advance democratic processes and enhance the well-being of the Kurdish people.

"Of course, the upcoming elections in Kurdistan are a good opportunity to renew the democratic experience and improve the lives of our people, which is the basic goal of Kurdishness and the legitimate struggle of the Kurdish people," the statement said.

The PUK Political Bureau also expressed hope that this anniversary would strengthen cooperation and mutual understanding among all political parties in Kurdistan, including both the PUK and KDP.

The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) was founded on August 16, 1946, under the leadership of the late Mullah Mustafa Barzani, and has played a significant role in the political landscape of the Kurdistan Region over the decades.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/36 ... nniversary

[Anthea]

KDP Celebrates 78 Years of

Struggle and Achievement

The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) marked its 78th anniversary, celebrating its founding on August 16, 1946, with the Political Bureau reflecting on the party's long history of sacrifice and its vital role in the Kurdish liberation movement

The statement highlighted that the anniversary is not just a celebration of a political organization but of an idea that has been central to the Kurdish struggle for rights and identity. The KDP, formed in response to oppression, has been at the forefront of efforts to secure significant achievements for the Kurdish people, and this anniversary is a proud reflection of those accomplishments.

"The KDP has always embodied the spirit of the Kurdish people," the statement read. "Through consistent effort and in response to the opportunities and challenges of different eras, it has secured important milestones that we celebrate today."

The statement also recounted the KDP's continuous efforts through various historical stages, including the monarchy, the republic, the Great September and May revolutions, and the March 1991 uprising. The KDP has led armed, political, diplomatic, and media efforts across these periods, representing all classes, ethnicities, and sects within Kurdistan.

The KDP reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing a peaceful and stable the Kurdistan Region, emphasizing the importance of national unity as the Region approaches the sixth round of the parliamentary elections, scheduled for October 20. The party called for a fair and transparent electoral process that allows Kurdish voters to freely choose their representatives in a peaceful atmosphere.

The statement underscored the KDP's dedication to maintaining balanced relations with neighboring countries while ensuring that Kurdistan is not used as a platform to threaten regional security.

The KDP concluded by honoring the legacy of its founder, Mustafa Barzani, and other key figures while renewing its commitment to continue the path of Kurdish identity and nationalism, inspired by the sacrifices of Kurdish martyrs.

The statement ended with a call for the continued success of the Kurdish people’s legitimate struggle and expressed deep gratitude to the KDP's members, supporters, and the heroic Peshmerga forces for their unwavering dedication.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/857498

[Anthea]

KDP Celebrates 78th Anniversary
Reaffirms Commitment to Kurdish identity, Unity

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) marked its 78th anniversary, commemorating its establishment on August 16, 1946

The Political Bureau of the KDP released a statement honoring the party's decades of struggle and sacrifice in the pursuit of Kurdish rights and identity.

The statement emphasized that the anniversary is not merely the celebration of a political party, but also the commemoration of an idea and a path that has played a crucial role in the Kurdish liberation movement.

The KDP, born out of oppression and suffering, has remained at the forefront of efforts to achieve significant milestones for the Kurdish people, an achievement the party proudly commemorates today.

"The KDP has been at the forefront of sacrifice, embodying the identity of the Kurdish people," the statement read. "Step by step, in line with the circumstances and opportunities, it has achieved numerous significant milestones for the Kurdish people, which we proudly commemorate today."

The KDP highlighted its continuous struggle through various stages, from the monarchy to the republic, as well as during the Great September and May revolutions, and the March 1991 uprising.

Throughout these periods, the party has led armed, political, diplomatic, and media efforts, representing all classes, ethnicities, and sects in Kurdistan.

"The KDP has operated with the spirit of Kurdishness, dialogue, brotherhood, and coexistence, both locally and across other parts of Kurdistan, working tirelessly for the success of our legitimate cause and the realization of our rights," the statement continued.

Looking ahead, the KDP reiterated its commitment to a peaceful and stable Kurdistan. The party also emphasized the importance of national unity and solidarity as the region approaches the sixth session of the Kurdistan Parliament elections, scheduled for October 20.

