Massoud Barzani quotes

Massoud Barzani is a Kurdish politician and leader, widely recognized for his role as President of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq. As head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, his leadership has shaped Kurdish autonomy and Iraq’s political landscape. He continues to be an influential figure in Kurdish and regional politics. Here are 7 of his quotes:

I am not an enemy of Turkey; I am a friend of the Turkish people.

Massoud Barzani

If Turkey came up with a peaceful initiative and the PKK rejects that, then all the Kurdistanis will take up a position against the PKK.

Massoud Barzani

I am against driving Israel into the sea. This policy is wrong, illogical, and unreasonable. Why annihilate a people?

Massoud Barzani

Declaration of a state(Kurdistan) is the legitimate right of the Kurdish nation. This goal should be realized, but without resorting to violence.

Massoud Barzani

I do not accept the language of threatening and blackmailing from the government of Turkey.

Massoud Barzani

We will not let the Turks interfere the issue of Kirkuk. I am not afraid of their (Turkey's) military or diplomatic power, because they interfere in matters that do not concern them. Kirkuk is an Iraqi city of Kurdish identity, all geographic and historic facts prove that Kirkuk is part of Iraqi Kurdistan and Turkey has no right to interfere in this matter. If Turkey allows itself interfere in the matter of Kirkuk because of a few thousand Turkmen, we will do the same with regard to Diyarbakir (Amed) and other Kurdistani cities in Turkey because of 30 million Kurds.

Massoud Barzani