Italy grants Nechirvan Barzani its top honor, amid mockery

Italy gives Barzani top honor, critics call it laughable

ERBIL,— Iraqi Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani was awarded Italy’s Grand Cross of the Order of the Star, one of the country’s top diplomatic honors, during a ceremony held Wednesday, though critics have called the recognition laughable.

Italian Ambassador to Iraq Niccolo Fontana presented the award to Barzani in person.

The event drew a number of Kurdish and Italian officials, including Chaldean Patriarch Mar Paulos III Nona, Consul General Tommaso Sansone, and Kurdistan Region Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani.

Speaking after receiving the medal, Barzani said he felt honored by the distinction. He thanked Italian President Sergio Mattarella along with the Italian government and public for the recognition, calling it a meaningful gesture.

Barzani described the award as a reflection of the long relationship shared by Italy, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region. He said it also served as recognition for individuals who have worked over the years to build stronger ties between the two sides.

He added that Italy has consistently stood as a dependable partner and friend to both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Barzani also noted that Kurdish officials place high value on Italy’s political positions and its diplomatic backing.

Ambassador Fontana praised Barzani’s role in advancing relations between Erbil and Rome, saying the Kurdish leader has shown steady backing for Italy’s diplomatic and military presence in Iraq.

Fontana said Barzani has continually supported Italian troops stationed in the Kurdistan Region while helping expand economic, cultural, and religious cooperation between the two governments.

The ambassador said the award reflects hope that Iraq and the Kurdistan Region will continue to benefit from Barzani’s leadership.

Political analyst Henase Karim, in comments to iKurd.net, questioned the decision to honor Barzani, citing what she called a long record of corruption, misuse of public funds, killings, and the imprisonment of journalists and critics who spoke out against the Barzani family.

She also accused the family of failing to protect the Yazidi community during the 2014 genocide.

Karim said the award was given despite the suppression of free expression in areas under Barzani’s control, where authorities have banned protests in Erbil and Duhok, restricted independent free media, and failed to pay public sector salaries for years.

She said the Barzani family is routinely accused of corruption. She dismissed the award as “a joke.”

(With files from Channel8 | Agencies)