Talabani met with EU ambassador to Iraq Ville Varjola in Sulaimani on Thursday.

The two sides discussed the latest political, economic and security developments in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq as well as talks on the formations of a new Iraqi government and the selection of a president, according to a statement released by Talabani’s office.

They also discussed the freedom of expression during the meeting attended by PUK politburo members Shalaw Kosrat Ali and Amin Baba Sheikh, the statement read.

Talabani said the current situation in Iraq “needs compromise and mutual understanding” in order to form a strong and effective government that will ensure peace and stability for its people, according to the statement.

“As Kurds, we have made a lot of efforts to preserve one voice and unity of Kurds and work in Baghdad as one strong team,” Talabani noted, Esta Media Network reported.

“But this national will was aborted outside the Kurdistani will. We, however, still believe that it is not too late and we can put side our political and personal conflicts and decide together to present one candidate for the post of Iraq’s president in a patriotic spirit in order to strengthen the Region’s entity and protect its supreme interests,” he said.

Regarding rule of law and corruption, Talabani said they would prohibit waste of public wealth, stressing the improvement of reform process, the statement said.

“There should be transparency in revenue and no difference should be made in public spending. The benefits of this Region should be put in the service of its citizens without distinction, and this is the PUK’s goal,” he added.

Talabani and Varjola also discussed gender equality and the freedom of expression during the meeting, according to the statement. Talabani said the PUK “is not with gender differences at all and completely believes in equality”.

“We believe in the abilities of women and they should be given more opportunities in the political and government institutions,” he said.

“Despite that, the PUK is never with silencing free voices and it is the real supporter for journalists and journalism because we completely believe in democracy and work to protect its pillars in the Kurdistan Region.”

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