Statement from the Political Bureau of the Kurdistan Democratic Party on the 77th Anniversary of the Establishment of Our Party

To the resilient citizens of Kurdistan,

to the dedicated cadre, members, supporters, and tireless masses of our party.

 

After the First World War and its ensuing consequences, as Kurdistan was divided and the Kurdish nation was denied the existence of a state, efforts were made to subject the Kurdish people to this unfortunate fate. Iraq, particularly, proved politically, economically, and socially unfavorable. Amidst this despair, seventy-seven years ago, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) was founded as a beacon of hope and salvation.

Following the visionary and revolutionary leadership of its founder, Mulla Mustafa Barzani, the KDP unraveled the shackles of humility and despair from the hearts of the Kurdish people, uniting their strength and resilience to counter the chauvinist scheme orchestrated by Iraqi authorities. Our intellectuals and politicians emerged as a historical necessity, responding to the oppression that denied the Kurds their right to self-determination and the attainment of their rightful aspirations.

 

From its inception, guided by the wisdom and philosophy of the late Barzani, the KDP adhered to principles of justice, blending Kurdish identity with the universal values of peace and democracy. It steadfastly rejected all forms of extremism and ideological radicalism, even in the face of relentless brutality from adversaries. In the framework of Kurdish society, the KDP introduced itself as a broad-based political organisation, a mass movement, and a platform that harnessed the potential of the Kurdish people—embracing various ethnicities, religions, and sects. Above all, it united everyone toward a common goal: national liberation and the realisation of the right to self-determination, an inherent legal and constitutional right of all nations and peoples.

 

With the steadfast support of freedom-seeking Kurds, the KDP progressively advanced the liberation struggle. From covert efforts to armed resistance, from the September and May revolutions to the enduring ranks of the Peshmerga and the spheres of political, diplomatic, organisational, and mass engagement.

 

Amid this audacious journey, the brutal aggression, extermination campaigns, and unscrupulous conspiracies of chauvinist dictatorships did not break the resolve of our people or our party. Instead, we gradually reclaimed the rights of the Kurdish people, moving from decentralisation and autonomy to the realm of federalism. Each stage marked a significant achievement, exemplified by the consolidation of the Kurdish-Arab partnership in accordance with the 1959 constitution—a pact solidified through the agreement signed on March 11, 1970, under the leadership of the late Barzani.

 

In the wake of the Iraqi government's refusal to honor the March 11 agreement and the international intrigue of 1975, following the collapse of the revolution, the progressive May Revolution persevered as a continuum of the Great September Revolution. Guided by our party leadership, the paramount objective at this juncture was to forge ahead into a promising and productive future. This included the actualisation of national identity and the recognition of the Kurdish people's rightful national claims.

 

The Kurdistan Front, helmed by President Barzani within Kurdistan and the late Jalal Talabani abroad, commenced from Ranya—the gateway of the uprising—following a meticulously planned program, uniting the devoted masses. The uprising sent a resounding message, asserting the Kurdish people's right to institute a novel governance paradigm. President Barzani declared during a poignant address in Koya on 22 March 1991, the imperative of transitioning from a stage of revolutionary legitimacy to establishing legal and legitimate institutions. Subsequently, on 19 May 1992, the Kurdistan National Assembly was elected, and the Kurdistan Government formed to manage regional affairs—representing the legitimate and lawful expression of the people's will.

 

Dearest people of Kurdistan,

 

The trajectory of the Kurdistan Region, marked by its own legal legitimacy, witnessed the realisation of goals for the people and the Kurds within the region. This progress was achieved through diligent modern planning and proper execution in fields such as security, industry, healthcare, agriculture, education, and tourism.

 

A pivotal political achievement of the uprising was the inauguration of an unprecedented governance model. This path encompassed the adoption of a federal political system, engagement in reshaping a new Iraq, and rewriting the Iraqi constitution. Our party's tireless endeavors to anchor federalism within the new Iraqi constitution persisted. Our party's delegation, led by President Barzani, played a constructive role in vital meetings in Baghdad, in collaboration with other Kurdish parties, aimed at building a rejuvenated Iraq.

 

With sagacious compromise in safeguarding our rightful claims, our party bore the responsibility of several pivotal matters, refraining from concession and steering towards resolving crises, terminating problems, and alleviating tensions. Gratefully, propelled by the valor of the people and the valiant Peshmerga forces, the Kurdistan Region successfully maintained its legitimacy, adeptly confronting challenges, threats, and conspiracies, even including those posed by the terrorist organization ISIL.

 

Esteemed citizens,

 

Kurdistan finds itself navigating a critical and demanding phase, intrinsically tied to the destiny of the region and its inhabitants. Therefore, a greater need exists for coordination and unity, with political parties and forces assuming their rightful roles. The objective is to fortify the region, uphold the constitution, safeguard regional sovereignty and interests, respect mutual interests and the sovereignty of neighboring nations, strengthen the foundations of security, peace, citizen well-being, open dialogue, soundness, non-violence, and lawfulness.

 

Consequently, as the Kurdistan Democratic Party, we steadfastly champion the principles of democracy and the peaceful transfer of power. In this light, we've striven to uphold the integrity of timely elections, endorsing Regional Decree No. 252 of 2023, which designates 25 February 2024, as the date for the sixth round of Kurdistan parliamentary elections.

 

These elections will renew the mandate and legitimacy of Kurdistan's institutions, giving rise to a new parliament and government. They will facilitate the crafting of a contemporary constitution for the Kurdistan Region, bolstering effective governance and amplifying our voice within Iraq, fortifying our defense of Kurdish constitutional rights. Moreover, these elections will spur comprehensive reforms, fostering social justice, heightened transparency, and the well-being of the Kurdish populace.

 

At the federal level, dedicated efforts have been expended to ensure that negotiations with the federal government and coalition partners adhere to the right trajectory. They seek the fulfillment of agreements laid out by the state administration coalition and the federal government's agenda, spanning Article 140, matters regarding regions outside the Kurdistan Regional Government, budget and financial allocations for the region, oil-related matters, and other outstanding issues.

 

On this momentous anniversary, we, the Kurdistan Democratic Party, reiterate our steadfast commitment to the principles and ideals of our party, fostering the home of Kurdistan. We pledge to zealously safeguard and bolster legitimate institutions, steadfastly upholding the highest interests of our people. We shall fulfill our national duties by championing democratic values, coexistence, mutual understanding amidst diversity, and broadened political participation—simultaneously enhancing economic conditions and the daily lives of our citizens.

 

August 16:

 

We perpetually renew our commitment to the trailblazing founder of our party, the late Mustafa Barzani, and Mr Idris, in honor of all the party's martyrs and the path to Kurdistan's liberation. We pledge to remain faithful defenders and disciples of this path.

 

Greetings and heartfelt appreciation to the indomitable spirit of the entire Kurdish populace, who have stood with pride and resilience, demonstrating that national honor transcends all. This unwavering pride will ultimately triumph over conspiracies and adversities.

 

Warm congratulations on the remarkable seventy-seven years of unwavering struggle and sacrifice, marking the journey of our esteemed party, the Kurdistan Democratic Party.

 

With the emblem of Kurdistan's flag flying high, we celebrate the enduring strength and unity of the Kurdish Nation and the cherished land of Kurdistan.

 

Long live the enduring spirit of the Kurds and the enduring legacy of Kurdistan.

The Political Bureau

Kurdistan Democratic Party

August 15 2023