Statement Issued by PUK Leadership Council

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The Leadership Council of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) convened its routine session in Sulaymaniyah on January 22, 2024, under the guidance of PUK President Bafel Jalal Talabani. After the meeting, the Leadership Council released a statement.

The statement indicates that the primary subjects discussed during the discussion were:

- President Bafel Jalal Talabani evaluated and explained the political situation in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. He emphasizes that the PUK is in favor of promoting unity and organizing the Kurdish house, as well as harmony and finding solutions to the issues between the Kurdistan Region and the Iraqi federal government in such way that will enhance political and administrative stability, and improves public services in the Kurdistan Region, the disputed regions, and Iraq as a whole.

- The provincial council elections resulted in a significant victory for the PUK in Kirkuk, Mosul, Khanaqin, and Salah ad Din. This success was achieved through the collaboration of various entities and the dedicated efforts of loyal PUK supporters and the followers of the martyrs' party. The meeting emphasized that the formation of the new administrations in Kirkuk and the disputed areas will be based on President Mam Jalal's policy of inclusivity. The PUK is engaging in negotiations with all Kurdish and Iraqi forces, without any restrictions, to establish a comprehensive administration in Kirkuk and other disputed areas that transcends ethnic, religious, and political divisions.

- Another segment of the conference focused on the preparation for the forthcoming elections in Kurdistan, emphasizing the necessity for fair and transparent electoral processes. To this end, the gathering outlined a new strategic plan aimed at securing success for the PUK in the polls.

- Following the assessment of the PUK's Media Conference, the outcomes of the conference were appraised favorably. The preparations for the upcoming Organizations Bureau meeting, slated for next month, were also discussed.

- The final agenda item of the meeting focused on the matter of teachers participating in boycotts in Sulaymaniyah, Halabja, Garmian, and Raparin. The PUK has consistently advocated for the rights of teachers and employees in the Kurdistan Region. President Bafel Talabani, the Political Bureau, and the PUK team in the government have made significant efforts to address the salary concerns of teachers, employees, and individuals receiving salaries in general. The frequent visits of the PUK's delegation to Baghdad serve as evidence of their commitment to this cause. Nevertheless, the outcomes of over three months of protests and teacher boycotts indicate that the persistent boycott solely in Sulaymaniyah and its vicinity resulted in pupils of this area being the primary victims, with no significant accomplishments being made. The potential loss of an entire year of education poses a significant risk, with detrimental consequences for the scientific, educational, social, spiritual, and historical domains of this region. Consequently, the responsibility for reopening schools lies with the Kurdistan Regional Government, educators, all political factions, civil society groups, and media outlets, who must fulfill this significant and shared obligation. We express gratitude for the teachers who have responsibly resumed their duties at schools, while urging other teachers to cease the boycott and advocate for their rights through alternative means, since the delayed salary can be recuperated in due course. Nevertheless, the irretrievable absence of one year of education will inevitably become an indelible chapter in an undesirable historical record. Hence, we acknowledge our accountability for our children's education this year and we must not tolerate any further postponement of the educational process.

Let us collectively contemplate Sulaymaniyah and the surrounding area, as well as the future and destiny of the generations in this region.

Leadership Council of the PUK
Sulaymaniyah - January 22, 2024

 

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