On the occasion of the 56th anniversary of the March 11 Agreement, Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani issued a message emphasizing the historical significance of the agreement and the importance of safeguarding the achievements of the people of Kurdistan.
According to the statement, Barzani noted that the March 11 Agreement was the result of the September Revolution (Kurdish Revolution in Iraq, 1961–1970) led by Mustafa Barzani, and the product of the struggle and sacrifices made by the Peshmerga forces and all segments of Kurdistan society.
Barzani stated in the message that the agreement “was the outcome of that firm and comprehensive struggle launched to restore the rights of the people of Kurdistan and achieve democracy in Iraq,” noting that it ultimately compelled the Iraqi government at the time to officially recognize part of the rights of the Kurdish people.
In his message marking the 56th anniversary of the agreement, Barzani expressed appreciation for the struggle and efforts of all Peshmerga fighters, revolutionaries and patriots who took part in the September Revolution. He said their steadfastness and sacrifices ensured the historic achievement represented by the March 11 Agreement.
Barzani also reaffirmed “the necessity of protecting the achievements,” while stressing the message of peace and coexistence carried by the people of Kurdistan. He further sent greetings to the souls of the martyrs of the September Revolution and all the martyrs of Kurdistan.
The March 11 Agreement (1970 Iraq–Kurdish Autonomy Agreement) is a landmark historical document signed in 1970 between the Iraqi government, then led by the Arab Socialist Ba’ath Party regime, and the Kurdish leadership headed by Mustafa Barzani following the First Kurdish–Iraqi War.
The agreement officially recognized, for the first time, Kurdish autonomy and national rights, including recognition of the Kurdish language and Kurdish participation in governance.
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