Bafel Talabani says Patriotic Union will withdraw from Kurdistan Regional Government

The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) will withdraw from the Kurdistan Regional Government, PUK leader Bafel Talabani announced in a video message, according to Seda va Sima. (Source: Seda va Sima)

Bafel Jalal Talabani, head of the PUK, said on Thursday, 14 Aban, in a video message that his party is leaving the Kurdistan Regional Government effective immediately and will not recognize any government or officials installed as a result of recent decisions by the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP). (Source: Independent Farsi)

Talabani said the PUK made more than 15 trips to Erbil to negotiate with KDP officials about forming a new government but those efforts failed. He accused the KDP of disrespecting voters, buying members of parliament and threatening them. He criticized the regional government’s performance, saying, “This government has failed,” and added, “The first decision of the PUK leadership is that from this moment we leave this failed government that calls itself the Government of Kurdistan.” (Source: Independent Farsi)

Initial synthesis; final edit pending