(The Kurdistan Observer) April 25, 2002. An informed KDP source told Kurdistan Observer today that the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) has drafted a new constitution for Iraq calling for Iraq to become a united federal state called the "United Republic of Iraq".

The source added that the KDP intends to discuss the proposed project 
with members of Iraqi opposition after receiving favorable feedback from the  Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK).

The KDP has already distributed copies of the drafted constitution to Kurdish and non-Kurdish political parties in Southern Kurdistan and intends to present the project to Iraqi organizations and Iraqi figures to guage their reaction and thoughts regarding the proposed matter.

According to the KDP plan, Iraq would be comprised of two territories or federated states, one with a majority of Arabs and the other in which the majority are Kurds.  Importantly, the rights of all ethnic groups and minorities 
would be preserved in both federated states under the new constitution.

The federated state of Kurdistan would include the governates of 
Duhok, Erbil, Sulamani and Kirkuk.  It would also include Sinjar, Shekhan, Zumar, Mandili, Khanaqin, Gelawla and Miqdadiya.

According to the KDP blueprint, the current political structure in Southern Kurdistan that includes the parliament and the Kurdistan Regional Government would stay as it is now.  The proposed plan would also ensure that Kurds share power within the central government in Baghdad as a full partner according to the percentage of the Kurdish population within Iraq.