PUK's Standpoint on Addressing Erbil-Baghdad Issues Prevails

Reports 01:24 PM - 2024-09-15

Iraqi flag, PUK logo, and Kurdistan flag.

The perspective of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) towards the resolution of the ongoing issues between Erbil and Baghdad was dominant. In its pursuit of resolving the problems with the Iraqi federal government, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has ultimately initiated negotiations with Baghdad. The PUK has consistently regarded dialogue and the Iraqi constitution as the fundamental framework for addressing the disputes between the Kurdistan Region and Iraq because the PUK firmly believes that the Kurdistan Region is an integral part of Iraq and its rights are guaranteed within the constitution.

President Bafel: Solution of the problems should be based on the constitution

In his interviews with the media, and during his visits to Baghdad and meetings with leaders of Iraqi parties, PUK President Bafel Jalal Talabani has always emphasised that "a radical solution to the outstanding issues between the Kurdistan Region and Iraq must be based on the constitution and the public interest.

At the Middle East Research Institute (MERI) Forum 2023, which took place in Erbil, President Bafel underlined that Kurds should be united in Baghdad, stating: "It is better for Kurdish parties to unite in Baghdad and stand up for the rights of our people. By working together, we can also strengthen the Kurdistan Regional Government and help it overcome its problems. The PUK has never desired two administrations in Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region and has always viewed it as its last option." 

Qubad Talabani visited Baghdad over 40 times

Qubad Talabani, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, has made over 40 visits to Baghdad in order to address the disputes between Erbil and Baghdad, particularly on the salaries of the employees of the Kurdistan Region. During his meetings with the officials of the Iraqi government and political parties, he consistently expressed the PUK's perspective on resolving the issues which support returning to Baghdad and addressing them in accordance with the constitution.

'The solution to the problems lies in Baghdad'

Shirwan Mirza, a former member of the Iraqi parliament, told PUKMEDIA: "Regarding the disputes between Erbil and Baghdad, the perspective of the PUK was dominant, advocating for our return to Baghdad and adhering to the constitutional resolution of the issues. Hence, the PUK long ago concluded that the conflict in which we have the advantage must be waged by the constitution."

He added: "Prior to this, the KRG delegation, headed by Qubad Talabani, visited Baghdad with the purpose of addressing the issues on the ground of PUK's firm belief that the solution to our problems lies in Baghdad and that the constitution serves as the foundation for resolving them. The matter of an independent economy, which proved unsuccessful and could not be effectively administered for the benefit of people. The other parties within the government were driven to reach the consensus that the perspective of the PUK is accurate and that the resolution to our issues lies in Baghdad."

PUK resolves issues through constitution and dialogue

Shler Ghafur, a former member of the PUK Leadership Council, told PUKMEDIA: "The standpoint of the PUK is to rely on constitution and address our issues with Baghdad. Had other factions within the KRG made efforts towards this matter, the present condition would not have lasted. In fact, the issues would have been effectively addressed far earlier."

She added: “The Kurds have been an active participant in the drafting of the constitution and President Mam Jalal has played a major role in protecting the rights of the Kurdish people in the constitution. In this context, we rely on the constitution to resolve the issues and return to the negotiating table in Baghdad. This is the opinion that the PUK has been working for for several years."

The PUK has consistently maintained that dialogue and sticking to the constitution is an essential measure to address the problems. It has consistently endeavoured to address the issues in Baghdad wherever possible. Ultimately, the perspective of the PUK prevailed, where the KRG opted for a resolution of the problems through a mutual agreement with Baghdad. Last week, a group from the Iraqi government visited the Kurdistan Region and reached a consensus to address the identified problems.



PUKMEDIA