ERBIL — Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani said developing the Peshmerga forces into a more modernized and better unified army is of significant importance at this stage.

“Peshmerga forces should be kept away from internal political competitions… They do not belong to a political party or group,” Barzani said while delivering a speech at the graduation ceremony of Zakho Military Academy on Tuesday.

Barzani praised the Peshmerga forces for their selfless sacrifice that was proven to the world during their battle against the Islamic State (IS). 

“The people of Kurdistan are proud of you forever,” the president said while addressing the graduation ceremony.

“In the war against the Islamic State, the Peshmerga forces and volunteer fighters made sacrifices to defend [Kurdistan]. The war was a difficult experience. It was also an opportunity to identify the points which need to be worked on.”

The Kurdish president reminded that the war on terror brought all the armed forces together, to fight on one united front regardless of the political affiliation of each and every fighter.

Barzani also thanked the US-led Coalition for their continued support to the Peshmerga forces through military trainings, equipment, and advisory role.