Marking 31 August Anniversary, PUK Calls for Unity and Responsible Governance

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The Political Bureau of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) has issued a statement marking the 30th anniversary of the 31 August 1996 events, describing the occupation of Erbil by forces of the former Ba’ath regime as a national tragedy that deepened Kurdish divisions.

The PUK Politburo's message read:

Message from the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan on the Anniversary of the 31 August Betrayal

Today marks three decades since the tragedy of 31 August, when the army of the defunct Ba’ath regime entered and occupied Erbil, the capital of Kurdistan, in support of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), following six years of uprising and liberation.

Sadly, this grave betrayal deepened Kurdish divisions and resulted in the martyrdom of many of our people, including Peshmerga fighters, PUK leaders and cadres, and members of the Iraqi opposition. Many PUK fighters also went missing, and their fate remains unknown to this day.

The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, in fulfilment of its national and patriotic responsibilities and guided by the wise policies of the late President Mam Jalal, chose to turn the page on the past and leave its wounds to history and its fair judgement. This approach paved the way for an era of prosperity, stability and unity.

On the anniversary of this national tragedy, and despite the profound sorrow and regret it continues to evoke, the PUK stresses the need to definitively resolve internal disputes — disputes that in the past led to misguided decisions and reliance on hostile forces.

Today, in order to put governance back on the right course, the Kurdistan Region needs a balanced and responsible government capable of addressing the pain and tragedies of the past through unity, genuine partnership and equitable public services.

Such a government is essential for ensuring that the Kurdistan Region remains strong and stable and is able to confront the challenges shaping the future of Iraq and the wider region.

A salute to the martyrs who defended the capital of Kurdistan and to all those who sacrificed their lives on the path to freedom.

Political Bureau
Patriotic Union of Kurdistan



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