On Friday, President Masoud Barzani marked the 65 years since the outbreak of the September Revolution, a key chapter in Kurdish history.

“The September Revolution emerged from the will, self-confidence, and human dignity of the people of Kurdistan. It established a strong and organized foundation for the continuation of the struggle and the resistance of the people of Kurdistan against oppression,” President Barzani said. 

The September Revolution broke out in 1961 after talks between the Kurds and Baghdad failed. Thereafter, the Iraqi regime launched a military campaign against the Kurdish revolutionary forces.

“Through its high values, and the unprecedented perseverance and resilience of its leadership, Peshmerga, and people, this great revolution advanced the just cause of our people by major steps. Under the leadership of the immortal [General Mustafa] Barzani, the September Revolution became a source of strength and inspiration for subsequent stages of our people’s struggle for liberation and for Kurdish fighters throughout the other parts of Kurdistan,” President Barzani said.

Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Barzani underlined that this “widespread revolution saw members of all ethnic and religious communities unite to secure the fundamental rights of the people of Kurdistan, culminating in the historic March 11, 1970 agreement, [which included autonomy for the Kurds].

“On this historic occasion, we reaffirm the need for unity and solidarity among all Kurdish political forces and parties. Together, we remain committed to defending, upholding, and advancing the constitutional status of the Kurdistan Region and our collective national achievements.”