Sema
“On the anniversary of the March 11, 1970, Agreement, we reiterate that the people of Kurdistan have always sought to attain their legitimate rights through dialogue and peaceful means,” PM Barzani
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani commemorated the historic March 11, 1970 Agreement, reaffirming the Kurdish people’s commitment to securing their constitutional rights through dialogue while rejecting any compromise on their fundamental entitlements.
“Today, we remember an important and historic achievement of the great Aylul Revolution under the leadership of our national leader, the late Mustafa Barzani. On the anniversary of the March 11, 1970 Agreement, we reiterate that the people of Kurdistan have always sought to attain their legitimate rights through dialogue and peaceful means. However, they will never relinquish their constitutional rights in any form,” Prime Minister Barzani stated.
He emphasized the importance of resolving disputes with the federal government through constitutional principles, agreements, and the recognition of Kurdistan’s constitutional framework.
A Defining Moment in Kurdish History
This year marks the 55th anniversary of the March 11 Agreement, one of the most significant milestones in 20th-century Kurdish history. It was the first formal agreement between the Kurdish liberation movement and the Iraqi government, granting official recognition of key national rights for the Kurdish people. Although the Iraqi government ultimately failed to implement the agreement, it stands as a major historical breakthrough in the Kurdish struggle for self-determination.
The agreement was the result of two years of intense negotiations between Kurdish political leadership and the Iraqi government. It culminated in a 15-point accord, which was publicly announced at a grand ceremony in Baghdad attended by Iraqi President Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr, President Masoud Barzani, and the prominent Kurdish leader Idris Barzani. Despite its eventual collapse due to Baghdad’s reluctance to honor its terms, the accord became a foundation for future Kurdish aspirations.
The Role of Mustafa Barzani and the Kurdish Movement
Mustafa Barzani, the legendary Kurdish leader, played a decisive role in securing the agreement. His leadership during the Aylul Revolution and the unwavering resilience of the Peshmerga forces compelled the Iraqi government to negotiate. Despite the political complexities, Barzani’s charisma and strategic vision ensured that Kurdish rights were acknowledged on an unprecedented scale.
Although Barzani never traveled to Baghdad for negotiations, it was Iraqi officials who visited his headquarters in the liberated areas of Kurdistan to seek a resolution. His steadfastness reinforced the legitimacy of the Kurdish cause, and even though the agreement was not implemented, it marked a historic recognition of the Kurdish people’s struggle.
Legacy and Ongoing Aspirations
While the March 11 Agreement remains a milestone, its legacy continues to shape Kurdish political aspirations. The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), led by President Masoud Barzani, remains a key player in advocating for Kurdish rights within Iraq’s federal framework. The agreement set a precedent for later Kurdish achievements, including the establishment of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and constitutional recognition in post-2003 Iraq.
Prime Minister Masrour Barzani’s remarks highlight the enduring significance of this agreement as a historical reference point for the Kurdish struggle. As Kurdistan continues to navigate its political future, the principles of dialogue, constitutional rights, and national unity remain central to its vision.
The anniversary serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the Kurdish people and their leaders, reaffirming the ongoing pursuit of justice, autonomy, and recognition within a turbulent regional landscape.