KURDISTAN: UN Global Peace Day Marked in Erbil

"We embrace peace because we want to secure our future"

Kurdistan's activists embraced as messengers of peace to the Region, Iraq, and the rest of the Middle East.

The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) revived the UN Global Peace Day in a peace gathering at the Sami Abdul-Raham Park in Erbil on September 21. This is the first time this ceremony was held in Iraq. "We hope that together with peace-loving people everywhere in the world there will be peace and prosperity," said Kurdistan Region President Massoud Barzani, speaking at the gathering. He expressed hope that peace and stability will prevail throughout Iraq.
The ceremony was held in Erbil?s largest park, which once was the military base for Iraqi army division five during Saddam Hussein?s era.

In his speech to guests, President Barzani recalled that before Saddam?s withdrawal in 1991, many people from Kurdistan, both young and old, were tortured and executed by the previous regime. He said that today under very different circumstances the guests had gathered in Erbil to celebrate a principle held dear to every Kurd and by many around the world. He pledged to do his utmost to maintain safety, security, and peace in Kurdistan Region, and to continue campaigning for greater democracy and peace throughout Iraq.

Ms. Christine McNab, UN Deputy Special Representative to Iraq, welcomed guests and said: "Peace, globally and in Iraq, could be our future if more of us realize that there are no victors in war and that conflict can be resolved peacefully. Peace that brings development, prosperity, and well-being cannot be achieved if we do not come together to focus on what we have in common rather than focusing on difference."

Global Peace Day was established in 1981 by the UN to celebrate peaceful coexistence between individuals and to embrace peace rather than violence and ceasefire. The UN's message for this year is "Peace = Future: The Math is Easy."

Mahabad Qaradaghi, a civil society activist, said in her speech to guests that peace and stability are essential particularly to ensure the rights of women and young people. She asked the international community to support Kurdistan Region?s activists? efforts to spread peace to the rest of Iraq and the Middle East.

At the festivities, UN guards gave a special salute and performance, and white doves and balloons were released. Young people from Kurdistan Region's Asuda and Razhan Cultural Center played music and danced.

The head of the Department of Foreign Relations, Minister Falah Mustafa Bakir, said "The KRG is pleased to be a part of these celebrations for Global Peace Day. This is an important event for our Region, and it is an occasion to reiterate our commitment to peace and democracy. The significance of this event is in its concept. We embrace peace because we want to secure our future."