Turkmens in Kirkuk, Iraq, protested against recent local elections organized by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), saying they were excluded. Led by the Iraqi Turkmen Front (ITF), protesters called for proper representation, warning that stability in Kirkuk is impossible without it. They also rejected the newly elected leadership, urging the government to ensure fair inclusion of all ethnic groups.

On August 10, nine members of the Kirkuk Provincial Council, including five from the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), three Arabs, and one Christian, met in Baghdad and elected PUK member Rebvar Taha as Governor of Kirkuk and Arab member Mohammed Hafez as President of the Provincial Assembly. Turkmen, Kurdistan Democratic Party members, and three Arab council members were excluded from the meeting. The Iraqi Turkmen Front (ITC) sought to annul the vote but was overruled by Iraqi President Abdullatif Rashid, who confirmed Taha’s appointment. This marks the first Kurdish governorship in Kirkuk since 2017. Recent local elections in Kirkuk resulted in Kurds securing 7 seats, Arabs 6, Turkmens 2, and Christians 1 in the Provincial Assembly.

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Türkiye’s Fidan Calls for Leaders’ Summit on Ukraine War

Name: Turkmens Protest Kirkuk Elections
Uploaded: 2024-08-14
Channel: Hasan Esat Yüzbaşıoğulları
Description: Turkmens in Kirkuk, Iraq, protested against recent local elections organized by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), saying they were excluded. Led by the Iraqi Turkmen Front (ITF), protesters called for proper representation, warning that stabili

On May 30, 2025

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the recent peace talks in Istanbul have brought a new dimension to diplomatic efforts on Ukraine and proposed a leaders’ summit hosted by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. “A summit with leaders from Russia, Ukraine, and the US could help achieve a long-term ceasefire,” he said.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Kyiv with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Fidan emphasized Türkiye’s ongoing diplomatic efforts, stating that President Erdoğan has been working actively since the war began. He added that talks in Istanbul on May 16 led to concrete results, including a prisoner swap.

Fidan shared insights from his prior visit to Moscow and said Russia is open to further talks on June 2. He stressed the importance of continuing momentum and involving international actors to build common ground for peace.

Fidan is also scheduled to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Andriy Yermak, Rustem Umerov, and representatives of the Crimean Tatar and Gagauz Turkish communities.

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