KurdistanObserver.com

Talabani Said He And Barzani Agreed On Some Changes In Constitution

Baghdad, Iraq-Sep 6, 2005-  (AP) U.S. and Iraqi officials hope the new constitution, which goes to the voters in a referendum Oct. 15, will in time help pacify the insurgency by luring Sunni Arabs from the insurgency. However, Sunni negotiators rejected the constitution and vowed to defeat it in the referendum.

On Monday, Iraq’s president said he and the other top Kurdish leader had agreed to changes in the draft constitution to mollify concerns among Arab countries that the wording in the charter loosened Iraqi ties to the Arab world.

The language at issue describes Iraq as an Islamic - but not Arab country - a concession to the non-Arab Kurds who form about 15 percent of the Iraqi population.

In a statement released by his office, Jalal Talabani said he and Massood Barzani agreed "to accept some amendments deemed vital for the Islamic and Arab worlds concerning the Arab League because Iraq is a founding member in the Arab League."

Talabani did not specify what changes in the language had been agreed to by him and Barzani, head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party.

Some Iraqi officials said last week that the changes could keep the description of Iraq as an Islamic state but add wording about Iraq having been a founding member of the Arab League.

Talabani also expressed frustration that no Arab government has designated an ambassador to Iraq despite assurances received months ago that they would. But the kidnap-slaying of top envoys from Egypt and Algeria in July clearly delayed the move.
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