"Resettling Palestinians in Iraqi-Kurdistan
which is dear to us, is not at all considered.. "
Right to return remedy for Palestinians''
problems in Iraq
Erbil,(Southern Kurdistan), February 12, -- An envoy of Palestinian
President Mahmoud Abbas said Monday that securing the right of return to all
Palestinians is the solution to the Palestinian refugees in Iraq. Jibril Al-Rajoub
added that maintaining the safety and stability of Palestinians in Iraq is the
moral and religious responsibility of the Iraqi government.
Al-Rajoub told reporters here that the Iraqi government had taken a decision
that Palestinians in Iraq would receive the same treatment just like Iraqis, but
for "naturalization, since the issue is closely related to our return (to
Palestine) and the resolutions by the Arab League." He said he and Iraqi
president Jalal Al-Talabani had agreed on establishing a mechanism linking the
Palestinian community, the embassy and the presidential bureau for implementing
the decision.
"The problem of the Palestinian community is in Baghdad (capital) and not
Iraqi-Kurdistan.. We have received due guarantees for the Palestinian
community." The Palestinian envoy noted that measures are underway to open a
representation office for the Palestinian Fatah movement in Iraqi Kurdistan
dealing with which will be on the level of Fatah and not the Palestinian
Authority. As for the relations between the Palestinians and the Iraqis, it is a
matter related to the Iraqi central government in Baghdad, Al-Rajoub pointed
out.
Al-Rajoub revealed that he was carrying a written message to Abbass from
Al-Talabani in his name and the name of the Iraqi government and people
comprising a mechanism likely to help achieve elements of safety and stability
for Palestinians in Iraq.
He also urged the Iraqi people not to involve the Palestinian community in
differences they have nothing to do with. " Palestinians have never been part of
Iraq's domestic policy, neither were they part of the aggressive foreign policy
( of the defunct regime), either against Iran or Kuwait, or even Kurds in that
region." He ruled out any intention to resettle Palestinians in the
Iraqi-Kurdistan.
"Resettling Palestinians in Iraqi-Kurdistan which is dear to us, is not at all
considered.. neither an intention nor on the Palestinian (official) agenda.
" "Neither had I discussed such a matter with Al-Talabani, nor with
Iraqi-Kurdistan president Masoud Al-Barzani" he said.
