to practice their work freely , calling at the same time, journalists and media performance for their role in a professional way and raise the level of national consciousness and coexistence in the country.

Massoud Barzani sent a message to journalists and media organizations in Kurdistan on the occasion of the anniversary of the founding the Kurdish press 116, which marks 22 of April.

Barzani’s letter stated to “Shafaq News” that "the presence of the media and free press is main reason to speed up political, social, economic and humanitarian development and a catalyst in strengthening the foundations of democracy and civil society.”

Barzani also called on journalists and media to play their role in raising national awareness and brotherly coexistence in society and said " your duty is sensitive and you can perform your role in raising the level of national consciousness , love and co-existence in the country."

“In order for the press to play its role, the political parties must pave the way for the independence of the media in order to supports its role and move away from the real conflicts among the political parties.”

Barzani’s message mentioned that "We demand the government and the relevant authorities of Kurdistan Syndicate of Journalists to continue working to protect the freedom , the lives and security of journalists and media staff commitment to the principles and values ​​of the press so that the press would be a model at the level of the Kurdish region and the world”.

The first Kurdish newspaper was published in 1898 in Egypt by Meqhdad Midhat Badrkhan by the name Kurdistan Newspaper.