In a statement released on the occasion of the historic referendum, Masoud Barzani congratulated the people, celebrating their collective determination and the triumph of their will.

On September 25, 2017, a momentous event unfolded as nearly 3 million voters in the Kurdistan Region were asked a pivotal question: "Do you want the Kurdistan Region and the regions outside its administration to be independent?" The outcome of this crucial referendum would shape the region's destiny.

The referendum witnessed a remarkable turnout of 72 percent, with an astounding 2,861,471 individuals casting their votes in favor of independence. An overwhelming 92.73 percent of participants voted "Yes," decisively expressing their desire for an independent Kurdistan.

While the referendum elicited jubilation among the Kurdish population, it also sparked reactions from various countries, notably including Baghdad, Ankara, and Tehran. These neighboring nations voiced concerns and reservations regarding the referendum's implications for regional stability and geopolitics.

Masoud Barzani's message on this anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of the historic moment when the people's will prevailed, setting in motion a new chapter in the ongoing quest for Kurdish self-determination. (ILKHA)