KURDISTAN
NEWSLINE
March
04, 2003
PUK-KDP
Consolidate Their Alliance:
A
Joint Statement
Hawler,
March 2-- A series of meetings have been held between the Patriotic
Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP)
taking into consideration the delicate circumstances that our
country faces and in preparation for any potential event requiring
the unification of our ranks and resources. The two leaderships
of the PUK and KDP decided to form a Joint Higher Leadership to
lead the struggle in the political, military and administrative
fields, as well as conducting national and international relations.
The
Joint Higher Leadership (JHL) will be co-chaired by Masoud Barzani,
President of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, and Jalal Talabani,
Secretary General of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan. The JHL
will also include members of the political bureaus of the two
parties. This Leadership will work in close cooperation and coordination
with all parties and groups in Iraqi Kurdistan.
The
unity of the Iraqi Kurdistan forces, under the JHL, will consolidate
and strengthen the unity of the Iraqi opposition forces that aspire
to end dictatorship and establish a democratic, pluralistic federal
system in Iraq.
Kurdistan
Democratic Party Patriotic Union of Kurdistan
White House Press Office
March 1, 200
STATEMENT
BY THE PRESS SECRETARY
The United States believes the just-concluded meeting of the Iraqi
opposition Advisory Committee in Salahudeen, Northern Iraq was
a welcome opportunity for many courageous Iraqis to continue planning
for a future democratic Iraq.
The
U.S. delegation--headed by Presidential Special Envoy for Free
Iraqis Zalmay Khalilzad--reaffirmed America's commitment to a
democratic, representative, broad-based future Iraqi government
that respects the principles of
justice, the rule of law, and the human rights of Iraq's people;
maintains Iraq's territorial integrity; is at peace with Iraq's
neighbors; forswears weapons of mass destruction; fights terrorism;
and fulfills its international obligations.
The
United States is committed to working in partnership with the
people of Iraq to bring this vision to life. We will continue
this work in the days ahead, both with those represented at Salahudeen
as well as others from throughout
the broad community of free Iraqis, and with those Iraqis who
have yet to be freed.
Iraq's
people are ready to begin the challenging road toward democracy.
We
salute the brave members of the Iraqi opposition and all Iraqis
now suffering in silent captivity. Many freedom-loving nations
throughout the world look forward with them to the day of their
liberation.
Iraqi
Opposition Final Statement:
Meeting of the Coordination and Follow-Up Committee held in Salahaddin,
26 February – 1 March, 2003
As
Iraq faces a critical stage in its history, the Coordination and
Follow-Up Committee that was elected at the London Iraqi Opposition
Conference between 13-16 Dec. 2002, held its first meeting with
the participation of 54 members, in the liberated territory of
Iraq, in the city of Salahaddin in heroic Kurdistan, between 24-28
February 2003.
After
a series of frank and comprehensive discussions over a period
of three days, which preceded the official meeting, the meeting
was opened with a recital of a verse from the Holy Quran and a
minute’s silence in memory of our martyrs and in solidarity
with our people in prison, detention, and exile.
After
listening to a speech by the host, Mr. Masoud Barzani, President
of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), the meeting listened
to a message from his eminence Mohammad Bakir al-Hakim, President
of SCIRI, and speeches by a number of leaders of the Iraqi Opposition
and quests. With a quorum of 54 members the meeting held seven
closed sessions during which a steering committee was elected
and the rules of order of the meetings, the agenda, election of
Mr. Jalal Talabani as a chair for the meetings, and the structures
required to face conditions both inside and outside the country
were established, in pursuit of the establishment of an alternative
democratic government.
The
meeting evaluated the political and international situation and
the possibilities of a military conflict, which the allied forces
plan to launch under the leadership of the US.
The
meeting puts the responsibility on the Iraqi regime for endangering
the security of the country as a result of its repressive policies,
violation of human rights and rights of various groups, non-compliance
with relevant UN Security Council resolutions, aggression against
neighboring countries and its refusal to get rid of its Weapons
of Mass
Destruction.
The
meeting calls upon the US and the international community to distinguish
between Saddam Hussein’s regime and the Iraqi people and
between Weapons of Mass Destruction and the infrastructure of
Iraq.
The
meeting reconfirmed that, in the aftermath of the overthrow of
the Saddam Hussein regime, power should be transferred to the
Iraqi people and their true representatives as soon as possible.
It looks forward to Iraq enjoying balanced relations with other
countries, on the basis of mutual relations and cooperation and
without occupation.
