Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani emphasized unity and respect between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) during a memorial speech at Sami Abdulrahman Park in Erbil.
"This dark and sad day is known as the ‘Tragedy of February 1’ among the people of Kurdistan," said Barzani.
The park in the heart of the Kurdistan Region's capital is named after the then-deputy prime minister in the KDP administrative zone. His eldest son and 100 other Kurds were killed in the coordinated suicide attacks. Hundreds were gathered to celebrate Eid Al-Adha.
The park's Martyrs Monument serves as reminder that "Freedom is not free" in the Kurdish struggle. The park is 2 square-kilometers and visible throughout most of the capital.
Barzani laid a wreath at the event to commemorate the victims.
#Kurdistan Region Prime Minister @PMBarzani led a memorial ceremony for the victims of February 1st, 2004 terrorist attacks in Erbil, Kurdistan. The twin attacks, that targeted KDP and PUK offices in Erbil, killed more than 100 people. pic.twitter.com/9Yc9hDqi5l
— KRG (@Kurdistan) February 1, 2019
"Here, we pay respect to the souls of each and every one of these martyrs and remember them," added the PM, emphasizing they respect the service of both the KDP and PUK officials who lost their lives.
The Kurdish National Liberation Movement in Kurdistan and its leaders "have always been a target of terrorist groups," he said, adding they have always stood against terrorism.
It is widely believed that Ansar al-Islam was behind the attack.
"That is why, today, we need to remind ourselves that we also need to be united and for all of us to preserve our unity in the national processes and questions," the PM asserted.
"The protection and sustaining of co-existence and tolerance in Kurdistan has been a big obstruction to the expansion of the danger of terror and extremist ideology in the region," the PM claimed.
He added that ISIS has been weakened, but not destroyed, calling on the anti-ISIS coalition and international community to take ISIS seriously — militarily and ideologically.
ISIS movements and activities in some areas of Iraq and disputed territories is "a serious threat to Iraq's security generally."
Sami's daughter, Bayan, tweeted: A nation learns once again that hope and determination triumph over tragedy, that Kurdistan will always endure."
It is 15 years since the February 1st terrorist attack in Erbil. A nation grieves for the lives lost. A nation learns once again that hope and determination triumph over tragedy, that Kurdistan will always endure. pic.twitter.com/BnK57yzWds
— Bayan Sami Rahman (@BayanRahman) February 1, 2019
Bayan Sami Abdulrahman serves as the KRG Representative to the United States.
Events will be held throughout the day to remember to event, its victims, and survivors.
Adnan Mufti, a high ranking PUK official who was injured in the attack, was also on hand.
"I think the things Mr. Nechirvan Barzani said in the commemoration of February 1 were good things with good foundations. Both parties have to urgently convene," he told reporters.
The two parties are working to form a new government.
The two sides have to think "responsibly" and sit down together, emphasized Barzani. "The people are bigger than all parties and individuals," Mufti added.
Saadi Ahmed Pira, PUK’s politburo spokesperson, revealed to reporters that this week, without specifying the date, a trilateral meeting between Gorran, KDP and PUK will be held.
Update: 12:13 p.m.
