PUK Seeks to Restore Balance Through Pragmatic Diplomacy

P.U.K 09:24 AM - 2025-11-01

PUK logo and slogans for the elections.

The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) has outlined a comprehensive programme for political and diplomatic affairs in its agenda for the upcoming term of the Iraqi Parliament, seeking to restore balance through pragmatic diplomacy, constitutional engagement with Baghdad, and concrete achievements that directly impact citizens’ lives.

The PUK's Programme for Political and Diplomatic Affairs

Unhealthy political infighting, narrow self-interest, tyranny, party elitism, superficial displays of power, and artificial ostentation have severely undermined the political and diplomatic standing of the Kurdistan Region.

Salaries and legitimate financial entitlements essential for citizens’ livelihoods have often been sacrificed for political manoeuvring, leaving employees and ordinary citizens hostage to bargaining, while the market and overall standard of living have deteriorated sharply.

Addressing this historical burden can only be achieved by a party of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan’s (PUK) stature, particularly under the leadership of President Bafel Jalal Talabani, who has consistently demonstrated a strong capacity to deliver tangible achievements and a high level of diplomatic skill in unifying key issues affecting the Kurdish people.

Key Achievements:

1. Resolving Salary Uncertainty: Policy differences and attempts to personalise disputes between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad outside the constitutional framework repeatedly left citizens’ salaries uncertain. Despite his many party responsibilities, President Bafel Jalal Talabani prioritised resolving this issue during successive visits and meetings in Baghdad. Eventually, a decision was reached to disburse employees’ salaries, marking a major breakthrough in addressing the salary crisis and creating potential to resolve remaining issues.

2. Correcting Governance and Ending Authoritarian Politics: The PUK successfully corrected the path of governance and ended the politics of expansionism and authoritarianism during the Kurdistan Parliament elections. By ensuring no single party could secure a 50+1 majority, the PUK safeguarded the formation of a service-oriented government through a genuinely democratic process.

3. Restoring Kirkuk’s Identity: After the referendum, Kirkuk faced uncertainty and the risk of conflict. Through the will of the voters and the diplomatic efforts of President Bafel Jalal Talabani, the PUK succeeded in electing a Kurdish governor, restoring the city’s identity and establishing peace, coexistence, and service as guiding principles. This fulfilled the vision of President Mam Jalal.

4. Electoral Law Reform: After years of marginalisation and a rigid electoral law, President Bafel and the PUK successfully amended the law to favour the people of Kurdistan. This ensured that communities could freely elect their genuine representatives to the Kurdistan Parliament.

5. Recognition of Halabja as Iraq’s 19th Province: As a moral and administrative reparation for the martyred city of Halabja, President Bafel, through tireless diplomatic efforts and coordination with the PUK parliamentary bloc, secured recognition of Halabja as Iraq’s 19th province.

6. Countering Baseless Accusations: Despite opponents levelling unfounded claims about the PUK’s domestic and foreign relations, the party maintained a national Kurdish policy based on balance, friendship, and peaceful engagement with political forces, neighbouring countries, and the international community, effectively dispelling all false claims.

7. Upholding Representation of Diverse Communities: The PUK has consistently ensured fair representation of Iraq’s diverse communities in its diplomatic missions and international delegations, safeguarding the Kurdistan Region’s interests responsibly and inclusively.



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