PUK 5th Congress Begins in Sulaymaniyah

P.U.K 01:33 PM - 2023-09-27

Bafel Jalal Talabani at PUK's fifth Congress

The beginning of the fifth congress of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan took place in Sulaymaniyah, with the notable presence of the President of Iraq, the President of the Kurdistan Region, leaders from Kurdish and Iraqi political parties, as well as numerous guests from the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the surrounding area. The congress has commenced with the active involvement of 600 congress members.

Following a moment of silence to honor the spirits of the martyrs, the Kurdistan and Iraqi national anthems were performed. Then, several verses from the Holy Quran were recited, followed by a brief video explaining the historical context of the PUK's struggle. 

Bafel Jalal Talabani's speech:

Bafel Jalal Talabani delivered the opening speech at the fifth congress of the PUK. He welcomed the guests and said, "We have gathered here today to grow the PUK with Mam Jalal's spirit, to bring our party together in remembrance of our martyrs and our nation, and to extend a hand of brotherhood and peace to all."

"The PUK is powerful enough to host a congress amid the current Kurdistan Region and Iraqi crises and prior to two elections. The PUK will start a new era of duty right now, and we will never turn a blind eye to the sacrifices made by our martyrs, cadres, or nation. We will embrace our Arab brothers and offer a hand of friendship to the Kurdish parties," he said.

Bafel Jalal Talabani further said, "I will not turn my back on my comrades, and I will never let your enemies prevail against you. To God alone do we humbly submit, for we are the PUK, the party of struggle and martyrs, the party of heroes, the party that has brought down dictators. In addition, I will make it a priority to unite the country and give special attention to the needs of the country's underserved young women and men. 

To continue President Mam Jalal's work for our country, we will enter a new era of service while keeping our bonds of cooperation strong. We remember the fallen, the wounded, the political prisoners, and the martyrs of our nation.

Iraq's President's Speech:

At the PUK's fifth Congress, Iraqi President Abdullatif Jamal Rashid made the following remarks: "To guide the region in a direction that is for the benefit of the people, we must all continue Mam Jalal's path, cooperate with his wise policy, and adhere to his policy in the congress."

President Rashid stated, "Diversity poses a grave threat to the Kurdish people, and maintaining our unity is essential to our success in the region and Iraq. The fifth congress must prioritize the rule of law, combat corruption, strengthen the justice system, serve the families of martyrs and peshmerga, and pay attention to professional and social organizations. 

"The Congress should adopt a general policy to consolidate our relations with all parties in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq and safeguard the national security of the Kurdish people," he added.

"The PUK has seen numerous challenges, joys, and sorrows throughout its political and struggle lives, but it has never wavered in its pursuit of the interests of the Kurdish people, sacrificing its own interests in the process," he further said.

Kurdistan Region President's speech:

President of the Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, made the following remarks during his speech: "It is a pleasure to attend the PUK Congress. The PUK is the legacy of President Mam Jalal and must continue in the same manner. Additionally, the PUK plays a major role in the Kurdish people's revolution."

"The PUK has a significant duty to uphold rights and accomplishments because victory lies in unity. Cooperation, brotherhood, and unity have been the true winners, and now the only option is for everyone in the region and Iraq to continue accepting one another," he said.

"The region can effectively defend its constitutional rights, and the PUK, the Kurdistan Democratic Party, and all parties have a responsibility to work for the success of the elections, and elections should be the primary goal and work for a successful voting process," Barzani said. "The region is experiencing financial difficulties. Per the Constitution, we must resolve the difficulties with Baghdad through communication and understanding. The budget and salaries should not be entangled in political disputes since generating financial problems for the region does not serve Iraq. Iraq is our country, and deprivation and neglect of any nation weakens Iraq."

He also congratulated the PUK on its fifth congress, wished it success, and hoped that the fifth congress would serve as a source of unity and solidarity in the region and Iraq.

 

PUKMEDIA