(The Kurdistan Observer) Jan 24, 2002. KDP President Massoud Barzani denied rumors suggesting that the KDP is planning to establish an independent state in Southern Kurdistan, reported Al-Zaman last Monday.

Addressing the KDP Central Committee members in Salahuddin, Barzani 
asserted that similar to all nations of this planet, the Kurdish people have the 
right of self determination and to have their own independent state.  However, Mr. Barzani added  that the current regional and international situation is not in favor of [an independent Kurdish state].

Mr. Barzani also talked about the progress that has taken place in  regard to the Kurdish problem internationally and renewed interest in the Kurdish issue.

He went on to say "upgrading of the bilateral relations between the 
Kurdistan Regional Government and European countries has come as a result of the success  of the democratic experiment in Kurdistan and also the success of the KRG organizations  in serving the public.