The meeting took note of news reports that thousands of Turkish
troops are planning to enter Iraqi Kurdistan unilaterally, and
hopes this is not the case. While we appreciate the undertaking
of the international coalition to enforce the relevant UNSC Resolutions
and its support of the Iraqi people in overthrowing the dictatorial
regime and establishing democratic rule in Iraq, we reject Turkish
military intervention, or the intervention of any other regional
power, in Iraqi internal affairs.
At
the same time, the meeting extends the hand of friendship and
cooperation to the republic of Turkey and reassures her that our
Kurdish brothers and all members of the Iraqi opposition reject
the division of Iraq. The meeting asserts its belief in one unified
country. It takes seriously Turkey’s legitimate security
concerns and it is willing to establish optimum neighborly relations
with Turkey. We, the members of the Iraqi opposition, call upon
the government of Turkey for open, frank and direct dialogue,
with the participation of the US, and reaffirm our commitment
to establishing a unified Iraq and reinforcing Iraq’s national
unity on the basis of democratic, parliamentary, federal and equal
citizenship to all Iraqis, be they Arabs, Kurds, Turkomens, Assyrians,
or Chaldeans.
The
Iraqi people would have the first and last word in deciding and
managing the affairs of their country. Iraq is a country with
multiple Arab and Muslim dimensions of identity.
It
is a land with many holy sites and shines that have been subjected
by Saddam Hussein to the worst kinds of violation of all that
us sacred and holy. The Saddam Hussein regime has forced millions
of its sons into exile. Hundreds of thousands of its citizens
have been killed and wounded in internal wars that have touched
every part of the land.
The
opposition is a partner in the liberation of Iraq and in building
of a new democratic Iraq. The Iraqi opposition will contribute
to the restoration of stability and to the prevention of potential
anarchy and chaos. The opposition will enlist the assistance of
the Iraqi army and people, including religious and tribal personalities,
to enhance law and
order, social peace and toleration among all sections of society.
The Iraqi opposition ultimately wishes to rehabilitate all militia
organizations, including those forces operating under the command
of the leadership council of the Iraqi opposition, and reintegrate
them into a future Iraqi national army and to end the state of
society’s militarization by
returning the army to its barracks, dismantling all Iraq’s
repressive institutions and ending those currents of thought in
Iraq that gave rise to tyranny. The Iraqi opposition wishes to
return to a life of constitutionalism and to reengage with regional,
international, and Arab countries in relations of mutual interest
and good-neighborliness. A democratic
Iraq based on the rule of law, characterized by internal peace,
is the best guarantee for the spread of peace and stability with
other countries and the international community.
Considering
all of the above, and implementing the decisions of the London
conference, in particular the two documents – the Political
Statement and the Transitional Period – on 13-16 Dec 2002,
the meeting has elected a leadership council of the Iraqi opposition
along with the following 14 specialized committees: 1) Operational,
2) Media, 3) Reconstruction and Development, 4) Foreign Relations,
5) National Outreach, 6) Social, 7) Economic, 8) UN Resolutions
Follow-Up, 9) Displaced and Deportees, 10) Finance, 11) Legal
and Constitutional, 12) Human Rights, 13) Relief and 14) Education
and Higher Education.
This
is in order to prepare for liberation and to prevent the emergence
of a political, administrative and security vacuum. It is also
to guarantee the best possible representation for the Iraqi people
in the international arena and with friendly states who wish to
cooperate with them. The meeting emphasized the importance of
cooperation with the widest possible forces of our people to reach
the goal of change, face all possible eventualities and to prepare
for the transitional period, which will begin immediately after
the collapse of Saddam’s tyrant regime.
Within
this framework, the meeting decided to continue dialogue with
forces that did not participate in this meeting, or the London
conference of the Iraqi opposition, and we call upon them to join
this patriotic process. We call upon all people with expertise
and specialist skills inside Iraq and in exile to be engaged in
this work, to assist in building a
future Iraq, to be in contact with the administration and the
existing infrastructure in the country and to carry out the necessary
tasks during the transitional period. Furthermore, the effects
of Saddam’s brutal policies must be eradicated to pave the
way to transition to a parliamentary system and constitutional
traditions in a united, democratic, pluralistic,
and federal Iraq that respects Islamic values and religious freedoms
and practices.
The
experiment in Kurdistan and all its progress of the last 11 years,
is the best proof of what the Iraqis can achieve. The delegates
of the meeting noticed the great achievements in all fields of
development – political, democratic, providing security
and stability, national reconciliation and transparency –
in spite of the difficult and complicated
circumstances and the pressures and destruction the area faces
that remained after the Iraqi regime left the region in 1991.
It must also be taken into account that this area came under two
economic embargos, not just one. The delegates enjoyed the hospitality
of the Kurdish leadership, especially the Kurdistan Democratic
Party under the leadership of Masoud Barzani, and the Patriotic
Union of Kurdistan under the leadership of Jalal Talabani.
