Talabani rules out a solution for Kirkuk city soon 19.7.2005

He praised the situation of the Arabs in Kirkuk and their "realization of the Saddami plan that aimed at tearing the unity of Iraqi people apart."

Yesterday, in a press conference held in Baghdad, Talabani said, "The Arabs who resided in Kirkuk by force, during the bygone regime are now demanding to be returned to their original regions, provided that the government compensates those desiring to return to their regions with lands or houses. As for those who desire to remain in Kirkuk, they are ready to transfer their residence records to their original residence regions." He considered such a procedure as "accomplishing two significant achievements: The first is the cancellation of the effect of the obligatory immigration on behalf of the bygone regime, and the second is that it guarantees the right of residence for each Iraqi all over the country."

Talabani stressed the necessity that the country supports the committee appointed for the normalization of conditions in Kirkuk, headed by Hemeid Majeed Mousa. He pointed out to the possibility of launching a dialogue and removing the tension among parties in Kirkuk, so as to reach a mutual language before the plebiscite on the constitution.

On the other hand, Talabani said, "The presidency council reached a consensus on the activation of the state administration law for the interim period. Therefore, we have called the presidency of the ministers' council and the presidency of the National Assembly for a meeting."

He pointed out that Article 24 of the state administration code states that the federal interim government consists of the presidency council, the ministers' council, the National Assembly and the judiciary authority.

He added that among the reasons that call for holding a meeting with the ministers' presidency and the National Assembly presidency is "to speed up the spread of security and taking the necessary measures to prevent the occurrence of terrorist operations." He pointed out that al Muthanna airport in Baghdad has been exposed to 5 terrorist operations, and nothing was done on behalf of the government to prevent or decrease such operations.

He also referred to the necessity of discussions with the multinational forces so as to give an opportunity for the Iraqi security and army forces to maintain security.

Within the same context, yesterday (Sunday), president Talabani received the members of the independent supreme council for elections, in the presidency headquarters in Baghdad. They congratulated him on inauguration for a republic president. They discussed the means that guarantee the success of the plebiscite on the constitution and the coming general elections.

Talabani's office has stated that yesterday, he called the minister of higher education and scientific research. "He expressed his deep sorrow for the irresponsible behavior of some republic presidency guards have executed through breaking into Baghdad University campus last Wednesday."

The office stated that Talabani "has confirmed his extreme eagerness on the sanctity of universities and the necessity of respecting them on behalf of everyone." He noted that he directed the command of the special guard brigade to punish those persons to be an example for everyone."

The office said that the minister has "expressed his sincere appreciation for the great civilized situation of the republic president." The office noted, "The special guards brigade command has conducted an investigation on the violation incident immediately after receiving the complaint from Baghdad University and has taken strict punitive measures against the said guards, based on Talabani's directions." The command also submitted its apology to the presidency of Baghdad University, and its students and employees. Meanwhile, the command stressed the necessity of respecting the law on behalf of everyone.

Al Sharq Al Awsat

www.almendhar.com   

Top