The KDP called for a clean, transparent, and democratic process, allowing Kurdish voters to freely elect their representatives in a peaceful atmosphere.

"Our party has tirelessly worked to foster unity, showing the greatest flexibility to achieve it," the statement noted.

On the regional level, the KDP reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining balanced relations with neighboring countries while ensuring that the Kurdistan Region is not used as a platform to threaten the security of these countries' borders.

The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of the party's commitment to continuing on the path of Kurdish identity, nationalism, and patriotism, as outlined by President Massoud Barzani.

The KDP also honored the legacy of its founder, the late Mustafa Barzani, and the architect of reconciliation, Idris Barzani, while renewing its pledge to preserve the experiences and achievements gained through the sacrifices of Kurdish martyrs.

"Victory to the legitimate struggle of our people. Long live the sacred Kurdish flag," the statement declared, expressing gratitude to the party's members, supporters, and especially the heroic Peshmergas for their unwavering dedication.

As the KDP marks this milestone, it remains steadfast in its mission to protect the Kurdish people's rights and continue the legacy of those who fought for Kurdistan's sovereignty and freedom.

Statement of the Political Bureau of the Kurdistan Democratic Party:

To the tireless people of Kurdistan,
To the proud families of martyrs,
To the heroic Peshmergas,

Today marks the seventy-eighth anniversary of the establishment of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) on August 16, 1946, born in the darkness of oppression and suffering.
Since then, the KDP has been at the forefront of sacrifice, embodying the identity of the Kurdish people. Step by step, in line with the circumstances and opportunities, it has achieved numerous significant milestones for the Kurdish people, which we proudly commemorate today.

The anniversary of the KDP's establishment is not just the anniversary of a political party but also the celebration of an idea and a path that played an unparalleled and vital role in the Kurdish liberation movement and the enduring struggle of our people.

Dear citizens of Kurdistan,
Dear comrades and members of our party,

Throughout different stages of its struggle—during the monarchy, the republic, the Great September Revolution, the May Revolution, and the March 1991 uprising—our party has engaged in armed, political, diplomatic, and media efforts. It has been a leading movement rooted in the masses and representing all classes, ethnicities, religions, and sects in Kurdistan. The KDP has operated with the spirit of Kurdishness, dialogue, brotherhood, and coexistence, both locally and across other parts of Kurdistan, working tirelessly for the success of our legitimate cause and the realization of our rights.

Today, as we celebrate the glorious anniversary of August 16, our people have navigated long and challenging journeys, overcoming countless obstacles, and defusing many threats and conspiracies, looking forward to a brighter future. The KDP, despite facing conspiracies and genocides, remains the vanguard of Kurdish identity and perseverance, steadfast in its revolutionary stance, political positions, resistance, and courageous defense of the Kurdish people's territory and rights. It is the hope of the masses and the strength of our internal unity.

Dear people of Kurdistan,

On the occasion of August 16, we are committed to advancing towards a more peaceful and stable Kurdistan, strengthening the political, economic, and diplomatic standing of the region. As we approach the sixth session of the Kurdistan Parliament elections, set for October 20, we aim to conduct a clean, transparent, and democratic process, free from interference, allowing Kurdish voters to freely elect their representatives in a peaceful atmosphere. Achieving this requires national unity and solidarity, a unity that our party has tirelessly worked to foster, showing the greatest flexibility to achieve it.

Dear citizens,

Our party, driven by a commitment to solving regional problems and implementing the constitution, has engaged in continuous dialogue within the framework of Iraq to find solutions to differences. These solutions should serve as the foundation for coexistence among the diverse communities of the Federal Republic of Iraq.

At the regional level, our party has always strived to maintain good and balanced relations with neighboring countries, prioritizing the peace and security of the Kurdish people. The Kurdistan Region will not be used as a platform to threaten the security of these countries' borders, and we will respect the sovereignty of all parties involved.

