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POL-IRAQ-CONSTITUTION-KURDS
ERBIL, Aug 9 (KUNA) -- The Kurds have a
historical opportunity to secure their rights in the
Iraqi constitution and the chance may not come
again, President of autonomous Kurdistan Massud
Barzani told KUNA Tuesday.
He noted said there are various stances in the
international community regarding Kurds' issues. He
noted a democratic state model has room for
differences and also stressed the Kurds are after
"legitimate" rights.
On the Kirkuk issue, Barzani said the postponement
of normalizing the situation in Kirkuk and other
Kurdish areas according to article 58 of the state's
law would only complicate matters further.
Barzani is expected to reach Baghdad tomorrow to
take part in consultative meetings for leaders of
political forces in Iraq in a bid to iron out
differences over the drafting of the constitution.
On Saddam Hussein's trial, he said "he will be tried
in Iraq and I do not rule out the possibility of
Saddam receiving capital punishment." He added "the
Kurds have innumerable incriminating documents." On
Kurdistan's relations with neighboring countries and
the world, he said "we are looking forward to strong
and good relations with all countries." He further
specified "Our relationship with Kuwait is a
brotherly one marked by mutual respect and
understanding of the pain caused by the Saddam
occupation."
The figure expressed confidence and optimism over
the future of Iraq terming it "very bright." -- On
the role of Arab Sunnis in drafting the
constitution, he said "we support their
participation and we encouraged them to take part in
the past elections and the same for the upcoming
elections." On terrorism, he said "fighting
terrorism is not only through military force but
should be accompanied by proper ideologies presented
through political, economic and social programs." At
an extraordinary meeting of the Kurdistan National
Council held last Saturday, Barzani said "we are not
with the postponement of the constitution because
circumstances will deteriorate.
"If they want us to participate in building a new
Iraq, all rights of our people should be
guaranteed," he said. "They (the leadership in
Baghdad) have to know that we are not opposition but
partners in this country." Barzani said the Kurds
were asking for the least rights.
"Other parties in Iraq should realize we have chosen
to stay within a united Iraq although our people
(Kurds) wanted independence and the right of
self-determination," concluded the Kurdish leader.(
www.kuna.net.kw
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