Our brothers in neighbouring countries each face their own unique challenges, and those of you who are living in the Diaspora have faced the difficulties of relocation and starting over, as well as the ongoing struggle to remain connected to your family and culture.
However, whatever difficulties there may be, there has never been a time that holds more promise for our people than now. Major developments and changes are taking place throughout the Middle East and the broader region, and the progress that we have achieved here in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq has opened many new opportunities. We find our brothers and sisters moving into new areas of professional and political life throughout the developed world, and families that have fled persecution are now finding peace and prosperity in their new homes.
2. Developing common views
We live in changing and uncertain times, and it is not clear what the future may hold for any of us. However, the greatest single issue facing the Kurdish nation now is that we find ourselves pulled apart by issues that are specific to our own unique circumstances, and these divisions keep us from realizing our full national potential.
We need to develop common objectives and strategies which support our people wherever they might live. We need to reach an agreement to rally support around broad principles:
a. The legitimacy of the culture, history and heritage of our people must not be denied, or undermined.
We have begun major initiatives to preserve and explore our heritage through cooperative archeological projects, through restoration projects on significant historical sites, and through beginning to establish museums and cultural centres in areas throughout the Region.
From the restoration of the Erbil citadel and the museums in this city, to the ancient stone carvings in Duhok, Shanidar cave, the three tanks marking the limit of Saddam’s advance at Kore, the Red Prison in Slemani, and the Halabja memorial, we are working to ensure that future generations do not forget where we have come from or what it has cost us to get here.
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