Karwan Gaznay, the spokesperson for the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), announced that the party will sign the agreement with the New Generation Movement at the beginning of next month, stressing that to enter a new government, the PUK believes in a “genuine partnership” and not “unilateralism.” 

The PUK Leadership Council convened on Sunday to discuss several key issues regarding the overall situation in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. 

Although lawmakers were sworn in following the October 2024 elections in the Kurdistan Region, a functioning parliament and subsequent government cabinet remain unformed due to persistent political deadlocks.

Gaznay: PUK Open for Dialogue While Warning Against Political Dominance 

Following today’s meeting, Gaznay told a press conference that the PUK signing an agreement with the New Generation Movement “will be finalized in the next two to three weeks.” 

Earlier this year, the PUK and the New Generation Movement initiated a political rapprochement that subsequently led to a formal alliance, combining their parliamentary seats into a unified 38-member voting bloc. 

Gazneyi expressed concern over the ongoing delay in establishing a new government, emphasizing that the policy of “unilateralism” harms the Kurdistan Region. 

However, he noted that “our door for dialogue remains open,” adding that “what is important to emphasize is that from the very beginning, we in the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan have expressed our readiness to engage in talks regarding government formation.” 

He added, “However, this must be on the basis of a genuine partnership and on the condition that no party attempts to impose its own dominance or unilateralism within the Kurdistan Regional Government. Instead, it must be a government capable of serving the people of the Kurdistan Region.”

PUK Vows to 'Correct the Course' of Governance 

The spokesperson asserted that the party will not compromise on the rights of the Kurdish people and will persist in its efforts to “correct the course” of governance in Kurdistan. 

Gazneyi highlighted that PUK President Bafel Talabani’s policy focuses on avoiding regional “discrimination,” stating that the party wants the next cabinet to ensure no development or administrative distinctions are made between different areas such as Zakho and Kalar.

PUK Condemns KRG Arrest Warrants for Channel8 Figures 

Regarding the KRG Ministry of Interior’s arrest warrants for Ahmed Najm, Chairman of Channel8's Board of Directors, and presenter Bzhar Dabax, Gaznay criticized the order, adding that the PUK rejects “the police and authoritarian mentality” toward journalists.