Kurdistan Region leaders commemorate 30th anniversary of uprising

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — Kurdistan Region officials issued statements commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Kurdish uprising that led to the Region gaining some autonomy from Baghdad.

“Today, as we commemorate this holy day and its heroes, Kurdistan more than ever needs cooperation and coexistence from all different parties and groups, in order to be able to maintain the goal of the uprising, preserve the sacrifice of those who gave their lives, and step toward a better future," read a statement from Kurdistan Region President Nechrivan Barzani on Friday.  

The town of Ranya was the first to rise up against the regime of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein on March 5, 1991. The revolt quickly spread across and led to the expulsion of the Iraqi army from the majority of Kurdish cities and towns, creating room for the establishment of a Kurdish parliament in 1992.

“Let the anniversary of the uprising be a source of motivation to support the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), in order for them to implement reforms in the best way and serve the people of Kurdistan in a more deserving manner,” read a statement from Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region Masrour Barzani. 

“Together, let us develop the Kurdistan Region more,” he added.