Deputy PM: PUK Supports Peace

Kurdistan 01:11 PM - 2025-02-22

KRG Deputy PM Qubad Talabani speaking at the panel.

Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, reaffirmed that the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) supports peace in the region.

The Vision Foundation for Strategic Studies held a panel themed "Peaceful Coexistence of Communities in Sulaymaniyah," in the presence of the different communities of the province, as well as party and government officials, including the Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region.

The Kurdistan Region-Baghdad Issues

Regarding the outstanding issues between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Iraqi Federal Government, Deputy PM Talabani stated during a discussion: "The issues between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad are not limited to salaries and budgets, which have fortunately taken good steps to be resolved. The Kurds have and demand many rights in Baghdad, and the return of their occupied lands in the disputed areas, as well as the budget and salary, are a part of them."

Regarding the issue of the Kurdistan Region's civil servant salaries, Talabani pointed out: "The Kurdistan Region has left no excuses for Baghdad on the salary issue. We have reached a good point in solving the matter, as the KRG's January salary list will be used as the basis for all 12 months of this year,  while the Kurdistan Region and Iraq have found some understanding on the oil issue."

He also noted that the Kurdistan Region's share in the Iraqi budget must be increased, depending on Iraq's population census last year. According to Iraq's Population and Housing Census, which was conducted in November last year, the Kurdistan Region's population is 14.3% of Iraq's total population.

"Last year's census proved that the Kurds are not 12% of Iraq, but more, which should be taken into account for next year's budget," he said.

He also emphasised that the threat on the disputed areas is greater than the issue of salaries.

"Our disputed areas are under threat, which in my opinion is greater than the issue of salaries and budgets and should be resolved," he said.

The Next KRG

Regarding the meetings between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the PUK, as well as the establishment of the new cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), Deputy PM Talabani said: "The PUK wants a strong government, even if it means delaying its formation for a while. It is also critical that we avoid complimenting one another and focus on identifying and resolving problems rather than repeating them."

"Duhok's governance differs from Garmian's, so it is critical that the next Kurdistan Region government recognise this and extend powers to the governor, mayors, and sub-district directors," he said.

He added: "It is normal for the PUK and KDP to dispute because they are two parties with opposing viewpoints in all areas. Despite international pressure on both sides to speed up the formation of the government, it is critical to build a better government."

"The next government must implement the people's demands, many of which are their rights, because doing so will help the government and the country prosper," he further stated.

Decentralisation is Important

Regarding the issue of decentralisation in the Kurdistan Region, Deputy PM Talabani stated: "We must undertake decentralisation inside the Kurdistan Region in the same way that we demand it for the Kurdistan Region in Baghdad."

He noted: "Since all of the authority cannot be centralised in a single place, decentralisation in administration, finance, and decision-making is crucial for the Kurdistan Region. To this end, the PUK and KDP have agreed on having a budget bill for 2026."

The Communities are Important Part of the Region

Regarding the different components and communities in the Kurdistan Region, the Deputy PM stated: "The PUK has consistently stood by the communities and strived to ensure that they have real representatives in the Kurdistan Parliament who can convey their voices."

He added: "No one has been as protective of the rights of communities in Iraq as President Mam Jalal. We'll keep going down his sacred path, as we want the communities to be a part of our society and have their own projects in parliament."



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