Peregraf — Qubad Talabani, head of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan delegation for government formation talks, said his party is ready to resume meetings with the Kurdistan Democratic Party, arguing that the key issue is not holding talks but achieving genuine partnership in governing the Kurdistan Region.
“We are ready to meet with the KDP,” Talabani told journalists on Sunday.
“Our issues are not over positions, but over the philosophy of partnership, working together, and joint governance.”
He added that the success of any future government depends on whether both parties recognize the need for balance and genuine power-sharing.
“For our part, we have understood this reality,” he said.
Talks Frozen for Nearly Six Months
Talabani’s remarks come as formal meetings between the KDP and PUK remain suspended after nearly six months without direct talks.
The two parties have held around 20 meetings over the past year and a half in an effort to form the 10th cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), but have so far failed to reach a comprehensive agreement.
Calls for Dialogue After Eid
The comments follow recent signals from KDP leaders suggesting that dialogue could resume after Eid to reactivate parliament and move forward with government formation.
On May 26, Masoud Barzani called on Kurdish political parties to meet after Eid and resolve the political deadlock that has paralyzed institutions in the Kurdistan Region.
Barzani urged parties to “abandon the fruitless rivalry and the internal infighting” and place the interests of Kurdistan above partisan considerations.
In a separate Eid message, Bafel Talabani also called for stronger cooperation and efforts to resolve political disputes.
18 Months of Political Deadlock
The Kurdistan Region has remained in political limbo for more than 18 months since parliamentary elections were held on October 20, 2024.
Although the new parliament convened for its inaugural session on December 2, 2024, lawmakers have not met again, leaving parliament effectively inactive.
The deadlock stems largely from disagreements between the KDP and PUK over power-sharing arrangements, parliamentary leadership positions, and the formation of the KRG’s 10th cabinet.
The continued paralysis has prevented parliament from electing its leadership, approving a new government, or passing a budget law, fueling growing public criticism and concerns about institutional dysfunction in the Kurdistan Region.