Sheikh Mustafa: PUK Led Revolution Towards Self-Rule

PUKMEDIA

Sheikh Jaafar Sheikh Mustafa, Head of the Protection Council of the Higher Interests of the PUK.

Sheikh Jaafar Sheikh Mustafa, Head of the Protection Council of the Higher Interests of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), issued a message on the occasion of the 51st anniversary of the founding of the PUK,  affirming that the establishment of the PUK and igniting the new revolution revived hope in the Kurdish struggle, adding that through the Spring Uprising of 1991, the PUK succeeded in leading the Kurdish revolution into a new phase marked by Kurdish self-rule and the establishment of the Kurdistan Regional Government.

Sheikh Mustafa's message read:

On the 51st anniversary of the founding of the PUK, the party of martyrs, I extend my warmest congratulations to the people of Kurdistan, especially to the families of the martyrs and the heroic Peshmerga forces. I bow my head in reverence and loyalty to the sacred memory of President Mam Jalal, his departed comrades from the founding leadership of the PUK, and all the martyrs of the PUK.

The PUK was established under extremely difficult and complex circumstances, when despair had cast its dark shadow over Kurdistan. At that time, the enemies, intoxicated by a false sense of victory, believed that the flame of Kurdish resistance had been extinguished forever and that the Kurdish people would never again be capable of confronting their conspiracies. Amid this catastrophic situation, when changing the course of events seemed almost impossible, the call of Kurdish patriots emerged through the founding declaration of the PUK, awakening the enemies from their illusion of eliminating the Kurdish people and restoring hope for a brighter future.

It was not long before the PUK, only a year after its establishment, announced a new revolution. Thus began another phase of resistance in defence of the existence and rights of our people. During this stage, dozens of historic acts of heroism were written in the blood of the loyal sons and daughters of the PUK. Following years of sacrifices, chemical bombardments, and the Anfal campaigns, and in coordination with the parties under the umbrella of the Kurdistan Front, the PUK, through the Spring Uprising of 1991, succeeded in leading the Kurdish revolution to a higher stage: the era of Kurdish self-rule and the establishment of the Kurdistan Regional Government.

Today, after 35 years of governance, with all its achievements and shortcomings, and after passing through numerous difficult stages and challenges, we now possess a constitutionally recognised region. The PUK has made immense sacrifices and exerted tremendous efforts to achieve this reality. Through this region, we are able to provide better services to our people, strengthen the foundations of governance, and move towards a more advanced phase of self-administration. This will enable us to confront new challenges and maintain the support of our friends.

Undoubtedly, all of this can only be achieved through the unification of efforts and resources, the strengthening of unity among the political parties in Kurdistan, the rejection of internal disputes, and overcoming the current political deadlock. This objective is achievable if all parties work towards it with a strong spirit of Kurdish patriotism and national responsibility.

In conclusion, I once again extend my congratulations on the anniversary of the founding of the PUK to all the people of Kurdistan and to everyone who follows this blessed national path, wishing them continued progress and prosperity.

Sheikh Jaafar Sheikh Mustafa
Head of the Protection Council of the Higher Interests of the PUK



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