During his participation in the 7th Baghdad Dialogue Conference, Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), outlined his views on political developments in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the broader Middle East. He emphasized the need for a unified Kurdish front in Iraq’s upcoming elections, the formation of a strong Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), and the resolution of critical issues, including disputed territories, protests, and regional stability in Syria and Türkiye.
Strengthening the Kurdistan Regional Government
Speaking at the conference, Bafel Talabani stressed the importance of forming a strong government in the Kurdistan Region following the recent elections. “The PUK seeks an effective and robust government, and discussions are ongoing to form this government,” he stated.
He emphasized the need for genuine and inclusive participation in the new government, focusing on improving citizens’ living standards, enhancing relations with Baghdad, and strengthening international ties. “Our central goal is to serve the people through collaborative efforts. By working together, we can overcome the challenges we’ve faced in the past,” he added.
Talabani also reiterated the importance of Kurdish unity, stating that a unified position would strengthen their stance in Baghdad and help facilitate agreements on the next government’s formation.
Addressing Protests in Sulaymaniyah
Commenting on recent protests in Sulaymaniyah, Bafel Talabani affirmed that citizens have the right to demonstrate. “It is unacceptable to prevent people from expressing their grievances. The primary reason behind these demonstrations is the lack of trust in the government,” he said.
He revealed that in discussions with the Prime Minister, they addressed key concerns such as nationalizing employees’ salaries and the differences between My Account and salary nationalization. Talabani stressed the need for a reliable banking system to ensure fair salary distribution. “We must work together to serve the citizens and employees of the Kurdistan Region,” he urged.
Kurdish Unity in Iraq’s Upcoming Elections
Regarding Iraq’s upcoming elections, Talabani underscored the importance of Kurdish unity. “We emphasize the need for a unified Kurdish bloc to participate in these elections and act collectively to secure Kurdish rights,” he stated.
He also highlighted the necessity of state control over weapons, emphasizing that armed groups operating outside state institutions should not be tolerated. “Weapons must be in the hands of the state. No party should operate outside legal frameworks,” he insisted.
Talabani further stressed that Kurdish political forces should coordinate their efforts in Baghdad to ensure stronger representation and greater influence in national decision-making processes.
Resolving Disputed Areas and Regional Stability
Addressing the long-standing issue of disputed territories, Talabani called for the implementation of Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution. “If this article is not enforced, these problems will persist. We must resolve the disputes constitutionally to avoid further conflicts,” he stated.
On Syria, he urged responsible engagement from all sides, emphasizing the need to protect the rights of all communities. “A government must be formed in Syria that represents all groups, including Kurds, Christians, and others. Kurdish fighters who fought against ISIS must have their rights safeguarded,” he said.
Turning to Türkiye, Talabani reiterated the PUK’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of conflicts. “Violence cannot resolve Türkiye’s issues. I recently met with Turkish officials, and our discussions were constructive. The best path to peace is through dialogue and understanding,” he affirmed.
PUK’s Role in US-Iran Relations
On the complex relationship between Iran and the United States, Talabani expressed hope for renewed dialogue. “Iran has a rich civilization, and the West must recognize the intelligence and capabilities of the Iranian people,” he remarked.
He suggested that with new political leadership, fresh opportunities for peace talks between Iran and the US could emerge, potentially reshaping the Middle East. “The PUK is a smaller force compared to these global powers, yet we maintain dialogue with both. If we can negotiate, why can’t they come to the table for peace?” he questioned.
Talabani concluded by reaffirming the PUK’s commitment to peace. “Our party has always worked to prevent bloodshed and promote dialogue. We will continue our efforts to bring conflicting parties together and seek peaceful solutions,” he stated.
His speech at the Baghdad Dialogue Conference reflected the PUK’s broader vision: fostering Kurdish unity, resolving regional conflicts, and securing a stable and prosperous future for Kurdistan and the wider region.
