PUK Urges Baghdad Dialogue, Rejects Unilateral Decisions That Threaten Citizens’ Livelihoods

Reports 02:27 PM - 2026-03-17

PUK logo with oil pipeline and Ceyhan port in the background.

The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) has consistently opposed the use of people’s lives for political purposes and emphasises that all efforts must prioritise the welfare of citizens. The party regards Baghdad as the strategic centre for resolving issues and believes that solutions should originate from there, considering the prevention of oil exports in the current situation to be an incorrect and unilateral decision.

President Bafel: KRG Should Avoid Unilateral Decisions

PUK President Bafel Jalal Talabani called in a recent statement for unity and dialogue, warning against unilateral decisions and political point-scoring as the Kurdistan Region faces rising tensions.

He said: “At a time when our region faces serious tensions and uncertainty, decisions that affect the fate and livelihood of our people cannot be taken unilaterally. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is a coalition government, and all parties must act accordingly.”

“This is not a moment for escalation or political point-scoring. Our people deserve stability and the timely payment of their salaries. It is a time for unity in the face of potentially greater dangers,” he added. “We support constructive dialogue with partners in Baghdad and Erbil to safeguard the stability of the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, while ensuring that the welfare of our citizens is never jeopardised.”

Resolving Problems Through Baghdad

The PUK regards the people as its central priority and will never accept any decision that places the burden on citizens or salaries of public sector employees.

Luqman Wardi, a member of the PUK Leadership Council, told PUKMEDIA that the PUK prioritises public interest above political or party considerations.

“For the PUK, the people are central, and all actions must serve the public interest. Even amid political and economic instability in the region, particularly in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, the focus should remain on the welfare of the people rather than endangering the nation’s future through political or party-driven decisions,” he said.

He noted: “The PUK has always opposed the use of people’s lives for political purposes. Accordingly, we have consistently maintained that Baghdad represents the strategic depth of our approach, and that our problems must be resolved from there, not the other way around.”

Regarding the export of Iraqi oil through pipelines in the Kurdistan Region, Wardi stated: “Creating obstacles to oil exports is harmful and will affect the salaries of our employees. The PUK will not accept decisions that burden citizens and employees. Preventing oil exports is an incorrect and unilateral approach.”

Negotiation, Not Confrontation, is the Solution

Latif Nerwayi, another PUK Leadership Council member, told PUKMEDIA that dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad must be the primary path to resolving disputes. “Accusations will only harm our people,” he said.

“The PUK’s positions are clear, as they support any initiative that serves the interests of the people,” he said. “Accordingly, maintaining neutrality in this situation is the best course of action to eliminate threats at home, and all efforts should be directed towards ensuring stability in the country.”

He added: “Participation in conflict, directly or indirectly, risks destroying the country’s economic infrastructure and threatens national security. Therefore, it is essential for Erbil and Baghdad to prioritise dialogue and negotiations as the means to resolve issues and to refrain from mutual accusations, as ultimately it is the people who will bear the consequences.”

Oil prices are rising amid global energy shortages caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The United States is seeking to maximise oil exports and maintain price stability. 

In this context, the PUK's policy aligns with broader global oil strategies. At the same time, the interests of citizens demand that Iraqi oil exports remain uninterrupted and that no further crisis arises with the federal government.



PUKMEDIA