Marking the 80th founding anniversary of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) on August 16, President Masoud Barzani delivered a powerful and deeply personal message to the Kurdish nation. Honouring the sacrifices of the Peshmerga and the party’s martyrs, Barzani called the KDP the bedrock of Kurdish strength and vowed that collective determination will overcome any future challenges.
Opening his statement with “In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,” President Barzani addressed the nation:
“On the occasion of August 16 and the 80th founding anniversary of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, I extend my warmest congratulations to the proud families of martyrs, the heroic Peshmerga, all the supporters and members of the party, and all the people of Kurdistan.”
Born in Hardship to Restore Hope
Reflecting on the party’s origins, Barzani highlighted how the KDP emerged during a period of immense hardship, born out of a national necessity to revive the hopes of the Kurdish people. Over its eight decades, he noted, it has stood as a relentless defender of Kurdish rights and a training ground for revolutionaries.
“The party was founded to restore hope and strength to the Kurdish people in a difficult and harsh time,” Barzani wrote. “Throughout its history of struggle, the party has been a school for the fighters and revolutionaries of Kurdistan, and in every phase it has been a steadfast defender of the legitimate rights of the Kurdish people. The party, in the past, present, and future, is an instrument for serving the people and achieving national and patriotic goals and values.”
A Commitment to Coexistence and the Constitution
Looking beyond the KDP’s internal achievements, the President reaffirmed the party’s foundational commitment to unity and tolerance. He stressed that religious and ethnic coexistence, along with a strict adherence to the Iraqi constitution, remains the ultimate key to regional stability and prosperity.
“The party has a deep belief in coexistence, brotherhood, and cohesion among all national and religious components and all political parties of Kurdistan and Iraq, and considers the principle of partnership and respect for the constitution a guarantor of stability, calm, and prosperity throughout Iraq.”
The Source of Kurdish Strength
In a particularly striking portion of his address, Barzani spoke directly to the KDP’s grassroots supporters and members. He framed the party not merely as a political institution, but as a living embodiment of the Kurdish people’s collective willpower, ready to overcome any hurdle.
“My message to the supporters, members, and base of the party on August 16 is this: the party is the source of the strength of the Kurdish people. The primary duty of the party is to serve the people of Kurdistan, and with reliance on Almighty God and the will, determination, and ambition of you and all the people of Kurdistan, no obstacle or barrier can stand in the way of this sacred duty.”
Honouring the Martyrs and Loyal Supporters
President Barzani concluded his anniversary message by paying tribute to the generations of fighters who gave their lives for the Kurdish cause, as well as the tireless cadres who continue to drive the party forward today.
“On this occasion, we hold high the memory of all the martyrs, Peshmerga, fighters, and heroes who sacrificed throughout the party’s struggle. I also express my appreciation for the role of the cadres, members, and beloved supporters of the party, who faithfully and tirelessly supported their party in every situation and recorded history and pride for their people.”