The University of Zakho has issued a condolence message over the passing of Jalal Talabani, former president of Iraq and founding member and Secretary General of Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) in Southern Kurdistan, called by the Kurds ‘Mam (Uncle) Jalal’.

The death of Jalal Talabani is a great loss for all people around the world and the Kurds especially. He was one of the most powerful and unifying leaders in the country and a man who spent much of his life fighting for the cause of the Kurds of northern Iraq. He had a significant role in developing the process of education in Kurdistan and founded Suliemaniya University with the help of his friends. After first election in Kurdistan, he had an effective and supportive role in the foundation of the University of Zakho, the University of Koya, and Dohuk University.