PUK 129: We Will Resolve Disputed Areas' Issue Constitutionally

Reports 12:09 PM - 2024-10-05

PUK's logo and Kurdistan Parliament.

The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) has always sought to constitutionally reintegrate the disputed areas into the administration of the Kurdistan Region. In this context, the PUK List 129 is now advocating for the resolution of the matter by enhancing the efficacy of Article 140 and executing all its requirements, while also formulating a comprehensive plan for all sectors of the disputed areas.

The Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution was largely drafted to address the issue of the areas disputed between Erbil and Baghdad. The disputed areas stretch across the provinces of Diyala, Kirkuk, Nineveh, and Saladin, where the former Iraqi Ba'ath regime made great efforts to Arabise the population, which was the cause of these disputes.

Disputed areas are important for PUK 

Sherzad Shekhani, candidate No. 13 PUK List 129 in Erbil constituency, told PUKMEDIA: "The issue of the disputed areas is one of the important issues that the PUK is working as it seeks for the implementation of Article 140. The governor of Kirkuk was Arab for seven years; however, the PUK, under the leadership of President Bafel Jalal Talabani, successfully reinstated a Kurdish governor for Kirkuk."

“In addition to the disputed areas, the Turkish occupation has extended to a significant extent in Duhok province, and its historically known that the Turkish army tends to remain in the territories it occupies and there are around 50 Turkish military installations in Duhok, Amedi, and Badinan," Shekhani stated.

He added: "We aim for finding a solution to the Turkish occupation in agreement with the Iraqi government, as it violates international laws. Regrettably, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) is allowing and guiding the Turkish army to occupy Kurdistan, and they may even be fighting for them in certain areas."

We will work to return the entire Kurdistan territory

Bestun Haji Karim, candidate number 20 of the PUK List 129 in Sulaymaniyah constituency, told PUKMEDIA: "Upon assuming power, we will work to reclaim the entire areas of Kurdistan."

"While the PUK was in power, the Kurdish people experienced peace and we will endeavour to reclaim power through the people's vote and restore that peace,” said Karim.

All disputed areas must be returned to Kurdistan Region

Karwan Salman, candidate No. 24 of the PUK List 129 in Duhok constituency, told PUKMEDIA: “The disputed areas ought to be returned to the Kurdistan Region to enable us to offer employment and services in those areas.”

He added: "We have lost numerous regions in the past owing to a lack of consensus among the political parties. All parties in the Kurdistan Region must reach a favourable agreement to reclaim the disputed areas."

PUK's Programme for Disputed Regions and Article 140

The PUK views the disputed regions of the Kurdistan Region as a strategic national issue. All of its previous political endeavours have been to legally reintegrate these regions into the administration of the Kurdistan Region, and at present it is determined to settle the matter. Our programme for this includes:

1. Striving to enhance the efficacy of Article 140 of the Iraqi Permanent Constitution and enforce all of its provisions.

2. Restoring stability to the security, military, and political conditions in the disputed regions, which are currently experiencing an unusual state as a result of the referendum's consequences.

3. Highlighting the share and merit achieved in the Kurds' elections and forming administration of these regions in accordance with the elections' outcomes.

4. Maintaining support for the service institutions in the disputed regions, particularly the Kurdish areas that experience neglect from the imposed administrations.

5. Promoting Kurdish education in these regions and facilitating the admission of a substantial number of students to the universities in the Kurdistan Region.

6. Providing support to Kurdish cultural, artistic, and sporting institutions in the disputed regions.

The sixth term of the Kurdistan parliamentary elections is scheduled to take place on October 20, 2024. The PUK is contesting with PUK List 129 and 172 candidates under the slogans "Correcting the Course of Governance" and "We Will End It."



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