PUK President Chairs Political Bureau Meeting, Praises Veteran Leader’s Voluntary Resignation

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PUK President Bafel Jalal Talabani among members of the party's Political Bureau following their meeting in Sulaymaniyah, 1 December 2025.

Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), chaired a meeting of the party’s Political Bureau in Dabashan, Sulaymaniyah, on Monday, 1 December 2025, where discussions focused on upcoming parliamentary elections and the PUK’s strategy for forming both the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the federal government in Baghdad.

The Political Bureau underlined that the PUK’s fundamental objective in government formation is to serve all citizens without discrimination.

The meeting reaffirmed that the PUK will continue to play its role and will be the power the people of Kurdistan, working alongside allies and political forces in Iraq to help build a strong and sovereign country that meets the expectations of its citizens. It also emphasised that the PUK will serve all Iraqis — of every nationality, religion and community — without discrimination with a new political and economic project.
 
During the same meeting, long-standing PUK veteran of 49 years of political struggle, Comrade Shalaw Ali Askari, voluntarily submitted his resignation from his role within the Political Bureau. He noted that he would continue to support the PUK from outside formal organisational structures and remain ready to serve the party at every stage of its struggle.

President Bafel praised his decades of service, acknowledging both his personal sacrifices and the proud legacy of his family.

“It is rare for leaders in the Middle East to resign voluntarily. It is common for officials in the region to remain in their posts so long that people forget their good deeds. Therefore, what Comrade Shalaw did today is an example of a proud, courageous and patriotic leader,” he said.

The Political Bureau collectively expressed its appreciation for Comrade Shalaw’s long struggle and valued contributions to the PUK.



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