N. Barzani calls for a Federal Democratic Parliamentary State in Iraq. 

Jalal  Talabani's Address To PUK Representatives 
Kurdistan Newsline

July 1, 2002

In remarks to the first convention held by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan’s International Relations Bureau representatives, the Kurdish leader Jalal Talabani highlighted the vital role diplomatic and information representation plays in promoting the Kurdistan people’s cause in the world. He outlined the guidelines of the policies of PUK in the international arena and the challenges facing the people of Kurdistan region in their quest for a democratic and civil society.

Mr. Talabani emphasized that it is important to provide better opportunities for women to effectively participate in representing Kurdistan issues within the international community. He urged the participants of the convention to study and review the considerable progress made by the region in the last eleven years of liberation, under the leadership of the Kurdistan Regional Government, to provide a democratic form of governance instead of the old and sterile totalitarian model. Referring to the implementation of the Washington Peace Agreement, Mr. Talabani said that although some core issues, such as new regional elections, unified administration and equitable revenue sharing, are not resolved, important steps have been taken toward normalization. The PUK and Kurdistan Democratic Party have a common policy regarding the utilizing the people’s resources provided under the aegis of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 986 (Oil-for-Food) and have established a comprehensive coordinating mechanism for that purpose. The two parties closely coordinate the future of Iraq policy with each other in order to safeguard the vital interest of the people of Kurdistan region. The two parties have established a joint anti-terror command center.

Mr. Talabani reaffirmed a central policy of PUK in its commitment to the principle of diversity: “ We pride ourselves that Turcomen, Assyrians and all ethnic and religious communities have equal rights and opportunities in the Kurdistan region.” He stated that PUK’s relations with other Kurdistan and Iraqi parties and organizations are being strengthened with emphasis on closer consultation and coordination of key policies. As to the conduct of the fringe forces that pursue and resort to terror, it is plainly a treasonable act serving the evil purposes of the foes of the democratic process in Iraqi Kurdistan.

The Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government Dr. Barham Salih pointed out the exceptional role that diplomatic relations and discourse play in the representation process of the Kurdish cause. That is why they must be mobilized and improved in order to find just solutions for the outstanding issues within the overall context of a future Iraq.

Saadi Pera, Director of PUK’s International Bureau presented a review paper on the priorities for the agenda for PUK’s representation missions abroad. He cited the recent accreditation of PUK as a member of the Socialist International as an example of improving the level of international profile for the Kurdish movement within the international community.