The
delegates discussed Iraq’s ties with its neighbors and they
also expressed appreciation for the positive historical role of
both the Syrian Arab Republic and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Those two countries were the first who welcomed the Iraqi opposition
and refugees and they carried a large burden as a result of this.
The meeting also expressed appreciation for the role played by
two neighboring countries, Kuwait and Turkey, in this regard.
The meeting sent its greetings to all people, organizations and
friendly states in the world. In particular, it sends its greetings
to the Ambassador-at-Large for Free Iraqis, Dr. Zalmay Khalilzad,
and the accompanying delegates for coming to Iraq, in spite of
difficulties, to meet the delegates and members of the Follow-Up
and Coordination
Committee on behalf of the American President, George W. Bush,
in order to convey the US administration’s messages and
opinions. Dr. Khalilzad’s important address to the opening
session included a confirmation of statements made by the President
that the United States does not intend to change one dictator
for another, that it supports a democratic regime in Iraq as was
mentioned in the President’s September speech, that the
US has no desire to govern Iraq and that the Iraqis should choose
who will govern them.
These
policies were received by the delegates with great appreciation
for the President of the United States.
The
meeting also sent a special message to other Arab states urging
them to support the Iraqi people, who have many strong ties with
Arab countries, in their endeavor. It also demanded from those
who are still trying to save the Iraqi regime to give up their
shortsighted policies.
The
meeting also supports all those who have tried to pressurize Saddam
Hussein to give up power in order to guarantee a peaceful transition
that will end the brutal regime and all its polices. We ask them
to continue these efforts to stop war and to stop this terrible
saga of Iraq’s history.
The
meeting also discussed the humanitarian issue and put forward
views for emergency relief and development. It emphasized that
for the Iraqi economy to recover and its massive potential growth
to develop in such a way as to support the democratic process
in the future, Iraq requires massive financial resources that
can only come from the
production of Iraqi oil through a guaranteed fair share of the
international market. It also requires the readiness of regional
and international communities to provide humanitarian aid and
endeavor to solve the issue of dept, compensation and the freeing
up of Iraqi assets abroad.
At
the end of this historic meeting, the delegates salute the steadfast
freedom fighters, our martyrs and their families and we hail the
political prisoners, detainees and the exiled, displaced and disappeared
people. The meeting also calls upon the people of Iraq who continue
to be under the reign of repression and destitution to prepare
for liberation day.
The
delegates also salute our people in exile and call on them to
increase their activities and mobilize and unify their efforts
so that we all have one unified vision for the future of Iraq.
The
meeting also sends a call to all citizens that are conscripted
in the party organization and the many other party institutions:
The coming order will be about tolerance, forgiveness and reconciliation.
It will end all forms of ethnic and religious discrimination and
eradicate all repressive laws and all forms of behavior that are
above the law.
A
future Iraq will be for all: Arabs, Kurds, Turkomens, Assyrians,
Chaldeans and other ethnic minorities, Muslims and Christians,
Shi’a and Sunni and all other cultural diversities. Iraq
will not be for one individual or one party or a single ethnic
minority group to the exclusion of the rest of the Iraqi people.
OPINION
NOTEBOOK
Turkish-Iraqi
relations:
A
strategic gain or a new zone of conflict?
One
of the most important potential gains from the liberation of Iraq
could be a new and constructive relationship between Iraq, and
especially the Iraqi Kurds, and Turkey. To do this, we must avoid
creating the conditions for future conflict. We must ensure that
the grand coalition being constructed by the United States is
not torn asunder by hasty decisions. The Iraqi Kurds are grateful
for the protection that Turkey, the United States and Britain
have given them since April 1991. Let us build on these solid
foundations.
The
Turkish-Iraqi Kurdish relationship can proceed in one of two directions.
One way is co-operation; this would ensure border security as
well as Turkish commercial and political interests in a united,
federal, democratic Iraq. Cooperation would help Turkey become
an energy transport hub, with increased volumes of Iraqi oil and
gas flowing with oil and gas from the Caspian. The Turkey-Iraq
border would be crossed by trade, not traffickers in migrants,
smugglers or terrorists.
Alternatively,
if Turkish forces enter Iraqi Kurdistan under cover of the United
States-lead liberation of Iraq, then there could be unrelenting
conflict. Prime minister Abdullah Gul has made it clear that Turkish
troops will not enter Iraq to free the country from the Ba'athist
dictatorship but to secure Turkish interests. As to how long he
wishes Turkish troops to remain, it is unclear. However, it should
be recalled that Turkish troops are still in Cyprus 29 years after
they first entered the island.
Decisions
to be made in the coming days will determine which path is taken.