On this glorious occasion, we reaffirm our commitment to the Kurdish people and President Massoud Barzani to continue on the path of Kurdish identity, nationalism, and patriotism, protecting the legitimate political structure of the Kurdistan Region and our achievements, while strengthening the principles of reconciliation, democracy, tolerance, and coexistence.

On this meaningful and sacred occasion, we extend:

- Greetings and respect to the founder, leader, and architect of the Kurdish path, the late Mustafa Barzani.

- Greetings to the architect of reconciliation, Idris Barzani, who is always remembered.

- Greetings to the souls of all martyrs who fought for Kurdistan's sovereignty, freedom, and liberation.

On the occasion of August 16, we renew our commitment to the martyrs' legacy, continuing their path of Kurdish identity and patriotism, preserving the experience and achievements born from their precious sacrifices.

On this historic occasion, we express our deep gratitude to our comrades, cadres, members, supporters, and friends, especially the heroic Peshmergas. We deeply appreciate their role in defending our party's values and their unwavering dedication to fulfilling the mission and promise they have made.

Victory to the legitimate struggle of our people,
Long live the sacred Kurdish flag!

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/36 ... ity,-Unity

[Anthea]

Parliamentary election must be transparent

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – On Wednesday August 28th, 2024, the Consul General of Germany in Erbil, Klaus Streicher was welcomed by President Barzani in Salahaddin

For the purpose of extending his farewell, Streicher visited His Excellency, President Barzani, and to introduce the newly appointed CG, Alber Wittk.

In an announcement from Barzani's headquarter office, the German Consul General thanked President Barzani “HE always supported me and offered kind hospitality,” Streicher valued the coordination and collaboration he received from regional establishments.

Streicher further highlighted the significance of the relationship between the two states, Kurdistan Region and Germany, also to persevere in the future.”

Furthermore President Barzani, reaffirmed the cooperation and relations between the region and German state, as well as thanked him for his efforts and wished all the success to the new German Consul General in Erbil.

As the announcement pointed out the upcoming October parliamentary elections, was discussed in the meeting.

President Barzani offered further necessary clarification in this regard and stressed on running a transparent and immaculateness election in peaceful atmosphere.

The threat of terrorism on Iraq and the zone was another topic of the meeting.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/36 ... culateness

[Anthea]

Kurdish language learning in Merîwan

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Vejin Cultural and Artistic Center continues its annual tradition of fostering Kurdish language education among children and youth in Merîwan

This summer, participants had the opportunity to learn various Kurdish dialects, including Kurmanji (Badini), Kalhori, Sorani, and Hawrami.

Beyond language instruction, these courses also introduce participants to Kurdistan's rich history and geography, fostering a deeper connection to their cultural heritage.

Sami Amini, a course participant, shared, "Everyone in my family spoke Kurdish, so I came to participate in the course to learn my mother tongue."

Bayan Rajabi, a Kurdish language teacher, expressed delight at the increased participation from diverse age groups and backgrounds. "It's a pleasure to see the growing interest in learning both Hawrami and Sorani dialects," Rajabi said.

While Merîwan's inhabitants primarily speak Lower Kurdish and Hawrami, Vejin Center has thoughtfully expanded its offerings to include classes in other Kurdish dialects, catering to the diverse linguistic interests of the community.

Sarkawt Watandust, another participant, explained his motivation for joining the course: "I have been participating for two months because I listen to Kurdish music and songs a lot. Understanding the Kurdish dialects was important to me."

Vejin's managers have observed a significant surge in interest in Kurdish language courses over the past two years. Even Kurds residing in central Iranian cities are requesting online language courses for their children.

Kurdish language teacher Farhad Raush noted, "After the Zhina demonstrations, some citizens have increased their enthusiasm to learn their mother tongue and dialects. This is why Kurds living in Tehran and other parts of Iran are asking us to open online language courses. This indicates a strong desire among many Kurdish citizens in different regions to learn and preserve their mother tongue and keep the original Kurdish national culture alive."

