The KCK Executive Council co-presidency commended the PUK for successfully carrying out its 4th Congress and wished them outstanding success in their work.

The KCK Executive Council co-presidency statement said: "The PUK (Patriotic Union of Kurdistan party) has successfully convened its 4th Congress and elected its new direction. We believe that the decisions taken by the Congress will bring beneficial results for the Kurdish people's struggle for freedom and democracy, and we wish success to the new direction."

The statement underlined the importance of the "PUK, a political movement that has an important place in the struggle of the Kurdish people for freedom and democracy. Shaped by the thoughts and character of esteemed leaders Ibrahim Ahmet and Jalal Talabani, the PUK has made important contributions to the struggle of the Kurdish people for freedom and democracy. The friendship that Rêber Apo developed on the basis of the Kurdish brotherhood with the esteemed political leaders Ibrahim Ahmet and Jalal Talabani also strengthened the Kurdish people's struggle for freedom and democracy and added important values. This relationship had a significant political value and created an exemplary political tradition in Kurdistan. As we have always acted with this awareness as Kurdish Freedom Movement, our attitude after this successful congress will continue in this direction."

The KCK also stressed that "it was a historical step that the PUK congress was held in a period of significant political developments in Iraq and the entire Middle East. This will create positive results in terms of Kurdish people's achievements, free and democratic life as they are more prepared for the developments. We believe that the PUK will serve the Kurdish people in line with the values ​​and the political line created by the martyrs of Kurdistan and important leaders Ibrahim Ahmet and Celal Talabani."

Background

The PUK was forced to delayed its fourth congress for years due to internal issues such as the death of its founder Jalal Talabani in 2017 and the war against the Islamic State (ISIS). Its last congress was held on 1 June 2010. 

At this 4th Congress, Kosrat Rasul, the former first deputy Secretary General of PUK, was designated as the head of the High Political Council.