ERBIL, Kurdistan Region—The Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region Nechirvan Barzani sent his condolences to the family and friends of late American Senator John McCain, saying that he was a great defender of the Kurds who will forever honor his memory.
“I was saddened by the death of great American patriot, veteran politician and friend of the Kurds Senator John McCain,” Prime Minister Barzani said on Sunday.
“On this sad occasion I send my condolences to his family and friends.”
Barzani said that McCain’s death was a loss for the people of Kurdistan.
“The death of Senator McCain was a great loss for Kurdistan,” he said in a message. “He was a great defender of the people of Kurdistan and our rights.”
Republican Senator McCain who died on Saturday at the age of 81 had visited Kurdistan Region and met with Prime Minister Barzani and other Kurdish officials. He was an outspoken advocate for the Kurds particularly during the war against ISIS.
“He seized every occasion and opportunity to speak in defense of the Kurds and ensure their rights are honored,” Barzani said.
“The people of Kurdistan will never forget the support and loyalty of Senator McCain and will forever honor his memory.”
