| Welcome
I AM VERY pleased to welcome this publication, which is addressed to our friends, to the curious, and to the prospective investor. As I do so, the people of the Kurdistan Region and its political parties are preparing for the next regional elections in our vibrant democracy. I hope the people will participate in this election in large numbers and freely vote for those they believe are best capable of serving the people: 40 political entities have registered with the Electoral Commission.
In the popular uprising of March 1991, in the town of Koye, I promised the people of Kurdistan that we would have elections so that the people could freely elect their representatives. For us, having elections is a fundamental principle. Everyone in Kurdistan enjoys this freedom and we are proud ofwhat we have accomplished.
I have full faith in the people of the Kurdistan Region. I am confident our people know what is best for their future. I have urged the Independent Iraqi Electoral Commission to invite independent and international observers to monitor our forthcoming election so that no one can later question the results. I have also requested that the election of the President of the Kurdistan Region occur through a direct popular vote, and I have asked the Parliament to make preparations for this.
Since 1991 there have been many changes in the world, especially in the Middle East. Objectively, our Region is now of significant importance, recognized and highly regarded around the world - an achievement that has not come cheap; it is the result of the struggle of our Peshmerga, the people of Kurdistan, and the sacrifices of our martyrs. We have major achievements to our credit in institutionbuilding, and the growth of peaceful prosperity. Safeguarding these gains is the responsibility of every person in Kurdistan, including the political parties.
It is true that the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) have shouldered the lion's share of this responsibility. So they are responsible for any ills, as well as for any achievements, and they both need to work to uproot these ills. It is natural that complaints are leveled at these two parties. However, their role must be fairly assessed. Thanks to the freedom that has been consolidated, people are free to criticize these two parties and their leaders. These two parties obtained their mandate from the people of Kurdistan. They can maintain this mandate, or lose it, only by the will of the people...
Masoud Barzani
President
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