Vejin Cultural and Artistic Center, a non-governmental volunteer-based entity, has been instrumental in promoting Kurdish language education and has also made significant strides in digitizing Kurdish texts, contributing to the preservation and accessibility of Kurdish cultural heritage.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/36 ... r%C3%AEwan

[Anthea]

Kurdistan sees drop in illiteracy

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - The illiteracy rate in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq has decreased to 16 percent, according to the Kurdistan Region’s Minister of Education, Alan Hama Saeed

This figure represents a significant improvement from 2018, when the illiteracy rate stood at 24 percent. The Minister of Education expects this rate to decrease even further in the coming years.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Minister Alan Hama Saeed presented the achievements and ongoing efforts of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Ministry of Education under the ninth cabinet.

He highlighted the strides made in reducing illiteracy and other key developments within the education sector.

“One of our significant achievements has been the reduction of the illiteracy rate from 24 percent in 2018 to 16 percent today, and we anticipate further progress in the near future,” Minister Saeed stated.

The Minister also emphasized the positive impact of decisions made by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani that have greatly benefited the education sector. Among these, the recruitment of over 40,000 lecturers from both the Ministries of Education and Higher Education and Scientific Research on a permanent contract basis was a landmark decision.

Additionally, more than 5,880 contract teachers were granted permanent positions at the beginning of the ninth cabinet’s term.

In a further commitment to inclusive education, 748 special education teachers were recruited for public schools to support children with disabilities, marking a significant step towards a more equitable education system in the Kurdistan Region.

To prepare for the upcoming academic year (2024-2025), the KRG’s Ministry of Education has printed nearly 19.8 million textbooks, a project that cost over 24 billion dinars.

As part of its efforts to improve educational content, the Ministry has revised and redesigned 407 textbooks across various languages, including Kurdish (in both Lower and Upper Kurdish dialects), Arabic, English, and Syriac.

In parallel, Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw announced that, under the guidance of Prime Minister Barzani and as part of the ninth cabinet’s focus on the education sector, the construction of 19 new schools has begun in underprivileged areas of Erbil.

These schools are set to open for the 2024-2025 academic year, providing much-needed educational infrastructure in the region.

You can find further information here for more details on the work and activities of the ninth cabinet in the education sector.

This series of initiatives underscores the KRG’s commitment to improving educational outcomes and supporting the development of a well-educated populace.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/36 ... th-cabinet

[Anthea]

Auditing Kurdistan candidates

Iraq’s electoral commission on Monday said it will begin auditing the candidates for the upcoming Kurdistan Region parliamentary elections, with campaigning for the vote set to begin later this month

“The legal committee of the Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) has arrived in the Kurdistan Region to audit and approve the names of the candidates,” Khalid Abbas, head of the commission’s Duhok branch, told Rudaw.

The auditing process is expected to be completed by next week, according to Abbas, with the Kurdistan Region’s integrity commission and interior ministry previously having verified the names of candidates and submitted them to the commission.

Campaigning for the parliamentary elections is set to begin on September 16, and IHEC has previously warned against early campaigning, saying it will be punished with fines and potentially revoking the validity of candidates, parties, and political blocs to run in the polls.

“After the approval of the names, the campaigning period will start and most likely that will be on the 16th of this month,” said Abbas.

Nearly 2.9 million people are eligible to vote, including around 215,000 early voters. There will be 1,400 polling stations, including locations in the disputed areas and most Iraqi provinces, for eligible voters.

Early voting for security forces and internally displaced persons (IDPs) is scheduled for October 18, while the general vote will take place on October 20.

The electoral process has faced numerous challenges, with interference from Baghdad exacerbating tensions between the Kurdistan Region’s political parties, particularly between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK).

The Kurdistan Region last held elections in 2018. The upcoming elections were initially scheduled for 2022, but have been delayed several times.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/02092024

Bafel Talabani should NOT be allowed to stand in the elections after his illegal coup when he removed many legally elected people from the PUK including Lahur Sheikh Jangi Talabani from his LEGAL position as Co-President

[Anthea]

Areen Barzani Promoted to Lieutenant

Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani, president of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), officially promoted Areen Masrour Barzani to the rank of lieutenant on Saturday, following his successful graduation from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) in the United Kingdom

Areen Barzani, who completed the 233rd officer cadet course, was awarded the prestigious Royal Sandhurst Medal on August 9, 2024, recognizing his exceptional performance.

