Bafel Talabani, the President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), met with the US Deputy Assistant Secretary for Iraq and Iran in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, Victoria Taylor, in Erbil.
According to a statement issued by the press office of the PUK leader, the meeting discussed the latest political, economic, and security developments in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, the Middle East, and the issue of the Kurdistan parliamentary elections.
Talabani and Taylor reaffirmed the continuity of constructive dialogue between the political forces and parties in order to maintain stability and overcome the challenges, the statement said.
“The remaining coalition forces in Iraq must be in line with the realities and needs of the region today and become a source of stability in the region,” Talabani said.
He added the PUK supports talks between the Iraqi government and the coalition to reach a common understanding that will serve peace and security in the region.
“The PUK is determined to conduct elections fairly and on time. Our aim was to implement a system that aligns with the present dynamics of our region, thereby fortifying the pillars of democracy,” Talabani said.
He added, if the elections were not held in such a manner, they would defame the Kurdistan Region rather than strengthen it.
