PUK and KDP Collaboration Essential for Government Formation, Asserves Deputy PM

Qubad Talabani's media office

Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region.

Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, has emphasised that the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) is committed to forming a new government in the Kurdistan Region as expeditiously as possible. He underscored that neither the PUK nor the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) can realistically establish a administration independently of one another.

Speaking at a press conference on the sidelines of the 2nd Delphi Economic Forum in Sulaymaniyah on Saturday, Talabani expressed his satisfaction with the hosting of the Delphi Economic Forum in Sulaimaniyah.

"We are delighted to host the Delphi Conference here in Sulaymaniyah. Despite the current regional instability, a significant number of prominent dignitaries and global leaders have gathered in Sulaymaniyah. Furthermore, Sulaymaniyah will proudly host the Delphi Forum again next year," the Deputy Prime Minister stated.

Addressing the ongoing negotiations surrounding the government formation in the Kurdistan Region, Talabani reiterated the PUK’s readiness to establish a government based on genuine partnership.

"The PUK wishes to expedite the formation of the government. We firmly believe that the KDP cannot form an administration without the PUK, and conversely, the PUK cannot do so without the KDP," he noted. "We hope that the KDP leadership understands our readiness to reach an agreement based on a genuine partnership and a equitable devolution of responsibilities."

He also noted that both parties have progressed through numerous developmental stages and extensive discussions, culminating in a shared vision. "I hope they do not default on this progress, as any failure to form a government will have severe repercussions for the Kurdistan Region," he warned, adding that a successful administration is entirely contingent upon an authentic partnership between the PUK and the KDP.

He also added that the key to resolving the salary issue with the federal government lies in transparency and in ensuring the Kurdistan Region’s active participation in Iraq’s political process.

The Deputy Prime Minister appealed directly to the leadership of the KDP to maintain open lines of communication despite any ideological divides.

"I urge Mr Masoud Barzani and the leadership of the KDP to ensure that political differences do not halt our dialogue. While divergence of opinion is natural, it is imperative that our meetings continue uninterrupted," Talabani said. He suggested that resolving the current political deadlock does not necessitate external mediation or further electoral processes; rather, it requires a series of focused meetings to reconcile outstanding areas of disagreement.

Commenting on internal dynamics, Talabani observed: "While the PUK maintains a unified policy, vision, and message, I perceive varying viewpoints within the KDP. However, I recognise that Mr Masoud Barzani possesses greater political expertise than any of us. Consequently, I am confident he understands better than anyone that stable governance within the Kurdistan Region requires absolute unity and cooperation between the PUK and the KDP, while simultaneously ensuring fair opportunities for other political factions."

Talabani also reported substantial advancements regarding the unification and restructuring of the Peshmerga forces. He expressed gratitude to international partners, noting that the United States, the Netherlands, Germany, and France, among several other nations, have provided critical cooperation and support during this transitional phase.

Turning to regional diplomacy, the Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the strategic importance of ties with Ankara. "The Kurdistan Region, and Sulaymaniyah in particular, requires a robust relationship with Türkiye. We warmly welcome the recent peace process initiated within Türkiye between the Turkish government and the PKK. We remain fully prepared to assist both parties, to the extent required, to ensure the success of this initiative."

On the critical issue of civil service salary distributions in the Kurdistan Region, Talabani asserted that transparency remains the definitive solution to the impasse with the federal government.

"The resolution of the salary issue is inherently tied to the broader financial agreements between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government of Iraq," he explained. "If we maintain mutual transparency and are participants in the Iraqi political process, many of our outstanding disputes with Baghdad will be resolved."

He concluded by confirming that negotiations are ongoing with the Iraqi Ministry of Finance and the federal government. “We are in negotiations with the Iraqi Ministry of Finance and the federal government to ensure that the Kurdistan Region is treated in accordance with the decline in its non-oil revenues, rather than on the basis of a fixed allocation of 120 billion dinars,” he said.



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