We are deeply saddened by the loss of Dr. Roj Nuri Shaways, a leading figure in the Kurdish movement and a high ranking politburo member of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP). Dr. Shaways was a Peshmerga and a politician who tirelessly devoted his life to serving
his nation. Dr. Shaways was a lifelong friend and colleague of Dr. Najmaldin Karim, the founder of the Washington Kurdish Institute and Governor of Kirkuk province. Together, they played a significant role in uniting the Kurdish voice and working for decades for the rights of the Kurdish people. During his lifetime, Dr. Shaways served as Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region in 1996, the Speaker of the Kurdistan Parliament in 1999, Vice President of Iraq in 2005, and Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq in 2009.
We extend our profound condolences to his family, the people of Kurdistan, and the KDP leadership for this immeasurable loss.
The Washington Kurdish Institute, February 15, 2021