Political Bureau Marks Eight-Year Anniversary of President Mam Jalal’s Passing

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President Jalal Talabani.

The Political Bureau of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) issued a statement on the eighth anniversary of the passing of the nation’s late President, Mam Jalal, highlighting his role as a unifying force and guardian of balance, a contribution that earned him the title “Iraq’s safety valve.”

The following is the Politburo’s statement:

Eight years ago, Kurdistan bid farewell to a great and historic leader—a fighter and Peshmerga who dedicated over 60 years to the Kurdish liberation struggle. Iraq also mourned its first elected president, laid to rest for eternity.

The loss of President Mam Jalal brought grief not only across Kurdistan and Iraq, but throughout the region and the wider liberal democratic world. He left a remarkable legacy for the people of Kurdistan and for the broader struggle for democracy, rights, and justice across the Middle East. From his youth until his final moments, he fought tirelessly—intellectually, organisationally, politically, and as a Peshmerga—to secure the legitimate rights of the Kurdish people and promote federalism, democracy, justice, and coexistence in a pluralistic Iraq.

As a revolutionary and Peshmerga leader, Mam Jalal exemplified courage, insight, high spirit, and measured leadership. He possessed deep experience in long-term revolutionary leadership and made significant contributions through his writings, organisational work, and collective leadership. He was also a skilled negotiator, adept in political and diplomatic strategy, and consistently reinforced the legitimacy of the Kurdish cause on the global stage.

His leadership was particularly evident during critical periods such as the Kurdish revolution led by the PUK, the Halabja chemical attack, the Anfal genocide, and the 1991 uprising. In each instance, he guided the Kurdish people with foresight and resilience.

Following these struggles, Mam Jalal became a defining figure in contemporary Kurdish history and the broader regional liberation movements. His relationships with governments and peoples of the East, the Arab world, and the West laid the groundwork for significant diplomatic achievements, affirming the Kurds’ rightful place in the Middle East. His lifelong struggle was rooted in the democratisation of the state and safeguarding Kurdish national rights, ultimately contributing to the establishment of a democratic, federal Iraq.

As President of Iraq and guardian of the Constitution, Mam Jalal remained a unifying presence, fostering dialogue, consensus, and balance among political parties and communities, earning him the moniker “Iraq’s safety valve.” Internationally, he engaged actively on issues of democracy, justice, equality, environmental protection, dialogue, and world peace, serving as Vice President of the Socialist International and embodying democratic socialism.

Today, under the leadership of Mr Bafel Jalal Talabani, the PUK reaffirms Mam Jalal’s wise policies, particularly his commitment to resolving issues between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad, including matters such as salaries. This legacy continues to guide Kurdish and Iraqi politics.

As the country approaches the Iraqi parliamentary elections, the PUK emphasises the importance of correcting the course of governance, advancing conscious reform, safeguarding citizens’ livelihoods, and preparing the Kurdish people to fulfil national and constitutional responsibilities, including those under Article 140 of the Constitution.

On this anniversary, the PUK honours the enduring legacy of President Mam Jalal and salutes all martyrs of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan and the Kurdish people.

Political Bureau
Patriotic Union of Kurdistan



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