Barzani: Kurds upon historical constitutional rights opportunity

"London (TheKurdistani.com) 9 August - 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, Massoud Barzani told KUNA (Kuwait News Agency) on Tuesday.

He said that 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 normalization of 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 neighbouring 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."
The Kurdistani