“We were all expecting the rebirth and reform of the PUK, but, outside of all expectations, some of the people in the Talabani family think that anyone that thinks differently should not be a PUK member,” the statement said.
“Everyone should have preserved the unity of PUK lines. After Talabani passed away, the unity in PUK also passed and the doors were shut against those who cared for the party,” the statement added.
According to NRT the officials said that now they were free to continue their political careers in other parties and in other places, but did not disclose their immediate plans.
In preparation for the upcoming party congress, the PUK has been holding internal elections. The congress was initially set to begin on December 7, but it was delayed until December 21.
The PUK has not held an all-party congress since 2010 and plans for one have been put off for years, amid fears that it would prompt infighting within the notoriously factional party.
It will be the first since the illness and death of long-time party leader Jalal Talabani.
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