Presidency of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

President Nechirvan Barzani’s statement on the anniversary of the March 11 Agreement

2026-03-11T06:30:00.000000Z
News

March 11, 2026

Today, we celebrate the fifty-sixth 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.

The March 11 Agreement was not only a national achievement, it also represented a right framework for promoting peace and coexistence within Iraq. History has shown that when Iraqi authorities departed from this agreement and resorted to military force instead of dialogue, the country faced decades of war, destruction, instability, and the waste of human and material resources—consequences that Iraq is still bearing to this day.

As we mark this anniversary, our region once again faces turmoil and the threat of escalating conflict. This complex situation reminds us that all parties must act with responsibility and wisdom to address issues peacefully and prevent further escalation. And in Iraq, it is essential that we learn from the lessons of history and recognize that stability can only be achieved through mutual acceptance, strengthening the federal system, and ensuring justice.

We emphasize that unity and solidarity among Kurdistani parties remain the only guarantee for safeguarding the federal system, along with our constitutional rights and achievements. Together, let us strive to protect Kurdistan and Iraq from the dangers of war and work toward building a brighter, more prosperous, and peaceful future for the coming generations.

We honor the memory of the March 11 Agreement and pay tribute to the souls of our fallen heroes.

Nechirvan Barzani
President of the Kurdistan Region