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SULAIMANIYAH,
Kurdistan-Iraq, Oct 15 (AFP) - 16h07 - Iraqi Kurds
flocked to the polls Saturday to vote for a
constitution that confirms the status of their
autonomous region and was hailed as historic step by
regional president Massoud Barzani.
"It is an historic day that crowns the sacrifice of
martyrs," Barzani told reporters after casting his
ballot. He said the referendum "laid the foundation
for a democratic Iraq and peaceful coexistence
between its ethnic groups."
Kurdish groups fought bitterly against former Iraqi
dictator Saddam Hussein and have held de-facto
control over three northern provinces since 1990.
In the lines that formed quickly in front of voting
stations, many felt they were voting for their
autonomy and perhaps even more.
"I am voting 'yes' because I think it's a guarantee
for the independence of Kurdistan," said Khadija
Amin, 78, who was carried by relatives to the polls.
Provincial administration chief Omar Fattah said:
"In my opinion, the vast majority of Kurds will vote
in favor of the constitution."
Mohammed Said Mohammed, who said he had been
persecuted under Saddam's rule, had "the feeling of
voting against the ousted dictatorial regime".
Many women voted too, some dressed for the occasion
in traditional full and brightly colored,
embroidered costumes.
"I am taking part in the referendum to say 'yes' to
a constitution that consecrates federalism and
autonomy for our region," said 20-year-old Nihayat
Karim.
Among the few who admitted they would vote against
the constitution was Yasin Wahhab, a 27-year-old
teacher.
"I am not optimistic because I think the project
carries the stamp of Shiite religious forces that
want to control Iraq," he said.
The text is nonetheless the result of tough talks
that included Barzani and Iraqi President Jalal
Talabani, who is also Kurd, and confirms Kurdish
autonomy.
It also stipulates that Islam is not the only basis
of law.
Barzani spearheaded a last-minute compromise aimed
at rallying the support of Sunni Arabs by allowing
future amendments once general elections are held in
December and by promising that Arabic would be an
official language in Kurdish regions.
He referred to the deal again after voting in his
fief near Arbil in northern Iraq.
"Kurdish brothers must realize that it is the best
text possible ... and voting against it would harm
their interests."
He was upbeat regarding the results.
"I am confident because as I have already said,
victory will mean a good future for (Iraqi)
Kurdistan as well as a guarantee for the unity of
Iraq."
His party, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP),
controls two of the three Kurdish provinces, Arbil
and Dohuk.
The third, Sulhaimaniyah, is run by Talabani's
Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK).
AFP
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