The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) President Bafil Talabani made a statement on the occasion of the 36th anniversary of the Halabja Massacre. The genocidal campaign with chemical weapons claimed the lives of at least five thousand Kurds in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq) 36 years ago.

Talabani said, "Kurds need unity and solidarity instead of distancing themselves from each other. We must put differences at the service of our common interests. Let us not forget that the fate of all of us is one. Our responsibilities towards our country and nation should replace different opinions. Our work should be for everyone."