State of Law Coalition leader Nouri al-Maliki meets Patriotic Union of Kurdistan head Bafel Talabani in Baghdad on Feb. 22, 2026, to discuss political developments and constitutional entitlements.
Maliki, Talabani stress assigning framework’s nominee for prime minister
BAGHDAD — State of Law Coalition leader Nouri al-Maliki and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan head Bafel Talabani on Sunday emphasized adherence to constitutional procedures, including assigning the Coordination Framework’s nominee for prime minister.
According to a statement from Maliki’s media office, the two leaders discussed political developments and focused on “the issue of constitutional entitlements,” stressing “the need to adhere to them and respect legal frameworks in resolving the candidate for the presidency of the republic and to commit to assigning the Coordination Framework’s nominee for prime minister.”
Delays in constitutional entitlements have persisted since the November elections, with parliament yet to elect a president — the first step required before tasking a nominee to form the next government.
The Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan have failed to agree on a presidential candidate. The PUK nominated Nizar Amedi, while the KDP put forward Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein.
The Coordination Framework nominated Maliki on Jan. 25 after Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani withdrew his candidacy. President Donald Trump has warned that Washington would not continue support for Iraq if Maliki returned to office.
Full statement:
The head of the State of Law Coalition, Mr. Nouri al-Maliki, received at his office today the head of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, Mr. Bafel Talabani, and the accompanying delegation.
During the meeting, they discussed the latest political and security developments in the country and stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation and coordination among national forces in a way that contributes to consolidating stability and supporting the state and its constitutional institutions.
The two sides also addressed the issue of constitutional entitlements, emphasizing the need to adhere to them and respect legal frameworks in resolving the candidate for the presidency of the republic and to commit to assigning the Coordination Framework’s nominee for prime minister, in a manner that reinforces the principle of national partnership and safeguards the democratic process.
Both parties further stressed the importance of continuing constructive dialogue among the various political forces and working in a spirit of national responsibility to overcome current challenges and fulfill the aspirations of the Iraqi people for security, stability and development.
Media Office of Mr. Nouri al-Maliki
Feb. 22, 2026