Latest news with #PatrioticUnionofKurdistan
Shafaq News
2 days ago
- Business
- Shafaq News
PUK's head urges Baghdad to resolve Kurdistan salaries
Shafaq News/ The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan's (PUK) head Bafel Talabani said on Sunday that he has been in direct contact with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to address the ongoing salary crisis for public employees in the Kurdistan Region. Speaking at an event in al-Sulaymaniyah marking the PUK's 50th anniversary, Talabani said, 'I have spoken with al-Sudani about the salary payments for Kurdistan employees, and we are awaiting a solution to this issue.' The salary dispute has been a persistent source of tension between Erbil and Baghdad. The federal government's recent decision to halt salary disbursements to the Region's employees has fueled criticism in Kurdistan and raised concerns over the economic well-being of thousands of families. Talabani emphasized that the PUK continues to play a balancing role in Kurdistan and is viewed with respect both in Baghdad and across the Region. 'The Kurdish people have no issue with our Arab brothers, and the PUK is committed to resolving disputes with Baghdad,' he said. Addressing regional issues, Talabani highlighted the PUK's role in the peace process in Turkiye, saying, 'The PUK has an important role to play in this process and is capable of defending the rights of the Kurdish people.'
Shafaq News
7 days ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Kurdistan Parliament's dissolution: PUK calls for unified approach
Shafaq News/ The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) rejects any unilateral attempt to dissolve the Kurdistan Region's parliament, party spokesperson Saadi Ahmed Pira stated on Tuesday. The statement comes as Iraq's Federal Supreme Court prepares to review a lawsuit on July 6 seeking to annul the 2024 election results and recover financial entitlements granted to current lawmakers, raising tensions among Kurdish factions. ' Parliament represents multiple political forces—no single party can dissolve it alone,' Pira told Shafaq News during a briefing in Erbil. He also noted that negotiations with the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) on forming the next regional government are nearing conclusion, though no final agreement has been reached. Following PUK leader Bafel Talabani's return from the United States, the party's political bureau met to assess regional developments, including the conflict in Syria and Turkiye's evolving peace process. The leadership urged better institutional stability amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and emphasized the Region's strategic role. 'Kurdistan must be prepared to support Kurdish interests across the region. That requires a functioning parliament and government,' Pira said.
Shafaq News
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
PUK Head Talabani-French FM meet: Kurdish unity key to protecting public interests
2025-04-24T11:00:13+00:00 Shafaq News/ Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) head Bafel Jalal Talabani met, on Thursday, with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot in Erbil to discuss political developments in the Kurdistan Region and broader regional dynamics. According to Talabani's office, discussions focused on the need to form a unified, service-oriented regional government ahead of Iraq's parliamentary elections. Talabani emphasized that 'Kurdish political alignment' would enhance their negotiating power in Baghdad and better protect public interests. Both sides also reviewed the situation in Syria, particularly the status of Kurds in Rojava, stressing the importance of safeguarding the rights of all communities. Talabani called for renewed dialogue among Kurdish factions, framing unity as 'essential to regional stability.' PUK's head also praised France's long-standing support, describing Kurdish-French ties as both strategic and enduring. 'We will never forget our friends who stood by us.' The meeting included senior PUK officials Qubad Talabani and Darbaz Kosrat Rasul.
Shafaq News
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
'The People's House': PM Barzani defends Kurdish Parliament amid political tensions
Shafaq News/ Kurdish Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Wednesday said no party has the authority to dissolve the Kurdistan Region's Parliament outside constitutional procedures, as political disputes delay the formation of a new regional government. Speaking at a press conference in al-Sulaymaniyah, Barzani described the legislature as 'an institution elected by the people' and called on all political forces to uphold their responsibility to the public. Barzani said relations between his Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the rival Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) remained 'very good,' adding that both sides were working to form a new cabinet 'based on understanding and partnership.' He also defended the government's 'Hisabi' (My Account) initiative, a program aimed at paying public sector salaries through individual bank accounts to increase transparency. 'The program was designed for the benefit of citizens,' Barzani said, accusing opponents of being 'driven by narrow partisan agendas.' The formation of a new cabinet in the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has been delayed since the elections, amid ongoing differences between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) that have hindered legislative progress. Although both sides have held numerous meetings in recent weeks to resolve the impasse, no agreement has been reached so far.
Shafaq News
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Sulaimani Forum 2025: Iraq's al-Sudani in al-Sulaymaniyah for high-profile event
Shafaq News/ Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani arrived in the Kurdish city of al-Sulaymaniyah on Wednesday to attend the ninth edition of the Sulaimani Forum, held at the American University of Iraq. Al-Sudani is scheduled to deliver a speech during the high-profile event, which brings together political leaders, academics, and international experts to discuss Iraq's political and economic outlook. Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani also arrived in al-Sulaymaniyah earlier today and is expected to address the forum. A government source told Shafaq News that PM al-Sudani's visit will also include a meeting with Bafel Talabani, head of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). The talks are expected to cover a range of issues, including Baghdad-Erbil relations, internal dynamics within the Kurdistan Region, and broader political and security developments. The 9th #suliforum25 is streaming live on our YouTube channel: #AUIS #IRIS #suliforum25 April 16, 2025
