Erbil - Sulaimaniyah: Massoud Barzani, president
of Iraqi Kurdistan region, warned against the
eruption of a civil war in Iraq. He repeated saying
that the Kurds would announce independence in case
of the occurrence of such war.
In a press conference on the occasion of his return
from a tour in a number of countries, Barzani said,
"In case war erupts and the Arabs divided into Shias
and Sunnis "We would have no alternative but
independence. We can never become a part of Shias or
Sunnis."
He stressed the necessity of "breaking the barrier
of fear, in case we speak about the right of
deciding on destiny." He added, "We can be a part of
a democratic diverse Iraq, but, on the contrary, we
shall have no place in an Iraq, except for this
Iraq." |
Massoud Barzani
President of Kurdistan
Region (Iraq)
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It is worth mentioning that in Ankara, on Friday,
Barzani stated, "In case Shias and Sunnis divided,
we would have no other alternative but
independence."
Barzani expressed his hope that the future Iraq
"would be a new Iraq, where human rights are
respected and protected and humans would be
respected. Even suspects would be treated well and
our country would be governed by law, not the
interests of individuals."
As regards the participation of the Kurdish people
in the coming elections, which are decided to be
conducted by the middle of next month, Barzani
expressed his hope that the people would effectively
participate in them. He said, "I hope that the
Kurdistani people realize their interests. It is
certain that our people can estimate their interests
better than anyone else. The Kurdistani people would
face a disaster if they did not seriously and
effectively participate in the elections."
Barzani expressed sorrow for the attack that
targeted two Shiite mosques in Khaneqein town, which
resulted in the death of approximately 75 people and
the injury of 90 others. He said, "I feel sorry for
the accident that occurred in Khaneqein city, which
resulted in the death of many of our brothers and
sisters there." He described the attackers as
"terrorists, who have no criteria or values." An
official in the Kurdistani National Union, which is
headed by the Iraqi president Jalal Talabani,
announced that his party has decided to reconstruct
the two Shiite mosques in Khaneqein.
Imad Ahmed, the deputy prime minister in
Sulaimaniyah government, said to reporters, "We have
taken a decision to reconstruct the two mosques in
Khaneqein city, which have been severely destroyed,
due to the two suicide attacks."
He added, "Sulaimaniyah government decided to
reconstruct the two mosques at the most modern
design and style."
Al Sharq Al Awsat
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