Erbil (NINA) –Opinions of politicians, professors and military men in Kurdistan region varied over celebrating the Iraqi Army Day.

Some of them mentioned that Iraqi Army Day should be celebrated due to the "Army's honorable patriotic stances," while others suggested relinquishing the celebration due to its “participation in suppressing Iraqis during the former regime’s rule.”

Peshmerga Affairs Minister at Kurdistan regional government Lt. General Omar Othman said that celebrating the Army Day has "national implications, as it was established on national basis and was able to preserve Iraqi sovereignty throughout the past years," noting that that violations committed by the former regime do not represent the Iraqi Army’s attitude.

On the other hand, Member of Kurdistan Parliament Dilair Shawees suggested "annulment of the official vacation on the Army Day due to its role in suppressing Iraqis in general and Kurds in particular.”

Law professor at Salah al-Din University Dr. Kamal al-Sa’di expressed opinion that Iraqi Army had an honorable record through confronting the British occupation since its establishment, However, "since 1963 –when the Baathists first assume power- it participated in wars against Kurds in Iraq and suppressing the public Intifadha –uprising- as well as launching the Iraqi- Iranian war which resulted in displacing and killing millions.”

“We hope the new Army of Iraq will comprehend lessons of the past,” Dr. Tafka Rasoul said, calling upon the central government to educate the army through enhancing the patriotic spirits among its units as well as merging all militias within this army "so that the it will be a means for defending Iraqi people and territories." /End/