The Iraqi Kurds are deeply troubled by the difficulties that have
arisen in Turkish-United States relations—we need our friends
to be in harmony. Indeed, Jalal Talabani publicly criticized NATO
for failing to defend Turkey. There is also an unfortunate perception
in Kurdish public opinion that the United States will go to any
lengths to secure Turkish support, irrespective of the consequences.
The
key issues are: what are the consequences if this issue is not
resolved? What does Turkey want? What can the Iraqi Kurds do to
address these concerns? What should the United States do?
The
consequences of failure, of Turkish-Iraqi Kurdish conflict are:
Turkish
statements are sometimes inconsistent, often needlessly aggressive.
Zalmay Khalilzad, the US envoy to Free Iraqis, has made great
and genuine efforts to reassure Iraqi democrats, Kurds, Arabs,
Turkomen and Assyrians alike, that Turkey does not harbor ill
intentions. Yet each one of his reassurances has been undercut
by unhelpful rhetoric from Turkey, statements that seem designed
to stoke tensions. The Iraqi opposition is united in its opposition
to the presence of Turkish troops in Iraqi Kurdistan—when
it comes to the preservation of the Iraqi homeland, Iraqi democrats
have no differences.
The
time has come to end this impasse and to move forward. The Iraqi
Kurds are willing to work with Turkey to secure its border and
its reasonable interests. . Indeed, it is since the Turkey-Iraq
border came under the control of the Iraqi Kurds that Turkey has
become more secure and cross border attacks have ended. The Iraqi
Kurds categorically reject terrorism and call on oppressed peoples
in the Middle East to pursue their rights with dignity and courage,
not with suicide bombs or attacks on civilians.
To
allay mutual suspicions, whether about Kurdish independence or
Turkish territorial claims, there must be mutual restraint and
a structured relationship. It is no good assuming that everybody
will behave as rationally and unselfishly. Therefore, the Iraqi
Kurds are willing to:
Reaffirm,
yet again, their desire for autonomy within a federal Iraq, not
independence. The Iraqi Kurds have a right to self-determination—and
they are determined to stay in Iraq. Just as there will always
be pan-Turkists in Turkey who dream of a greater Turkish state,
so there will be some Kurds who want independence. A successful
federal, democratic Iraq will make nationalism redundant. Turkey
should support federalism. After all, the Iraqi Kurds are asking
for less in a future Iraqi than the Turkish Cypriot leadership
is currently asking for in the Cyprus negotiations.
Create a joint border security program between Iraqi Kurdish forces
and Turkish forces under a United States and British supervision.
Not send troops into Mosul or Kirkuk on condition that these cities
are occupied by allied and preferably British troops. The British
have an excellent record of peacekeeping. Britain is a close Turkish
ally, its strongest supporter in the EU.
Call for the appointment of a neutral commissioner, such as from
a Scandinavian country, to oversee the administration of these
cities.
Continue to respect the rights of the Iraqi Turkomen and other
minorities. The treatment of minorities in Iraqi Kurdistan is
far better than the treatment of minorities in Iraq’s neighbors.
The Iraqi Kurds have repeatedly pointed out that most Turkomen
live in territory held by Saddam and are being ethnically cleansed.
There has been silence from Ankara about Saddam's assault on the
Turkomen. Those Turkmen groups that are not on the Turkish government
payroll oppose a Turkish intervention—their views must be
listened to in Turkey.
Ensure the commercial opportunities of a liberated Iraq are open
to Turkish firms in all fields, including oil and gas, transportation
and construction.
The
United States should seize this opportunity to:
Encourage
the strong pragmatic strand in Turkish policy towards the Iraqi
Kurds.
Discourage unhelpful and aggressive rhetoric
Call for Turkey to commit itself publicly to the territorial integrity
of Iraq. The Iraqi Kurds go out of their way to affirm their commitment
to the unity of Iraq. It is only fair that Turkey do likewise
and confirm its respect for the treaties that ended the First
World War and created Iraq.
Explain to Turkey that its fears about a federal Iraq are exaggerated
and mistaken. The clock cannot be turned back in Iraqi Kurdistan.
Turkey should accept democratic change in Iraq and derive political
benefits from the investment that has been put into building democracy
in Iraqi Kurdistan. Dr. Barham Salih has repeatedly said that
Turkey's secular democracy is a model for the Iraqi Kurds.
Remind Turkey that its security is ultimately guaranteed by NATO
and the United States.
The
free world is about to write a glorious page of history. Now is
not the time to indulge in reckless actions and unwanted interventions.
Now is the time for us to build on our pragmatism and shared experience
fighting terrorism, to join together to create a better, democratic
Middle East.
