President Barzani praises landmark bill restoring lands to owners
The Iraqi Parliament has voted to return land to its original Kurdish and Turkmen owners after 50 years of occupation and 20 years since the fall of the Ba’ath regime. Deputy Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament, Shakhawan Abdullah, announced this significant achievement, stating, “This move will deepen the spirit of cooperation between Iraqi communities.”
On December 21, 2025, the Iraqi Parliament convened to vote on several bills. Speaking at a press conference, Deputy Speaker Abdullah emphasized the importance of the decision to return occupied farmland in Kurdish areas outside the jurisdiction of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). He described it as a landmark step in the history of the Iraqi Parliament.
He highlighted that the success of this bill was due to the unity and cooperation of all Kurdish factions, underscoring the importance of maintaining this solidarity to secure further rights and achievements.
President Masoud Barzani, Kurdistan Democratic Party leader, released a message regarding the Iraqi Parliament’s session, which annulled the Ba’ath Leadership Council’s decisions. In his statement, President Barzani stated: “After a long period following the fall of the former Iraqi regime, today the Iraqi Parliament, in an important step, voted on the ‘Draft Law to Overturn the Decisions of the Dissolved Ba’ath Leadership Council’ which pertains to the return of land and property to their rightful owners.”
He also extended his congratulations to the Presidency of the Iraqi Parliament, Kurdish factions, and all individuals who contributed to the bill’s passage. President Barzani expressed hope that this decision marks the beginning of rectifying injustices and wrongdoings committed against Iraqi citizens throughout the nation’s history.
The General Directorate of Kurdistan Areas outside the KRG administration issued a statement, highlighting that this step is the result of joint efforts between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and all Kurdish officials, ministers, and parliamentarians in Baghdad.
The General Directorate also celebrated the overturning of the Ba’ath regime’s decisions, calling it a great milestone that strengthens trust between political parties and fosters cooperation among Iraqi communities.
The Kurdish Globe