SULAIMANI – (ESTA) Bafel Jalal Talabani, the President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), received a UN delegation led by Claudio Cordon, the Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative in Iraq for Political Affairs and Electoral Cooperation.
The meeting discussed the elections, security in the Kurdistan Region, the region and the issues between Erbil and Baghdad. They emphasized the continuation of constructive dialogue between the parties to resolve the issues within the framework of the constitution and protect the rights of all parties.
Regarding the elections in the Kurdistan Region and the holding of the elections on schedule, President Talabani said that, “we are committed to the deadline set for the election and all other parties must comply.”.
“Our position is clear, we support dialogue and understanding as the best option to resolve the issues and not complicate the situation, we respect the sovereignty and security of neighboring countries. We welcome any effort aimed at establishing peace and working together within the framework of protecting national interests.”.
Regarding the relations between Erbil and Baghdad and ending the conflicts, the PUK president said that, “the PUK has taken steps with a national policy and committed to protecting and strengthening the structure of the Kurdistan Region. We believed in working together and genuine partnership in governing the country and we wanted everyone’s rights to be protected within the framework of the constitution. Everyone must know that dictatorship in governance and the policy of imposing will is outdated and what the country needs is peace and stability and providing a more decent life for its resilient people, not unjust conflict.”.
