PUK Spokesperson: We Will Not Compromise on Kurdistan People's Rights

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PUK Spokesperson Karwan Gaznay.

Karwan Gaznay, spokesperson for the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), announced that the party will not compromise on the rights of the people of Kurdistan and that they insist on correcting the course of governance in the Kurdistan Region, revealing that the PUK will sign its agreement with the New Generation Movement early next month.

Speaking at a press conference, Gaznay said the PUK Leadership Council held a meeting in Sulaymaniyah on 21 June 2026, during which the consequences of the U.S.–Iran conflict were discussed and the goal of the party was shared, reaffirming that the PUK is not a party to the war.

"We want our land, people and country to be protected. We are now happy with their agreement so that Kurdistan, Iraq and the region are safe."

Regarding the formation of the next Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), he said: "We express our deep concern over the delay in forming the government, while the PUK has never fought for positions. Instead, it has insisted on consolidating the principles of compromise and genuine partnership in the formation of the tenth cabinet. The PUK wants the new government to be a service-oriented cabinet that makes no distinction between Sulaymaniyah, Erbil, Kalar, Soran, and other regions, and treats all Kurdish citizens equally."

On relations with the countries of the region, Gaznay added: "The PUK seeks strategic partnerships with regional and international actors, including the Islamic Republic of Iran, Türkiye, Canada, Europe, the United States, and all Kurdish political forces, including the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP)."

However, he noted that this approach does not mean abandoning electoral commitments, reaffirming the party’s emphasis on forming a 50–50 power-sharing government.

Gaznay added that the PUK has made two key commitments in the elections: restoring balance in power and correcting the course of governance in the tenth cabinet of the KRG.

He said the party believes this approach would be beneficial not only for the PUK, but also for all political forces in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, as well as for citizens in general.

Gaznay stressed that the PUK will not compromise on its demands regarding the formation of the new government. 
 
Gaznay also revealed that the PUK and the New Generation Movement will sign an agreement early next month, adding that this would have positive implications for citizens in the Kurdistan Region and the wider area.

The spokesperson also said that they were informed during the Leadership Council's meeting that the Kurdistan Region's Interior Minister Rebar Ahmed had issued an arrest warrant for the director and an employee of Channel 8.

He described the move as reflecting a “police and self-imposed mentality” which, he said, the PUK completely rejects.

"As repeatedly emphasised by Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, prisons are not be a place for journalists and a free and safe environment must be provided for media professionals," Gaznay said.
 
He said that what he described as a “self-imposed mentality” fails to recognise that such actions would damage the reputation of the Kurdistan Region.

He added that the formation of the new government would not proceed while what he termed an "authoritarian wing" and a "police mentality" persist in the region.

However, he noted that once this approach is reconsidered and it is understood that such practices do not serve the interests of the people or the reputation of the Kurdistan Region, the PUK remains open to discussions on forming the tenth cabinet of the KRG.

In response to reporters, he said: "The PUK wants the new cabinet to be formed as soon as possible on the basis of genuine partnership because we both currently have 39 seats to 39 seats, and for this purpose our door is always open. The responsibility for the delay in forming the new government lies with the KDP, which must take responsibility for the consequences."

On relations with the Iraqi federal government, he said: "The PUK has always wanted national balance and compromise with the federal government, because we believe the Kurdistan Region will be strong and prosperous when Iraq is strong."

In conclusion, Gaznay said the current government is a caretaker cabinet, adding that the PUK does not support the formation of a government that discriminates between cities, regions, or the implementation of development projects.



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