On Thursday, Mar 17, Bafel Jalal Talabani received a delegation from the European Union, consisting of Phil Variola, the European Union's Ambassador to Iraq, and Anne Niskanen, head of the European Union's advisory mission in Iraq.

The two sides talked over the latest political, economic, and security developments in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, the formation of the new Iraqi government, the issues of electing the President of the Republic, freedom of expression in the Kurdistan Region, and the position of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) regarding These matters.

Bafel Jalal Talabani explained the keenness of PUK to reach a constructive national dialogue, declaring that the situation in Iraq needs consensus and mutual understanding in order to form a strong and effective government that provides security and stability for its people.

Talabani stated, "As Kurds, we have made continuous efforts to preserve the unity of the Kurdish house and to work as one strong team in Baghdad. But outside the Kurdish will, this national intention was destroyed."

"However, we believe that there is still time and it is possible for all of us, in a national spirit, and in order to strengthen the entity of the Kurdistan Region and protect the higher interests of our people, to put aside differences and jointly take the decision and present one candidate for the post of President of the Republic," he continued.

Talabani declared his insistence on security and stability, the rule of law, and the fight against corruption, saying, "We will not allow public wealth to be squandered, and we affirm the success of the reform process. There must be transparency in revenues, and there should be no discrimination in public expenditures."

"The wealth of this region is placed equally at the service of the citizens, which is the goal of PUK," he added.

Gender equality and freedom of expression were another focus of the meeting. Talabani explained the vision of PUK on this issue, indicating that PUK does not agree with gender inequality and believes in equality between men and women.

"We believe in the capabilities of women, and women should be given greater opportunities in the party and government institutions and benefit from their potential. In addition, PUK is not with the suppression of free voices," he added. "We are real supporters of journalists and journalistic work because we are fully empowered with democracy and work to protect its foundations in the Kurdistan Region."

(PUKNOW/PUKmedia)