ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – The son of Jalal Talabani recalled his late father’s ability to unite Kurds during times of hardship in a message on the anniversary of his death.
Talabani, affectionately known to Kurds as Mam, meaning uncle, died one year ago today.
“Mam Jalal as Peshmerga and President of the Republic jointly and in cooperation with Masoud Barzani achieved many important and fundamental things for Kurds. They often saved this region from tension and deep crises with a fraternal and Kurdish spirit,” said Qubad Talabani.
“Mam Jalal’s farewell was a big loss to the PUK, Kurdish nation, and the region,” he said. “His absence is a vacuum that is impossible to fill.”
Qubad is deputy prime minister of the outgoing Kurdistan Regional Government and was the top candidate of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), the party his father founded, in Sunday’s parliamentary election.
The PUK has been damaged by internal power struggles since the passing of Talabani. The party has been unable to hold a congress to select a new leader.
“We are stepping into a new phase of political life. We need to hold the congress and strengthen the PUK. We need to continue the unity of this brave and modern party which is the greatest inheritance and memory left by Mam Jalal,” said Qubad.
“For any steps that serve the interests of the people, the PUK will be a force for good and coexistence,” he added. “We will do our utmost to protect the rights of our nation and ensure a federal system is in place.”
Barham Salih, considered an ardent pupil of Talabani, was elected president of Iraq on Tuesday.
Talabani passed away just a week after Kurdistan voted for independence from Iraq. Speaking at a rally in Sulaimani ahead of the referendum, head of the KDP Barzani lamented the absence of his friend, who had been very ill for years.
The quest for independence would have been easier if Talabani was in better health, Barzani said.
“My dear brother President Mam Jalal, I will never forget your brotherhood,” he said at the rally.
The PUK and KDP agreed to form a united front in Baghdad after Iraq's parliamentary election in May, but they have fallen out over the selection of the president.
Talabani, affectionately known to Kurds as Mam, meaning uncle, died one year ago today.
“Mam Jalal as Peshmerga and President of the Republic jointly and in cooperation with Masoud Barzani achieved many important and fundamental things for Kurds. They often saved this region from tension and deep crises with a fraternal and Kurdish spirit,” said Qubad Talabani.
“Mam Jalal’s farewell was a big loss to the PUK, Kurdish nation, and the region,” he said. “His absence is a vacuum that is impossible to fill.”
Qubad is deputy prime minister of the outgoing Kurdistan Regional Government and was the top candidate of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), the party his father founded, in Sunday’s parliamentary election.
The PUK has been damaged by internal power struggles since the passing of Talabani. The party has been unable to hold a congress to select a new leader.
“We are stepping into a new phase of political life. We need to hold the congress and strengthen the PUK. We need to continue the unity of this brave and modern party which is the greatest inheritance and memory left by Mam Jalal,” said Qubad.
“For any steps that serve the interests of the people, the PUK will be a force for good and coexistence,” he added. “We will do our utmost to protect the rights of our nation and ensure a federal system is in place.”
Barham Salih, considered an ardent pupil of Talabani, was elected president of Iraq on Tuesday.
Talabani passed away just a week after Kurdistan voted for independence from Iraq. Speaking at a rally in Sulaimani ahead of the referendum, head of the KDP Barzani lamented the absence of his friend, who had been very ill for years.
The quest for independence would have been easier if Talabani was in better health, Barzani said.
“My dear brother President Mam Jalal, I will never forget your brotherhood,” he said at the rally.
The PUK and KDP agreed to form a united front in Baghdad after Iraq's parliamentary election in May, but they have fallen out over the selection of the president.
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