PUK President, Iraqi, and KRG Officials Mourn the Passing of Sirri Sureyya Onder

PUK President's Media

PUK President Bafel Jalal Talabani and late politician Sirri Sureyya Onder.

Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), Iraqi First Lady Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmed, and Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, have expressed their sorrow at the passing of pro-Kurdish politician Sirri Sureyya Onder.

Onder, aged 62, passed away on Saturday, 3 May 2025, following nearly a month of struggle due to a heart attack. He was a member of the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), as well as a member of the Imrali delegation, which has long been involved in mediating peace negotiations between the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and the Turkish state. 

In a condolence message, the PUK President stated:

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Sirri Sureyya Onder, a member of the Imrali delegation. I extend my sincere condolences to his family, the DEM Party, and to all those committed to peace and the peaceful resolution of the Kurdish issue through dialogue.

Sirri Sureyya Onder was a prominent and devoted figure of the Kurdish people — a sincere advocate for their rights throughout various stages of his life. He made tireless efforts to resolve issues through peaceful means and to advance the peace process in North Kurdistan and Türkiye.

His passing is a profound loss. The Kurdish people have lost a true, loyal, and compassionate defender.

May he rest in peace, and may God grant comfort and strength to all who mourn him."

Iraqi First Lady's condolence message said:

"I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of Sirri Sureyya Onder, a principled politician who dedicated his life to justice, dialogue and the pursuit of a peaceful solution to the Kurdish issue in Türkiye. 

I had the pleasure of meeting him in February during his visit to Sulaymaniyah and was moved by his intellect and warmth. His legacy will not be forgotten. May he rest in peace."

Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani also issued a message of condolence:

"Just two months ago, he viewed the peace process and the future of the Kurdish people in Türkiye and the region with a heart full of hope and a face overflowing with optimism. Sadly, death did not allow this hopeful heart to witness the brighter future of coexistence he had long fought for.

The news of the passing of Sirri Sureyya Onder, DEM MP and member of the Imrali delegation, has deeply saddened us all.

I extend my sincere condolences to his comrades in the DEM Party and to all Kurdish and Turkish advocates of peace. We hope that his noble aspirations will be realised in the near future through the continued efforts and courage of those dedicated to peace."



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