PUK President: We Will Serve All Kirkuk Communities

P.U.K 09:12 AM - 2024-08-11

PUK President Bafel Jalal Talabani.

After the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan's (PUK)  candidate was appointed as the new governor of Kirkuk, the President of the PUK declared in a statement that the PUK will adhere to President Mam Jalal's policies and strive to serve all parties in Kirkuk without any bias.

Rebwar Taha, the leader of the Kirkuk is Our Strength & Will Coalition and member of the PUK's Leadership Council, has been chosen as the governor of Kirkuk on the share of the Kurdish community.

PUK President Bafel Jalal Talabani said in his remarks: "The PUK is engaging in political activities in Kirkuk, similar to President Mam Jalal." Prior to serving the Kurds, we shall prioritise our efforts towards supporting all of our other brothers and sisters."

"We must reconcile Kirkuk and and transform it into a model of harmonious coexistence, economic prosperity, and lasting peace. I hope that in a few years, rather than referring to the problem of Kirkuk, we will aspire to emulate Kirkuk," he further stated.

"I extend my congratulations to all our members and all communities of Kirkuk. I assure them that the PUK will diligently carry out the policy of President Mam Jalal. We will treat all parties impartially and may even prioritise other parties over ourselves," he stated.

The Iraqi provincial council elections were held on December 18, 2023. The Kirkuk is Our Strength & Will Coalition, formed by the alliance between the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and the Kurdistan Communist Party, emerged as the leading political force in Kirkuk. It secured the highest number of votes in the province, with a total of 157,639 votes, accounting for 43% of the votes. Additionally, the coalition won 5 seats, establishing its dominance across all communities in the province.

PUK Politburo: Kirkuk Province Will Enter a New Stage

The Political Bureau of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) has extended its congratulations to the people of Kirkuk and the newly elected governor of the province, stating that Kirkuk province will now embark on a new phase, and the candidate from the winning list (Kirkuk is Our Strength & Will) will diligently serve all communities in the province, fostering a responsible atmosphere of coexistence.

The PUK Political Bureau's message said: 

At this significant historical juncture, we extend our sincere congratulations to the Kurdish people as a whole, and specifically to the people of Kirkuk. After a prolonged period of uncertainty surrounding the Iraqi provincial council elections, today the fundamental right of the Kirkuk residents, which had been entangled in complexity, has been resolved. Once again, a Kurd or Rebwar Taha, who ran as the PUK candidate, has been elected as the new governor of the city.

This accomplishment holds equal significance for every community in Kirkuk, including the PUK.

Starting today, Kirkuk province will undergo a transformative phase as Rebwar assumes the role of serving all groups in the province with a conscientious approach towards coexistence. They will diligently fulfil their commitments through an extensive program, ensuring equal treatment without any kind of discrimination.

We extend our congratulations to the residents of Kirkuk and the newly appointed governor of Kirkuk.

Political Bureau
Patriotic Union of Kurdistan

PUK Spokesperson: Now is Time to Serve Kirkuk People 

The spokesperson of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) stated that the PUK is collaborating with the governor of Kirkuk to promote peaceful coexistence. He emphasised that the conflict in Kirkuk province will now come to an end, and now is the time to focus on serving the people.

PUK Spokesperson Saadi Ahmad Pira told a news conference on Sunday, August 11, 2024: "I would like to start by expressing my sincere apologies to all the residents of Kirkuk for the seven-month delay and their patience during this time. Additionally, I would like to extend my congratulations to all sectors of Kirkuk province for this remarkable accomplishment."

"Rebwar Taha, as the governor of all in Kirkuk, is committed to upholding the flower bouquet policy and ensuring the protection of all colours and voices within the province. It is now well recognised that Kirkuk is not subject to the influence of narrow party perspectives, and it is imperative to prioritise the preservation of culture and language for every community," he added.

"In the future, as the PUK and as a representative of all Kirkuk people, we will strive to address the province's issues and promote peace and coexistence. The conflict has ended, and it is now time to serve Kirkuk and its people," he stated.

He further said: "If we lack unity in Kirkuk and fail to fulfil our responsibilities, decisions regarding us will be made in Baghdad, similar to the governor's election. Regrettably, previously, the official of the Kurdistan Democratic Party in Kirkuk hindered the Kurds from partaking in the provincial council elections as a unified group, which would have enhanced the Kurds' influence."

 

PUK President: PUK Will Uphold President Mam Jalal's Prudent Policy

Sheikh Jaafar Sheikh Mustafa, Head of the Supreme Council for Protecting Interests of the PUK, and a significant number of members of the PUK Political Bureau and Leadership Council, welcomed PUK President Bafel Jalal Talabani at Sulaymaniyah International Airport.

The PUK officials commended President Bafel for his triumph in Kirkuk and expressed gratitude to the PUK President for successfully resolving this national matter in favour of the Kurds interests, unity, and coexistence in Kirkuk through his political and diplomatic endeavours, despite previous conflicts and obstacles.

In response, President Bafel thanked the audience and said: "The successful accomplishment of this significant milestone signifies the triumph of the will of the people of Kirkuk. The new administration of the province will undoubtedly mirror their will."

"The PUK will uphold President Mam Jalal's prudent policy away from ethnic and religious bias, and will prioritise serving the public and fostering unity among various forces and parties," he said.

 

 

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