The President of the Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, affirmed on Monday that "no force exists outside the umbrella of the Peshmerga forces anymore." He stressed the necessity for these forces to be above partisan considerations, viewing them as a unified
"Kurdish force," and urged the federal government to fully support and secure all their rights. Barzani clarified that "the unification of forces represents a significant step long awaited by the people of Kurdistan, with everyone working for years to ensure its
success." He added that "Peshmerga forces are a force for the people of Kurdistan, whose mission is to protect all inhabitants of the region—Kurds, Turkmen, Christians, Yazidis, Arabs, and all components," emphasizing the need to protect everyone and maintain security
and stability. He also pointed out that "the Peshmerga is part of the Iraqi defense system, and enhancing its capabilities, coordination, and cooperation with federal forces represents a strength for all of Iraq." He noted that the presence of Abdul Amir
al-Shammari, Director of the Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces' Office, at the ceremony announcing the unification of forces, underscores the importance of this coordination. Nechirvan Barzani stressed that Peshmerga unity must reflect in training, duties, rights, promotion, and military doctrine,
asserting that the military institution "must not become an arena for settling partisan and political scores."
