PUK: We will protect peaceful coexistence and harmony in Kirkuk

The Political Bureau of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) gave a statement on the recent events that took place in the city of Kirkuk, which resulted in the arrest of several Kurdish youths.

In its statement, the Political Bureau said: 

The Political Bureau of the PUK is concerned about the security events that took place in Kirkuk during the past two days and we make it clear to all parties that the co-president of the PUK, Bafel Talabani, informed the Federal Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi of the attacks that took place on Kurdish citizen's homes, the violations committed by the security forces, and the arrest of young people and was in continuous contacts with him and senior officials in Baghdad to address the problem and release the arrested, affirming that the situation is fabricated and unacceptable.

The PUK considers Kirkuk and Kirkukis above any political biding or sloganeering launched by some parties, including some members of the Kurdistan Democratic Party's political bureau who put the great cause of Kirkuk and the fate of its people in danger for personal purposes and small achievements for the party. We believe that this is an illogical political move, so the PUK, as a responsible force, will follow the principles of protecting the spirit of peaceful coexistence and harmony in Kirkuk.

The PUK will also protect the rights, land, and Kurdistani identity of the city and will work with this strategy and will not accept from any party to continue arbitrary arrests and endanger social coexistence and has its options in case of any possibilities.

PUK Political Bureau

During the past few days, the city of Kirkuk witnessed some unfortunate events that occurred between the citizens and the security forces against the background of which several Kurdish youths were arrested in the city.

To address the issue, Bafel Talabani, the co-president of the PUK, made a phone call with Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi after which it was decided to release all the arrested.



PUKmedia