ERBIL, Kurdistan Region—In an end of the year message on Thursday Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani said that 2015 was a tough year for the Kurds, counting the war with the Islamic State (ISIS), budget shortfalls and a burdensome refugee crisis, adding that people will overcome all challenges in the new year and a bright future awaits the Kurdish people. “To protect human values and world civilization, the Peshmerga fought against the greatest threat of the century, showing unprecedented dedication,” said Barzani. “It was the year of great triumphs and defeat of ISIS. It was in the meantime the year of sacrifices and hardship for the people of Kurdistan.” The Kurdish president said that while facing the threat of a terrorist group like ISIS, the region fell on hard times “Due to cutting Kurdistan Region's budget by the Iraqi government, constant decline in the price of oil, war expenditure and hosting some 1.8 million refugees,” “But Kurdistan has a strong and live nation who can take the best advantage of their resources and I am sure a bright future is awaiting them,” read his message. Barzani said that overcoming these hardships calls for greater perseverance and “I must thank the people for the great attitude they have shown during these difficult times,” “The Kurdistan needs the help of other countries in order to succeed in its war against terrorism and I ask those countries to assist the Peshmerga and the people of Kurdistan,” he said in his message. Barzani reassured the people that in the new year he will be working with all political parties to resolve differences and end the current political deadlock. “In the new year I will spare no effort, with parties in the parliament and government, to end all issues and make sure they won’t reoccur again,” Barzani urged all political parties to settle on the issue of the region’s presidency. “Either decide on holding presidential elections or appoint someone to take up the post of Kurdistan Region’s presidency until the elections of 2017 and I will give him my full support,” he said. “Or decide to let affairs continue in their current state until 2017 and that is because of the war and unique situation Kurdistan is going through.” Barzani urged political groups to not “exploit the question of presidency anymore to exhaust people and deepen the crises.”
