In an exclusive interview with Kurdsat News, Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), affirmed that his party will fulfill campaign promises in the new Kurdistan Regional Government cabinet. Talabani shared his vision for Kurdistan’s future, discussed PUK’s relationships with other parties, and offered insights on regional and global developments.
PUK Growing Stronger Year After Year
Discussing the state of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, Talabani stated: “The PUK is always rising and growing stronger day by day. The party is better than it was a year ago, and next year will be even better. We may have different opinions, but we discuss them in meetings, not in the media. The PUK speaks with one voice and stands united.”
Internal Party Reforms Underway
Regarding changes within the party, Bafel Talabani announced: “We are implementing several changes in the PUK and rejuvenating it. We have already appointed Rafaat as PUK Deputy Chairman for party affairs.” These reforms aim to strengthen the party’s structure and effectiveness.
Co-leadership Experience Described as “Bitter”
Addressing past internal party conflicts, the PUK President revealed: “I never wanted the presidency or co-leadership. There was a proposal to have three leaders, but our co-leadership experiment proved to be a bitter experience for both me and the party.” He added firmly: “I have no relationship with Lahur anymore, and we will never reconnect. He has been of no benefit to the party or anyone else. Someone who stabs you in the back is never worthy of forgiveness.”
Strong Relations with All Political Parties
PUK President emphasized that “Our relations with all parties are very good and improving. We have good relations with Islamic parties, and they are respectable opposition. I never want them to be mistreated.” He added: “We have good relations with Mohammed Haji Mahmoud and we support him, but we don’t interfere in their internal disputes, which are largely family matters.”
Regarding the Gorran (Change) Movement, Talabani noted: “Gorran’s problems have nothing to do with the PUK. That’s their internal affair, and we’ll meet with both sides. But we can’t forget that Gorran disrupted Kurdistan and upset the political balance. It would be very difficult for Gorran to become a strong movement again.”
Critical Stance on Opposition Leader Shaswar Abdulwahid
PUK President was particularly critical of New Generation leader Shaswar Abdulwahid: “Shaswar makes promises that he knows cannot be fulfilled. During elections, he makes promises and deceives people. He uses politics for his own interests. Shaswar will face the same fate as Gorran.” Responding to Abdulwahid’s claim about offering seats to all parties except KDP, Talabani challenged: “If Shaswar gives us his seats, I’ll take the Prime Minister and Regional President positions. Let him give them to us, but he won’t and can’t do anything.”
Sharing details about his personal life, PUK President recounted: “My brother Qubad and I had a difficult life in Britain, away from our parents. I worked as a mechanic and in restaurants. Those experiences made us who we are today, which is why I’m proud of the work I did in Britain.”
He revealed that his son is named Koban: “The battle our friends fought in Kobani was tremendous, although my son may never reach the greatness of that name, he must keep trying.” Talabani also disclosed: “I have separated from my wife Lave, but I always support her. The children are very important to both of us.”
“I Read Books 30-40 Minutes Daily”
Discussing his daily habits, PUK President shared: “I enjoy life in Kurdistan and rarely travel. Living among your own people is pleasant.” Regarding his interests, he added: “I’m fond of mechanical work and have a passion for reading. I read books 30-40 minutes daily, though I prefer physical books over electronic ones. I enjoy reading about strategy, history, and various other subjects.”
On his political life, the PUK President declared: “I do what I say. I don’t practice politics in the traditional way. I take politics very seriously and will succeed. Our people deserve a better life – I mean all of Kurdistan should have a better life.”
He emphasized teamwork: “I’m just one person in the PUK. Without my team, I can accomplish nothing. I care about all components of Kurdistan and want them to represent themselves. I’d like to see legislation in this parliament that protects all communities.”
Government Formation Requires PUK Approval
Regarding the formation of the new Kurdistan Regional Government, PUK President stated: “I won’t discuss our private negotiations with the KDP here. Our job is to bridge differences to form a government that serves our people.” He emphasized: “We want this government to be better than previous cabinets. Without PUK approval, no government will be formed. So far in government formation talks, we haven’t reached the stage of distributing positions.”
On the Iraqi presidency position, Talabani was unequivocal: “We won’t negotiate over the position of Iraqi President. It’s the PUK’s entitlement and not up for discussion. There was a strategic agreement before, but the KDP broke it.”
Regional Developments and Foreign Relations
PUK President predicted changes in the region: “This area will undergo changes. I told Iraqi authorities that oil prices will drop significantly to below $45 per barrel. Masrour also knows this.” Regarding Kirkuk, he noted: “We appointed a governor for Kirkuk despite opposition from major countries. The plan to win back Kirkuk isn’t new – things are done according to plan.”
On international relations, Talabani observed: “President Donald Trump’s policies are very realistic.” Regarding US-Iran negotiations, he cautioned: “Failure of US-Iran negotiations will affect Iraq and the Middle East. Iraq needs to show both America and Iran that it’s not part of either country.”
PUK President concluded with a call for Kurdish unity in the upcoming Iraqi elections while maintaining the party’s distinctive policy positions on oil and gas transparency, regional security, and diplomatic relations.
