SULAIMANI (ESTA) — Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) President Bafel Talabani released a statement on Saturday on the 125th anniversary of the publication of the first Kurdish newspaper which also marks Kurdish Journalism Day.
On the advent of his remark, Talabani sent congratulations and wishes of success to all Kurdistan journalists on the occasion of Kurdish Journalism Day.
“It’s Indisputable fact the freedom of the press and the freedom of the expression are key pillars of democracy and are the symbols of the state’s development and progress,” Talabani said.
“We have an absolute belief in press freedom and brave journalists. We have never seen ourselves above criticism in contravention we support any attempt to identify our faults and show us the right path,” He added.
Further, Talabani expressed concerns over the backsliding of the freedom of the press and the freedom of expression in certain areas of the Kurdistan Region, adding, “Some areas became places to clampdown and jail free voices, an undesirable picture of the Region is showing to the international community.”
Talabani also reiterated they will support and coordinate every single brave and courageous voice, concluding his remark by saying “We will continue on our unchanging belief.”
