PUK President Talabani: We are withdrawing from the KRG administration, we will not recognize the decisions of the parliament

In his statements, Talabani criticized the opening of the parliament in KRG and said, "The parliament did not meet, but a minority within the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) revealed that they do not know how the government administration should be. We will not accept this situation. We will withdraw from this failed government." he said.

Claiming that they made efforts in Baghdad to improve salaries, Talabani said that they had a promise that they would not allow bloodshed in the KRG.

Talabani continued his criticism of the opening of the KRG Assembly and the KDP and said:

"We do not accept this situation and will not recognize the decisions taken by the parliament. We will not recognize any government or authority that will emerge as a result of this. We will not recognize you (KDP) either. If they appoint a President of the Kurdistan Region, we will appoint a President of the Kurdistan Region. If they appoint a prime minister, we will appoint a prime minister. This region is the work of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and its struggle."

The KRG Assembly convened for the first time in about 2 years and elected the president and deputy president. PUK and the New Generation Movement boycotted the parliament session.