Evening summary
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Translated statement from the Kurdistan Region Security Council:
The owner of the hall that caught fire in Hamdaniya [also Qaraqosh] district was arrested by our institutions.
Hundreds of people were killed in a fire at a banquet hall in the Hamdaniyah district of Nineveh province last night. In response, the Interior Ministry issued an arrest warrant for several individuals, including the hall's owner, Samir Sulaiman Krumi Rafo Aso.
Upon receiving the arrest warrant, agencies under the Kurdistan Region Security Council in Erbil apprehended the owner of the hall. He has since been transferred to the Ministry of Interior of the Federal Government of Iraq.
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Breaking: Kurdistan Region security forces have arrested the owner of Al-Haitham Wedding Hall
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Iraq-Turkey Pipeline restart 'not imminent' – Argus
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From the Secretary General of Socialist International Benedicta Lasi to the PUK
"Your goals for a more inclusive, democratic, and equitable society are ones that we share. We believe that we can all contribute to a brighter future for everyone via communication, teamwork, and dedication to shared values."
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At least the Iraqi president mentioned 'challenges' in his speech
"The PUK has seen numerous challenges, joys, and sorrows throughout its political and struggle life, but it has never wavered in its pursuit of the interests of the Kurdish people, sacrificing its own interests in the process.”
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As the PUK prepared to launch its congress, KRG Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, younger brother of the PUK leader and supervisor of President Mam [Jalal Talabani]'s Secretariat Office, offered some remarks.
"I extend heartfelt congratulations to the families of our martyrs and to the citizens of the Kurdistan Region," Talabani said. He emphasized the importance of viewing the congress with party enthusiasm and respecting the PUK's enduring struggle. "The PUK is keen on evolving its vision to meet the present-day challenges in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and neighboring areas," he added.
Discussing the forthcoming event, Talabani noted, "The early convening of this fifth congress showcases the PUK's vitality and its commitment to the future."
Underscoring the PUK's regional importance, he said, "The PUK holds a pivotal role in Kurdistan, Iraq, and the surrounding regions. It's imperative that we invited esteemed guests to this congress to mark this historical milestone with us."
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Fire hall owner on the run as nine suspects arrested
Iraqi authorities issued an arrest warrant Wednesday for the owner of Al-Haitham Wedding Hall, located in Hamdaniya district of northern Nineveh province, following a fire at the venue.
Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al-Shammari traveled to the region and informed journalists that nine individuals have been detained in relation to the blaze. Efforts are underway, in coordination with the KRG interior ministry, to locate and apprehend the hall's owner, who is currently at large.
Initial reports indicate that approximately 800 attendees were present at the wedding hall when the fire ignited.
Disturbing video footage capturing the moment the fire erupted, while the bride and groom danced, spread rapidly across social media platforms. Clips depict panicked guests scrambling in all directions to evade the growing flames.
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Turkey says PKK member killed in Sulaymaniyah
Turkey's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) announced Wednesday that it has "neutralized" a member of the PKK/KCK in Sulaymaniyah province.
State-run Anadolu Agency cited security sources who said the MIT targeted Mazlum Ozturk, also known by the codename Berxwedan Ciyager, in a rural part of Sulaymaniyah.
According to the report, Ozturk was a recent recruit to the PKK. He traveled from Turkey to Europe last year and then returned as an active member. While in Europe, he was engaged in activities with the European Kurdistan Democratic Societies Congress (KCDK-E).
Investigations indicated that Ozturk joined the group's rural faction in France in January 2023. He was reportedly involved in armed activities and trained in assassination tactics targeting security forces.
The term "neutralized" is often used by Turkish authorities to suggest that a PKK member either surrendered, was killed, or was captured.
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Here's what Ammar Hakim, the leader of the Al-Hikma Movement, stated during his speech earlier today:
- He praised the PUK’s track record, including the achievements of the late leader Jalal Talabani. He mentioned that Talabani was not only a Kurdish leader but also one of Iraq's notable figures, maintaining good relations with most Iraqi political parties.
- Hakim expressed his optimism regarding PUK leader Bafel Talabani and the current leadership, hoping they would continue Mam Jalal’s unifying approach and policies to bridge the differences between Erbil and Baghdad.
- All Iraqis wish to see a prosperous Kurdistan Region within a federally united Iraq that upholds its sovereignty.
- He emphasized, "Baghdad will never be strong without a robust and united Kurdistan Region." [Bafel Talabani and Nechirvan Barzani applauded]
- The challenges between Erbil and Baghdad must be directly addressed, believing there's a national will to surmount them.
- Hakim stated that the security of the Kurdistan Region is intertwined with the security of the entire country. Therefore, any threat to Sulaymaniyah is a threat to Iraq and its security and interests.
- He cautioned against forces aiming to divide the country, which jeopardizes national interests.
- Hakim conveyed his anticipation for the PUK and its leadership to play a pivotal role in unifying both the Kurdish domain and the broader Iraqi landscape.
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Bakhtiar Kawani skips congress
"Upon reaching the doors of the congress hall, I chose not to participate in the fifth congress, which was forcibly imposed on the cadres and members of our party."
Bakhtiar Kawani, a senior cadre and former manager of the PUK politburo's office in Erbil, wrote, "They are inciting conflict among our comrades and dividing our union according to the wishes of our adversaries."
"I extend my support to Comrade Mala Bakhtiar and his colleagues in the Supreme Council. I wholeheartedly back Comrade Lahur Sheikh Jangi [Talabany] and his associates. I concur with their insightful messages."
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Yep
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Former Iraq PM Haider Al-Abadi speaks
He ends by paying tribute to the victims of the Qaraqosh wedding hall fire.
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Ammar Al-Hakim now speaking
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President Nechirvan Barzani speech
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President Nechirvan Barzani speech
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President Nechirvan Barzani speech
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President Nechirvan Barzani speech
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President Nechirvan Barzani speech
President Nechirvan Barzani is discussing the relations between the PUK and KDP.
He emphasizes that unity is essential for them to accomplish anything, overcome challenges, and preserve their constitutional achievements.
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President Nechirvan Barzani speech
"You said you're 'no longer PUK leader as of five minutes from now' so what do I call you?"
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Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani takes to the stage
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Talabani concludes his speech. There's a brief applause, and a few people stand up.
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Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid is now speaking
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The PUK leader is making a speech. As he walks to the stage, there's no standing ovation.
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PUK leader Bafel Talabani is flanked by Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani and Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid.
Other notable delegates include Iraqi politicians such as former PM Haydar al-Abadi and Ammar al-Hakim. Today's agenda is expected to be largely ceremonial as the three-day event kicks off.
PUKMedia published a piece stating that the changes to be adopted include:
- A proposition was put forward to decrease the members of the political bureau to 10 individuals.
- Establishing three distinct councils: the Supreme Political and Interests Council, the Leadership Council, and the Support Council.
- The Leadership Council of the PUK will undergo a reduction, resulting in a total of 51 individuals, consisting of one president and 50 members.
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Morning briefing
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