President Masoud Barzani marked the fifty-fifth anniversary of the historic March 11, 1970 Agreement with a powerful message, reflecting on its profound significance for the Kurdish people and their enduring struggle for self-determination. In his statement, President Barzani paid tribute to the sacrifices of the Peshmerga forces, Kurdish leaders, and all those who fought for the recognition of Kurdish rights, emphasizing the agreement’s lasting impact on the Kurdish liberation movement.

“The March 11, 1970 Agreement represents a historic and significant achievement in the struggle of the Kurdish people under the leadership of the immortal Barzani,” President Barzani declared. “For the first time, the Iraqi government recognized some of the rights of the Kurdish people, creating an opportunity for the people of Kurdistan to work on self-administration, strengthening their language and culture, and establishing stability.”

The March 11 Agreement, a cornerstone in the Kurdish national movement, was the first official acknowledgment of Kurdish rights by the Iraqi state. It was the culmination of years of perseverance, armed resistance, and political negotiations led by the legendary Kurdish leader Mustafa Barzani. The agreement granted limited autonomy to Kurdistan, paving the way for the development of Kurdish governance, education, and cultural institutions. However, despite its promises, the agreement was never fully implemented, leading to further conflicts and struggles in the decades that followed.

President Barzani underscored the pivotal role played by the Kurdish Peshmerga, party cadres, and the people of Kurdistan during the September Revolution. Their sacrifices and unwavering commitment were instrumental in securing recognition of Kurdish rights. “This agreement was the product of the struggle and efforts of the Peshmerga, party cadres, and all classes and segments of Kurdistan during the September Revolution,” Barzani stated. “It carried important strategic lessons for the later stages of the Kurdish liberation movement’s struggle and strengthened the just cause of the Kurdish people.”

On this solemn anniversary, Barzani paid tribute to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the Kurdish cause, extending his gratitude to all those who contributed to the movement. “On the fifty-fifth anniversary of the March 11 Agreement, we send thousands of salutations to the pure souls of the martyrs of the September Revolution and all Kurdistan's revolutions. We express our appreciation to all Peshmerga and fighters of the September Revolution who, through their perseverance, determination, and steel resolve, secured great achievements for their people,” he declared.

The legacy of the March 11 Agreement continues to resonate in contemporary Kurdish politics, serving as a reminder of both the achievements and the challenges faced by the Kurdish nation. While the agreement marked a step toward self-governance, it also exposed the difficulties of securing lasting guarantees from successive Iraqi governments. The Kurdish leadership has since continued its efforts to realize the aspirations of its people, advocating for greater autonomy and recognition on the regional and international stage.

As Kurdistan commemorates this historic event, Barzani’s message serves as a call to unity and perseverance in the ongoing pursuit of Kurdish rights. The spirit of the September Revolution and the sacrifices made by past generations remain an enduring source of strength for Kurdistan’s future.

Full Text of President Barzani’s Message:

In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

The March 11, 1970 Agreement represents a historic and significant achievement in the struggle of the Kurdish people under the leadership of the immortal Barzani. For the first time, the Iraqi government recognized some of the rights of the Kurdish people, creating an opportunity for the people of Kurdistan to work on self-administration, strengthening their language and culture, and establishing stability.

This agreement was the product of the struggle and efforts of the Peshmerga, party cadres, and all classes and segments of Kurdistan during the September Revolution. It carried important strategic lessons for the later stages of the Kurdish liberation movement's struggle and strengthened the just cause of the Kurdish people.

On the fifty-fifth anniversary of the March 11 Agreement, we send thousands of salutations to the pure souls of the martyrs of the September Revolution and all Kurdistan's revolutions. We express our appreciation to all Peshmerga and fighters of the September Revolution who, through their perseverance, determination, and steel resolve, secured great achievements for their people.

Masoud Barzani
March 11, 2025

As Kurdistan reflects on this historic milestone, the March 11 Agreement remains a testament to the resilience and determination of the Kurdish people in their pursuit of justice, freedom, and self-determination.