President Bafel: We cannot change Kurdistan's political climate with the mindset of oppression

P.U.K 02:38 PM - 2023-06-08

President Bafel Jalal Talabani received US Ambassador at Dabashan

Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), received Alina Romanowski, US Ambassador to Iraq, at Dabashan, Sulaymaniyah Province. 

The PUK Political Bureau's top decision-maker, RafaatAbdullah, was present at the meeting, where they discussed recent political, economic, and security developments in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. They stressed that national and constructive dialogue should continue to solve problems and preserve regional stability. 

President Bafel commented on the overall state of affairs in the Kurdistan Region and specifically on the election and judicial independence issues, stating: "The PUK has a clear election strategy, and we have always supported holding elections as long as they are fair and free of interference, which is achievable with new legislation and a powerful commission, but not with a system that allows for shaky elections. The majority of political parties in the region continue to support reaching a compromise to resolve the issue.” 

"Unfortunately, the independence of the judiciary is under question, and a party is interfering with the proceedings," he said, "which is a dangerous development that must be prohibited." 

While speaking about the positive initiatives taken to address the problems and the ties between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region, President Bafel said: "Working together with our partners in Baghdad and enhancing cooperation and coordination across many sectors is important for our institution's survival and strength as well as for better serving our people." 

"The current political climate in the region serves no party and detracts from healthy politics and governance. We cannot change the political climate in the region if we do not give up the mindset of oppression and dictatorship and cooperate to advance national interests," President Bafel added.

 

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