ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - With calls for peace, Kurdish leaders on Saturday wished Muslims around the world a joyful Eid al-Fitr, the celebration of the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
“May the blessed Eid of Ramadan be a joyous occasion for all Muslims in Kurdistan, as well as in Iraq and around the world, especially for the families and loved ones of our honored martyrs. I hope that everyone spends this Eid and its following days in peace, tranquility, and fulfillment, and that it brings happiness to all,” Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani said on X.
He called the occasion “an opportunity for all of us to renew our commitment to the values and profound messages of unity, forgiveness, peace, reconciliation, and human kindness. It is a chance to strengthen our relationships and, based on mutual respect, love, friendship, and solidarity, to foster harmony among one another.”
The Eid al-Fitr holiday will begin in the Kurdistan Region on Sunday.
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani also offered Eid greetings.
“On the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, I warmly congratulate all Muslims in Kurdistan, Iraq and the world, especially the heroic Peshmergas, the internal security forces and the proud relatives of the martyrs and Anfal victims. I hope you spend the holidays in happiness and peace,” he said on X.
“We hope the principles of unity, peaceful coexistence, and brotherhood between our people and the nations of the world will be strengthened and further developed,” he added.
Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzani also extended his congratulations.
“I congratulate the families of the martyrs, the heroic Peshmerga and all the citizens of Kurdistan,” he said in a statement.
“On this holy occasion, I wish happiness and peace for the beloved people of Kurdistan, and I ask God to accept the fasting and worship of all Muslims, and that Eid brings peace and harmony to all humanity,” he added.
Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) leader Bafel Talabani also conveyed his Eid al-Fitr wishes.
“I want to congratulate and wish Muslims in Iraq, Kurdistan, and around the world a very happy Eid al-Fitr,” he said in a post on Facebook. “I pray to God Almighty to accept everyone's prayers, fasting, and worship, and that the holiday brings goodness, happiness, peace, and security.”
He expressed hope that Eid inspires everyone to address their shortcomings, and improve governance and the well-being of the Kurdish people, while upholding a spirit of “unity, tolerance, and national responsibility.”
Talabani stressed the importance of promoting harmony, brotherhood, and unity among the Kurdish people to strengthen the region’s identity and foster political stability.