After months of negotiations, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan and Kurdistan Democratic Party are in the advanced stage of talks to form the 10th Kurdistan Regional Government cabinet. Meanwhile, the KDP has reopened its headquarters in Kirkuk after an eight-year closure, signaling renewed political engagement in the disputed territory.
Progress in Government Formation Talks
Saadi Ahmed Pira, spokesman for the PUK, revealed to Channel8 that negotiations with the KDP have reached their advanced stage with a mutual understanding established between the parties. The upcoming meetings will focus on drafting the agreement, distributing government posts, and making key appointments. The discussions have covered service projects, economic and security concerns, and border area issues.
“There should be a balance between the parties that make up the government, including the PUK, KDP, and any other party that wants to join,” Pira stated regarding cabinet post distribution. His comments were echoed by KDP Political Bureau member Sarbast Lazgin, who confirmed significant progress in the negotiations and expressed optimism about the imminent formation of the new cabinet.
The joint committee established by both parties has facilitated two meetings between PUK leader Bafel Jalal Talabani and KDP’s Masrour Barzani. Despite Kurdistan Parliament elections being held on October 20, 2024, both the Parliament presidency and the formation of the 10th KRG cabinet remain pending after five months.
KDP Returns to Kirkuk After Eight Years
KDP officially reopened its headquarters in Kirkuk on Saturday. Fazil Mirani, head of the KDP Political Bureau’s executive committee, presided over the ceremony, expressing regret that representatives from the PUK and other parties had not attended the event.
“We had hoped representatives from the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan and other parties would have attended, as the KDP relies on them in its principles of coexistence,” Mirani stated. He emphasized that with broad political support, the KDP aims to protect everyone’s interests in the region.
