Kurdish leaders appeal for unity on 1st day of Dilovan Barzani funeral procession

PIRMAM, Kurdistan Region — The first funeral procession of Dilovan Idris Barzani, the twin brother of Nechirvan Barzani, prime minister of the Kurdistan Region, was held on Tuesday in Pirmam, Erbil. The procession is taking place over three days.

Sirwan Barzani, a member of the Barzani family and cousin of the late Dilovan Barzani, thanked “the tens of thousands” of people who shared in their sorrow, expressed their condolences, and visited the first day of the funeral procession.

“Today, there were people coming from Zakho, Khanaqeen, Penjwen, Halabja, the beloved city of Erbil, Sulaimani, Soran and everywhere. We thank them,” he told mourners.

 

 

Political leaders also attended the funeral. Sirwan Barzani said he hopes such gatherings, which traditionally bring rivals together, will help resolve tensions. 

“As you know, such events bring together all the sides. And we hope whole heartedly they will come to the discussion table to free our nation from the situation it has recently faced,” he said.

“If all the sides, even for once, become one, I believe the problems could be resolved,” he added.

Sirwan Barzani also thanked diplomatic missions in Iraq and the nations worldwide who extended their condolences. 

“We have, and will, extend a peaceful hand to all sides, especially to our neighbors. We have struggled for peace and liberty, we have not stood against any country or nation, and we will continue to do so and hope they recognize this.”

 

 

Dilovan Idris Barzani, the late brother of the Kurdistan Region prime minister, passed away in Erbil on Monday. The 51-year-old died of a heart attack.

 

 

Dilovan Barzani and Nechirvan Barzani were twins born on September 21, 1966, in Barzan, the ancestral home of the Barzani tribe.

 

Dilovan Barzani did not have a governmental post, but was a social figure, taking part in events and often representing Nechirvan Barzani.