Sema
On the March 11 Agreement anniversary, the Region’s President stressed that Iraq’s stability depends on upholding the constitution, embracing diversity, and ensuring justice for all communities.
On the fifty-fifth anniversary of the historic March 11, 1970 Agreement, Kurdistan Region President (KRP) Nechirvan Barzani released a powerful message underscoring the agreement’s enduring significance in the Kurdish people’s struggle for recognition, justice, and constitutional rights. His statement emphasized that the agreement was not only a milestone in the Kurdish national movement but also a lesson for Iraq on the importance of genuine partnership and democratic governance.
“Today we commemorate the fifty-fifth anniversary of the March 11, 1970 Agreement, which under the leadership of the immortal Barzani became a turning point and a significant historical milestone in the struggle of the people of Kurdistan,” President Barzani stated. “It stands as the first official document recognizing some of their legitimate rights and established the legal foundation for our current achievements in a manner that prevents any Iraqi authority from denying our rights again.”
The March 11 Agreement was a landmark moment in the history of Southern Kurdistan, marking the first formal recognition by the Iraqi state of several fundamental Kurdish national rights. It was achieved through extensive negotiations between the Kurdish leadership, led by Mustafa Barzani, and the Iraqi government.
While the agreement granted significant concessions, including autonomy for Kurdistan, cultural and linguistic rights, and governance structures, its later abrogation by the Iraqi government led to renewed conflicts that plunged the country into prolonged instability.
Kurdistan Region’s President Barzani paid tribute to the sacrifices made by generations of Kurdish fighters and martyrs who dedicated their lives to securing these achievements. “On this glorious occasion, we respectfully remember those brave individuals who sacrificed their lives for freedom and the rights of our people and homeland. We salute the honorable families of martyrs, the heroic Peshmerga, and the people of Kurdistan with all its components.”
He also highlighted the broader lessons the agreement holds for Iraq and the necessity of adhering to principles of mutual respect, democracy, and partnership.
“The March 11 Agreement represented an example of a just solution based on mutual understanding and negotiation. However, the Iraqi authority later retracted from it, resulting in decades of conflict and warfare that brought nothing but misery and suffering to Iraq. Today, Iraq is still paying the price for not adhering to that agreement and to the principle of genuine partnership and constitutional rights for all its components.”
Nechirvan Barzani emphasized that Iraq’s path to stability lies in respecting constitutional frameworks, embracing diversity, and ensuring justice and equality for all ethnic and religious communities. “Historical lessons and experiences prove that stability can only be achieved through democracy, which was the revolution’s slogan, respect for diversity, collaborative work, and the establishment of justice and equality among all.”
He also called for unity among political actors in both Kurdistan and Iraq, stressing the importance of protecting the hard-won constitutional achievements of the Kurdish people. “Unity and harmony are the true guarantees for preserving our constitutional achievements and the future of our generations. Therefore, we call upon all political forces in Kurdistan and Iraq to learn from this experience and work together with a spirit of national responsibility to consolidate federalism, protect the rights of all components of Iraq, and strengthen peaceful coexistence.”
The Regional President concluded his message by reaffirming his vision for Iraq’s future, built upon constitutional implementation, genuine partnership, and enduring security. “Iraq’s future lies in implementing the constitution, strengthening genuine partnership, and building a country where security, stability, and justice prevail.”
Fifty-five years after the March 11 Agreement, its historical significance remains deeply ingrained in the Kurdish consciousness. Although it was ultimately not upheld by the Iraqi government, it set a precedent for Kurdish political and national aspirations, laying the groundwork for future struggles and achievements. It stands as a reminder that mutual respect, democracy, and legal agreements are the only viable paths toward a stable and just Iraq. As Kurdistan commemorates this important milestone, KRP Nechirvan Barzani’s message serves as a call for continued perseverance, unity, and commitment to the principles that define the Kurdish national movement.