PUK President: We Will Form an Independent, Patriotic Government in Iraq

PUKMEDIA

PUK President Bafel Jalal Talabani.

Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), delivered a message addressing regional tensions, the formation of Iraq’s new government, and the importance of dialogue and peace.

In his remarks, President Talabani began with an apology to neighbouring countries affected by recent developments, stating: “I want to start with a sincere apology to all our neighbouring Arab countries that have come under attack from Iraqi soil. We offer you our heartfelt condolences and we are shamed by these actions.”

He highlighted Iraq’s political transition and the formation of a new government, emphasising: “Iraq is in the process of forming a new government. A new government that will repair these bridges that have been damaged, not broken. A new government that will ensure that arms are only in the hands of the Iraqi government.”

President Talabani underlined the vision for the next phase, saying: “We will form an independent, patriotic government that will fight for the rights of our people, move Iraq away from war and bloodshed and embrace our Arab brothers and move Iraq into a new era of prosperity, peace and unity. We are your people. This is the birthplace of civilisation, the birthplace of law.”

Referring to historical identity and regional responsibility, he added: “We are the children of Salah ad-Din, the Salah ad-Din that taught the great knights of Europe chivalry. And we will endeavour to put all our abilities to task to repair your hearts and be welcomed again back into the community. The Middle East is again in a crisis.”

Addressing regional tensions, he warned: “The spectre of war looms over us all.”

President Bafel also expressed appreciation for international efforts to reduce tensions, stating: “Here it is opportune to thank the great government of Pakistan for making those two mighty powers negotiate and make a ceasefire that will hopefully turn into a lasting peace. We must also thank all the European countries, all the Arab countries, Great Britain and especially Türkiye and President Erdogan for their work behind the scenes to de-escalate and get us to this point of negotiation.”

He further noted: “But most of all we must thank the United States and Iran. We must thank the bravery of Iran ad the United States because often it takes more bravery to sue for peace than wage war. We hear days one negotiations have come to an end.”

While acknowledging limited progress, he stressed the importance of continued dialogue: “There has not been significant progress. But what we hear is on smaller matters perhaps things are moving closer together. We urge all sides to use this opportunity to continue talking, to continue dialogue.”

President Talabani expressed hope that ongoing talks could lead to broader outcomes: “Perhaps these talks can become something much, much larger. Perhaps these talks can not only end this conflict but can be the start of ending the majority of the issues in the Middle East that become the cause of conflicts like this rearing their ugly heads. These talks will not be quick and these talks will not be easy.”

He added: “They will be long. There will be many challenges ahead and trust needs to be rebuilt. The entire world is watching these two great countries and this negotiation.”

Emphasising global stakes, he said: “The entire world needs space to breathe, needs time for their economies to recover. We urge you as your friends, as your partners, to continue the peace process. And we, your brothers, many times in arms, the Kurds stand ready as always to assist you in any way we can.”



PUKMEDIA