Prime Minister Barzani: March 11 Agreement Symbolizes Kurdish Resistance Against Oppression
Marking the 54th anniversary of the historic March 11 Agreement, Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani reiterated the significance of the accord in shaping the region's political landscape and safeguarding Kurdish rights. In a statement released on Monday, Prime Minister Barzani hailed the agreement as a testament to the Kurdish people's unwavering resistance against tyranny and dictatorship.
"The revolution, resistance, and sacrifices of the Kurdish people forced the Iraqi government to recognize some of the legitimate rights of the Kurdish people," PM Barzani emphasized.
The March 11 Agreement, a milestone in Kurdistan's political history, was instrumental in amending the provisional constitution and officially recognizing Iraq as comprising two main nations—Kurds and Arabs. It constitutionally acknowledged the political and cultural rights of the Kurdish nation, paving the way for administrative autonomy and cultural integration.
Today, 54 years since the March Agreement, is a powerful reminder of our gains and the price it has cost to secure them.
— Masrour Barzani (@masrourbarzani) March 11, 2024
We cannot be complacent now; we must continue to protect the hard-fought freedoms and rights of the people of the Kurdistan Region -mb. pic.twitter.com/goZXyXAUb2
However, the withdrawal of Iraqi officials from the agreement led to renewed conflict, culminating in the Second Iraqi-Kurdish War in 1974. The aftermath of this conflict continues to impact the Kurdish people, who are yet to receive compensation for their suffering.
Prime Minister Barzani underscored the importance of protecting and respecting the constitutional rights of the Kurdish people and the Kurdistan Region's structure. He affirmed that the Kurdish nation would not tolerate any violations of their rights or a return to the era of dictatorship.
The March 11 Agreement is deeply rooted in a decade-long struggle between the Kurdish Peshmerga, led by Mustafa Barzani, and the Iraqi regime. It marked a historic moment as the first official recognition of Kurdish political and cultural rights by the Iraqi government, promising administrative autonomy, educational reforms, and Kurdish representation in Iraqi governance.
March 11 holds a special significance for the Kurdistan Region, celebrated as a national holiday in honor of the historic agreement. Despite ongoing challenges, the region remains steadfast in defending its constitutional rights and resolving outstanding issues stemming from the agreement's aftermath.
