Peregraf — Senior Kurdish leaders across the Kurdistan Region marked Kurdish Journalism Day on Wednesday by congratulating journalists and renewing pledges to uphold press freedom, freedom of expression, and improve working conditions for media professionals.
The occasion marks the 128th anniversary of the publication of the first issue of the newspaper Kurdistan by Mikdad Midhat Bedir Khan, as well as the anniversary of the founding of the Kurdistan Journalists' Syndicate (KJS).
Masoud Barzani, president of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), congratulated journalists and media professionals across Kurdistan, saying they play a role in defending what he described as the Kurdish cause and in strengthening peace and coexistence.
He said journalists play a vital role in protecting the values of Kurdistan's society and expressed support for their work.
Bafel Talabani, president of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), emphasized the importance of freedom of expression and protecting the dignity of journalists.
He said creating a suitable working environment for journalists remains a priority and described protecting press freedom as part of the political legacy of his late father, former Iraqi President Jalal Talabani.
Nechirvan Barzani, president of the Kurdistan Region, reaffirmed what he described as an "unwavering commitment" to protecting press freedom and access to information.
He said free journalism is a key pillar of democracy and called on journalists to work with professionalism and honesty while protecting what he called the public interest and social peace.
Masrour Barzani, prime minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), also congratulated journalists, saying the KRG remains committed to defending freedom of the press and providing what he described as the necessary support and facilities for journalists.
He expressed hope that journalists would continue performing their duties professionally and responsibly while respecting international journalism ethics and standards.
Qubad Talabani, deputy prime minister of the KRG, described journalism as an essential part of Kurdish intellectual and civil struggle, calling it "a mirror that reflects our shortcomings."
He said supporting freedom of the press remains a duty and reaffirmed his commitment to improving the environment for journalistic work.
The statements were issued as the Kurdistan Region marked Kurdish Journalism Day, one of the most prominent occasions for media professionals in the region.