Kurdish leaders highlight coexistence in Christmas messages

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan Region's political leaders on Tuesday shared their Merry Christmas messages, emphasizing the Region's spirit of coexistence.

“On the occasion of Christmas and the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all Christians in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and around the world. It is my sincere hope that this holiday brings peace and solace to all, and that everyone enjoys a happy celebration and a year filled with joy and success,” said President Nechirvan Barzani in a statement.

“We would like to reassure all our Christian citizens that we are committed to upholding their rights and will persist in our efforts to strengthen our shared values. Furthermore, we aim to enhance the culture of religious and ethnic diversity, fostering coexistence, mutual acceptance, and tolerance among all communities. Kurdistan will continue to serve as a peaceful sanctuary for everyone, free from discrimination,” he added.

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani also extended his Merry Christmas wishes.

“Merry Christmas to all Christians in Kurdistan, Iraq, and the world. Always be in joy and happiness,” he said in a post on X.

Leaders of the ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) also sent Christmas greetings to the Christian community.

When the Islamic State (ISIS) seized control of vast swathes of northern Iraq in the summer of 2014, thousands of Iraqi Christians fled their homes, seeking shelter in the Kurdistan Region. Churches in Ankawa took in many of them before they were resettled in camps or emigrated abroad.

Christians across the Kurdistan Region held Christmas Eve mass.