The Sandhurst Medal, introduced in 2016, honors international students who excel during the demanding 44-week Commissioning Course at the RMAS, a renowned British military academy known for training officers with leadership excellence. Sandhurst, founded in 1802, has a reputation as a premier training institution for British Army officers, including international cadets.

Located in Sandhurst, Berkshire, near London, the academy plays a critical role in preparing officer cadets for leadership roles within the military. Sandhurst is comparable to Britain’s Royal Naval College and Royal Air Force College Cranwell, with its rigorous program designed to equip future leaders with the skills required for military service.

Admission to Sandhurst is highly competitive, with applicants undergoing thorough assessments before acceptance. The academy's curriculum is intensive, requiring cadets to demonstrate exceptional dedication and competence. Areen Barzani's achievement highlights his commitment to military excellence and the high standards upheld by Sandhurst.

The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst continues to be a global center for military leadership training, drawing students from around the world, including many who go on to further academic pursuits in leadership and military studies. His promotion to lieutenant not only marks a personal milestone but also reflects the ongoing tradition of excellence at Sandhurst.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/859718

[Anthea]

KDP's commitment to Kurdistan's progress

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a meeting with Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) cadres on Monday, Masrour Barzani, Vice President of the KDP, underscored the party's enduring role in safeguarding Kurdistan's peace and constitutional structure, while emphasizing the need for continued reforms and development

The gathering in Erbil brought together officials and members from various KDP branches, along with members of the executive committee, the Political Bureau, and the Central Committee.

During the meeting, Barzani reiterated the KDP's position as a "responsible party and true representative of the legitimate cause of the Kurdish people."

He emphasized that the KDP, under the leadership of President Masoud Barzani, has been the driving force behind protecting Kurdistan and maintaining its peace.

He further assured that the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) will persist in its efforts to safeguard the region's constitutional framework and advance its development agenda through ongoing reforms.

Barzani called upon KDP comrades to recognize their "great responsibility" and actively contribute to building a strong, stable, and developed Kurdistan with a service-oriented governance.

He stressed the importance of the KDP's strength, which stems from the support of the people, and urged party cadres to uphold the trust bestowed upon them by the Kurdish people in democratic processes.

The Vice President concluded by highlighting the KDP's crucial role in maintaining peace and social stability, asserting that the party's strength directly translates to the strength of Kurdistan itself.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/36 ... s-progress

[Anthea]

Security and Peshmerga Reforms

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani met with a senior United Kingdom military delegation to discuss the latest developments in Iraq and the region, as well as the progress of reforms within the Peshmerga Ministry

On Wednesday, PM Barzani held talks with the British delegation, led by Rear Admiral Edward Ahlgren, Senior Defense Advisor for the Middle East and North Africa, according to an official statement from the Prime Minister’s office.

The meeting, attended by Andrew Bizley, UK Consul General in the Kurdistan Region, covered recent developments in Iraq and the region, along with enhancing coordination and strengthening security and military cooperation between the Kurdistan Region and the UK.

Both sides emphasized the importance of continued support for the Peshmerga forces in confronting the threat posed by Islamic State militants and terrorism.

The discussion also touched on the future role of coalition forces in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

They reiterated the need for ongoing support for the Peshmerga to ensure the security and stability of the Kurdistan Region.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/860162

[Anthea]

Kurdistan election campaign date yet to be set

Kurdistan: The federal electoral commission denied on Thursday setting any date for the commencement of the campaign for Kurdistan Region’s upcoming parliamentary elections, adding that the process will begin after the approval of all candidate lists

Jumana al-Ghalai, spokesperson of Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC), told Rudaw on Thursday that “claims about the postponement of start of the campaign are untrue.” However they have yet to set a date for the process to kick off.

