UN Iraq’s Kubis on Passing of ex-President Talabani: A Historic leader in the Fight for Kurdish rights and democracy a Leading Voice of mutual understanding and respect in united Iraq

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Talabani, a historic national leader, statesman and patriot of unique wisdom and foresight. From the battlefront trenches in the 1980s during the struggle against dictatorship to the halls of power in Baghdad in the past decade, ‘Mam Jalal’ worked for and promoted national rights together with a diverse but united Iraq in which its various communities live side by side in peace, equality and harmony.”

Mr. Talabani is proudly remembered as a fearless fighter for Kurdish rights and against injustice of the oppressive regime in the 1970s, 80s and 90s, and as a pragmatic politician and national symbol of a new Iraq who contributed to the establishment of democracy and federalism through the modern Iraqi Constitution he helped draft and later as the new Iraq’s first democratically elected president, Mr. Kubis said.

“Just like he kept Kurdish rights central in his heart and worked hard most of his life to advance this cause, ‘Mam Jalal’ was equally true to his Iraqi identity and ensured the rightful place for Kurds in a free, united, federal and democratic Iraq.”

“We wish to express our deepest condolences to his family, the people of Iraq and the people of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq as well as the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan party he founded and led.”