Maliki Congratulates KDP on 80th Anniversary, Hails Its Struggle Against Dictatorship
State of Law Coalition leader praises the party’s historic resistance to authoritarian rule and calls for stronger national partnership in Iraq
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — State of Law Coalition leader Nouri al-Maliki on Sunday congratulated the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), represented by its President Masoud Barzani, on the 80th anniversary of its founding, praising the party’s long history of political struggle and resistance to dictatorship.
In a statement marking the occasion, Maliki extended his “warmest congratulations” to Barzani, as well as to the KDP’s leadership, cadres, members, and supporters, wishing them continued success.
Maliki highlighted the KDP’s decades-long struggle in opposition to authoritarian rule in Iraq, recalling the sacrifices made by its members in defense of the rights of the Kurdish people and in confronting policies of repression and persecution.
He also paid tribute to the sacrifices made by Iraqis from different communities in their opposition to dictatorship, saying their shared struggle and sacrifices contributed to efforts to establish a democratic and federal Iraq that protects the rights, dignity, and will of all its citizens.
“Remembering these chapters of Iraq’s history should be a motivation to continue consolidating understanding and national partnership,” Maliki said, stressing the importance of strengthening Iraq’s unity and stability.
He called for continued efforts to build a state based on institutions, justice, and equality while safeguarding the rights of all Iraqis.
Maliki concluded by wishing the KDP, its leadership, cadres, and supporters continued prosperity, while expressing hopes for lasting security, stability, and prosperity for Iraq and its people.
The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) was founded on August 16, 1946, by Kurdish leader Mustafa Barzani and has since become one of the most influential political forces in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.
The party has played a central role in the Kurdish political movement and in shaping the Kurdistan Region’s political institutions, with Masoud Barzani serving as its president.
Over the decades, the KDP has remained a major actor in Kurdish-Iraqi relations and Iraq’s broader political landscape.