On Wednesday, Kurdish leaders celebrated the 56th anniversary of the historic March 11, 1970 Agreement. 

After nearly a decade of armed struggle between the Kurdish people and the Iraqi government, the latter finally agreed to grant the Kurds some degree of autonomy. This significant achievement was marked by the signing of the agreement on March 11, 1970, between the Iraqi government and the Kurdish leader General Mustafa Barzani.

“The March 11 Agreement was the result of the September Revolution led by the immortal [General] Barzani, and the fruit of the struggle and sacrifices of the Peshmerga forces and all segments and groups of Kurdistan’s society,” President Masoud Barzani said in a statement.

“It was also the outcome of that firm and comprehensive struggle that began in order to restore the rights of the people of Kurdistan and to achieve democracy in Iraq, which ultimately forced the Iraqi government at the time to officially recognize part of our people’s rights,” he added.

“The March 11 Agreement of 1970 was the historic outcome of the Great September Revolution, led by our national leader, Mustafa Barzani,” Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani said.

“We reaffirm our commitment to defending the rights of the people of Kurdistan and to safeguarding the Kurdistan Region’s constitutional status.”

On Wednesday, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani also marked the anniversary of the historic March 11, 1970 Agreement. “Established under the leadership of the late Mustafa Barzani and the Great September Revolution, this agreement stands as a major political and legal achievement.

“It was the first official document in modern history to recognize the rights of the people of Kurdistan and laid the foundation for the progress and achievements of the Kurdistan Region. On this occasion, we honor the memory of the fallen heroes and salute the brave Peshmerga.”