Khamis al-Khanjar Congratulates President Barzani on KDP’s 79th Anniversary
Khamis al-Khanjar, head of Iraq's al-Siyada Alliance, praised President Barzani and the KDP's historic role in Kurdish and Iraqi politics. The 63-seat Sunni bloc called for continued dialogue to resolve Erbil-Baghdad disputes through constitutional frameworks.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Khamis al-Khanjar, head of the Iraqi al-Siyada (Sovereignty) Alliance, extended congratulations to President Masoud Barzani on the 79th anniversary of the founding of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), praising its long-standing role in shaping the political landscape of both Kurdistan and Iraq.
In his congratulatory message on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, al-Khanjar stated:
“On the 79th anniversary of the founding of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, we extend our congratulations to His Excellency President Masoud Barzani, to the party’s leadership, cadres, and supporters, recalling the political and historical role it has played in the public life of Kurdistan and Iraq.”
He emphasized that since its establishment, the KDP has been “one of the most prominent components of the Kurdish and Iraqi political scene, contributing to strengthening coexistence and fostering partnership.”
Al-Khanjar underscored the need for continued cooperation among Iraq’s political forces, stressing:
“On this occasion, we call for the continuation of joint work among all political parties to achieve political, security, and economic stability. Every effort must be made to resolve disputes through serious dialogue, with all sides committed to implementing their pledges and agreements to ensure justice, equality, and the removal of grievances faced by the people.”
In a separate statement marking the anniversary, the KDP’s Political Bureau reaffirmed its enduring commitment to the Barzani doctrine, pledging to defend the rights of the Kurdish people, safeguard constitutional achievements, and protect Kurdistan’s legitimate institutions.
The party reiterated that outstanding issues between Erbil and Baghdad should be resolved through dialogue, while stressing the importance of free and transparent Iraqi elections scheduled for Nov. 11, 2025. It reaffirmed its adherence to the principles of partnership, balance, and consensus as the framework for addressing disputes within a federal Iraq.
Highlighting its historic role from the September Revolution to the March 1991 Uprising, the KDP reaffirmed its commitment to the Kurdistani identity, democratic values, and peaceful coexistence among diverse communities.
The statement also underscored the party’s pursuit of balanced relations with neighboring states, maintaining regional stability, and ensuring that Kurdistan remains a source of peace rather than threats—while expecting reciprocal respect from others.
Concluding with a tribute to the immortal Mustafa Barzani, Kak Idris, and all martyrs of the Kurdish cause, the party vowed to uphold their legacy of sacrifice, unity, and protection of Kurdistan’s political and constitutional entity.
The Iraqi al-Siyada Alliance, Formed on Jan. 25, 2022 after Iraq's 2021 elections, the al-Siyada Alliance merged the Progress Coalition (led by Mohammed al-Halbousi) and the Determination Coalition (led by Khamis al-Khanjar). With 63 parliamentary seats, and it’s Iraq's largest Sunni Arab political bloc.