The IHEC said in a statement earlier on Thursday that it will set a date for the campaign to begin only after it finalizes the lists of candidates running for the polls.

Khalid Abbas, head of Duhok’s electoral commission, told Rudaw last month that the campaign would begin on next Monday.

Early voting for security forces and internally displaced persons (IDPs) is scheduled for October 18 and the general vote will take place on October 20.

The Kurdistan Region last held elections in 2018. The upcoming elections were initially scheduled for 2022, but have been delayed several times due to political wrangling and legal issues.

Nearly 2.9 million people are eligible to vote, including around 215,000 early voters. There will be 1,400 polling stations, including locations in the disputed areas and most Iraqi provinces, for eligible voters.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/120920244

[Anthea]

Election Campaign Starts This Week

The Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) has announced that the campaign for the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) parliamentary elections will begin this week

Marwan Mohammed, head of the Erbil office of the Iraqi Election Commission, told BasNews on Saturday that two candidates have issues that need to be resolved in the next few days. Once these issues are addressed, the commission will approve the list of candidates and set the start date for the election campaign, which will begin this week.

He added that the campaign period will continue until 24 hours before the general election.

The Kurdistan Region parliamentary elections are scheduled for October 20. According to Iraqi election law, campaigns must start a month before the election.

For the Kurdistan parliamentary elections, 2,899,578 people are registered to vote, of whom 2,685,000 have received their voting cards.

Earlier this year, in February, the Iraqi federal court ruled to reduce the number of seats in the Kurdish parliament from 111 to 100, effectively eliminating a quota reserved for Turkmen and Christian minorities.

This decision provoked the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), one of the region’s two major political parties, which holds key positions of power.

The KDP announced it would boycott the legislative elections and did not register candidates, leading to a political deadlock in the region.

The judiciary later restored five seats reserved for minorities, prompting the KDP to reverse its decision and agree to participate in the elections.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/860389

[Anthea]

Kurdistan’s Largest Pond

Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw laid the foundation stone for the Bnaslawa Pond on Saturday, which is set to become the largest pond in the Kurdistan Region, with a total project cost of nearly four billion dinars

The project, valued at approximately 3 billion 856 million 175 thousand dinars, is funded through the investment budget of the Erbil Irrigation Directorate and has been contracted out for execution. During the foundation stone-laying ceremony, Governor Khoshnaw congratulated the engineers, teams, supervisors, and the Erbil Irrigation Directorate for their roles in bringing this project to fruition.

The governor emphasized the strategic importance of completing the pond within the designated timeframe, noting that it is crucial for Erbil's infrastructure. He also acknowledged the direct support of Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, under whose leadership Erbil has seen the implementation of numerous projects, with some already completed and others currently underway.

The Bnaslawa Pond will measure 360 meters in length and 17 meters in height, with a capacity to collect three million cubic meters of rainwater, making it the largest of its kind in the Region. Governor Khoshnaw highlighted that the pond will significantly contribute to raising groundwater levels, combating drought, and creating irrigated land. Additionally, it is expected to protect the area from flooding, transform it into a tourist destination, and revitalize the tourism sector in the province.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/860442

[Anthea]

Sidakan School Upgrades

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani has allocated over 2 billion dinars to renovate 28 schools in the Sidakan subdistrict of Soran Independent Administration

Halgurd Sheikh Najib, supervisor of the Soran Independent Administration, announced the initiative in a press conference on Sunday, stating, “On the instructions of Prime Minister Barzani, all mud schools will be rebuilt.”

The project will see the renovation of 18 schools in the Sidakan subdistrict, eight in the Mergasur district, and one each in the Choman and Rawanduz districts.

Sheikh Najib emphasized the KRG's commitment to improving and modernizing education infrastructure despite current challenges. “Despite the crisis and external and internal problems, this cabinet has implemented the most services,” he said.

He further assured that all ongoing projects in Soran, including those suspended in 2014, will be completed.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/36 ... l-Upgrades