The Imrali Delegation met with PUK leader Bafel Jalal Talabani, Kurdistan Region Deputy Prime Minister Qubat Talabani and PUK Politic Bureau member Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmed in Sulaymaniyah city. Following the talks, YNK leader Bafel Jalal Talabani's press office made a written statement.

 

The statement reads: "The Imrali delegation conveyed the greetings of Mr Abdullah Öcalan to President Bafil Jalal Talabani and expressed their decisions, policies and preferences regarding the political developments in the region, the peace issue in Turkey and the talks with Mr Öcalan. Chair Bafel Talabani, while warmly welcoming the delegation, clearly expressed the PUK's views and strategy regarding the new stage of peace in Turkey and stated that they support and stand behind any initiative that will enable our people in Turkey to protect their rights and that they will cooperate for the success of this historical endeavour that Mam Jalal laid the foundation for in 1993.

 

During the meeting, the Chair of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan stated that full peace and stability cannot be achieved in the region unless the Kurdish issue is solved, and as we have stated before, the Kurdish issue cannot be solved with weapons and war and no results can be obtained. The only way to find a solution is sincere discussion and dialogue. We hope that all parties will make a special and heartfelt effort to utilise this historic opportunity on the basis of partnership, brotherhood, peace and stability. Chair Bafel Jalal Talabani stated that they believe in brotherhood and peaceful coexistence, that they have never been a threat to neighbouring countries and that they want to live in peace and brotherhood. Today we will be pioneers for the language of dialogue to prevail and extend the hand of brotherhood. We hope that there is a serious intention for brotherhood between Turks and Kurds and that this national endeavour will be successful."