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U.S. Ambassador says Kurds want to remain
part of Iraq
12.12.2005
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U.S. Ambassador to Iraq
Zalmay Khalilzad says Iraqi Kurdish leaders realize
that the Kurds would be isolated and surrounded by
unfriendly neighbors if they split from the rest of
Iraq.
Speaking on CNN today, Khalilzad said he has spoken
repeatedly about this to Kurdish leaders Jalal
Talabani and Masoud Barzani.
He said they both believe it is better to remain
part of Iraq rather than pursue secession. Khalilzad
was speakig only days ahead of Iraq's 15 December
parliamentary elections.
Iraqi Kurds, who were harshly persecuted under Iraqi
leader Saddam Hussein, have long desired secession,
but Turkey, Iran, and Syria -- all with substantial
Kurdish minorities -- oppose the establishment of a
Kurdish state on their borders.
The United States and the international community
favor a unified but federal Iraq in which Kurds have
a high degree of autonomy.
AFP/Reuters
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