Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) President Bafel Jalal Talabani expressed deep concern on Tuesday over the unrest in Erbil and the Lajan area, urging both authorities and protesters to exercise restraint as tensions continue to rise.

In a statement released by the PUK President Press Office, Talabani said the party is “extremely concerned by the recent unrest in Erbil/Lajan,” stressing that “the people affected have legitimate concerns, and their voices must be heard.”

Talabani called on the Kurdistan Regional Government to avoid escalation, saying, “We urge the government to exercise restraint.” At the same time, he appealed to demonstrators to remain peaceful: “The message of the honourable Harkis and all those impacted has been received, and we call on protesters to respect the rule of law.”

The PUK president warned that continued violence risked destabilizing a critical political moment for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region as government formation talks advance in Baghdad. “This is a sensitive moment for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and Kurds must remain united as the process of government formation continues in Baghdad,” he said.

Talabani reaffirmed the PUK’s readiness to play a mediating and stabilizing role, saying the party “stands ready to assist, restore calm, and secure the rightful demands of citizens.” He added, “We are prepared to work with both protesters and the authorities to achieve a peaceful resolution.”

The statement concluded with a call for de-escalation in the affected areas: “The areas must be demilitarised.”