Palestinian President Abbas sends PM Barzani condolences over loss of brother

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — Mahmoud Abbas,  the president of Palestinian National Authority, conveyed his sadness to Kurdish Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani over the death of Dilovan Barzani, his twin brother.

“I am extending my sincere condolences to you and your brave family over the death of your brother, Dilovan Idris Barzani,” read the message by Abbas, which was sent to PM Barzani.

He wished for the late Dilovan Barzani to rest in peace.

He also wished the Kurdish premier, the people of Kurdistan, and the country to live in peace and prosperity.

Palestine has a consulate general in Erbil.

Dilovan Idris Barzani, 51, died of a heart attack in Erbil on April 2.  He and Nechirvan were twins born on September 21, 1966, in Barzan, the ancestral home of the Barzani tribe.

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

Leaders from many countries through messages and phone calls have expressed their condolences to the Barzani family, including KDP leader and former Kurdistan Region president Masoud Barzani and KRG PM Nechirvan Barzani.

Thousands also attended the three-day funeral held to mourn the death of the late Dilovan in Pirmam, Kurdistan Region.