With President Barzani Present, the "Peshmerga" Pathway Plaque Was Unveiled in André Citroën Park in Paris
Today, Friday, September 5, 2025, in André Citroën Park in Paris, the capital of France, in a befitting ceremony attended by President Masoud Barzani, the Peshmerga plaque was unveiled, and President Barzani delivered a speech.
Summary of President Masoud Barzani's Speech:
Today is a historic day for the people of Kurdistan.
Throughout history, France has always held a humanitarian stance and friendship towards the people of Kurdistan. France has always supported the Kurdish cause, and it was the first country in Europe to allow the opening of the Kurdish Institute in Paris.
The Peshmerga have carried out a sacred duty, and the respect you have shown for the Peshmerga today expresses the appreciation for the Peshmerga's struggle and the friendship between the people of France and the people of Kurdistan.
Kurdistan will always be a place of coexistence, and the Peshmerga will always be the protector of human rights, freedom, and democracy. François Mitterrand was the first European president to welcome me in 1992, which is a source of pride and honor for me. Also, the first European First Lady to shed tears for the victims of the people of Kurdistan was Danielle Mitterrand, François Mitterrand's wife. We will never forget their stance.
The Peshmerga sacrificed 12,000 lives in the war against ISIS, achieving a great victory for themselves and for their nation. The Peshmerga continued their role, fighting terrorism on behalf of the entire world. Today, an important place in Paris is named after the Peshmerga.
This is a very great appreciation, and I can confidently say that as long as there is a Kurd, they will be grateful to the French nation.
It is gratifying that changes in French governments have not led to a change in France's stance. France, Paris, and the French nation are in the heart of the Kurdish nation. Long live Paris, long live Erbil, long live the friendship between the French nation and the Kurdish nation.
