N. Barzani calls for a Federal Democratic Parliamentary State in Iraq. 

The following is a statement by a source at the [Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, PUK-led regional government's] Ministry of Industry and Energy regarding the statement published in [Kurdistan Democratic Party, KDP newspaper] Brayati on 20 June 2002, issue 3717, on Arbil electricity: 

On 20 June 2002, Brayati newspaper published a statement by [KDP- led] Arbil administration regarding reduction in the amount of electricity supplied to Arbil [from Dukan hydroelectric station near Sulaymaniyah]. Regrettably, their source wants to make the people in [Iraqi] Kurdistan believe that the [PUK-led] Kurdistan regional government does not take the life of poor people and those who have little income into consideration. The Kurdistan regional government has set this new project [of supplying electricity] principally to serve all the people in Kurdistan, particularly the poor people and take the living condition of those who have modest income into consideration. We hope that all the sides will not relent in serving the people of Kurdistan. 

The source of the statement by the brothers at the Arbil administration remarked on the reduction of electricity supply to Arbil to 30 megawatts [byPUK] in away as if electricity was cut off from the city. We would like inform the people of Kurdistan that this is not true. Electricity was not cut off from the city of Arbil but was reduced to 30 megawatts, which was due only to technical reasons. There was no decision to cut off electricity from Arbil. The people of Arbil and the brothers at the Arbil administration are aware that after the technical problems were resolved on 21 June 2002, electricity supply was increased to 70 megawatts. 

It is clear to the brothers at Arbil administration that this project requires extra water resources, and the level at the [Dukan and Darband-i Khan] dams' water reserve would drop before the end of the year. Consequently, electricity power would be reduced. 

Regarding the releasing of water [for irrigation] to central and southern Iraq, the [PUK-led] Kurdistan regional government has done so without any commitment inexchange. It only aimed at producing electricity power. We consider it an appropriate action if it benefits the people in central and southern of Iraq. Moreover, if there is no water to produce electricity, no electrical equipment and units would operate. Therefore, electricity consumption and its production costs would be lower. 

Regarding fixed price of electricity for the city of Arbil, we clarify that it is the same price fixed for the city of Sulaymaniyah and no distinction is made between them. But, so far, the brothers at Arbil Electricity Department have not been prepared to endorse the same price for Arbil that has been fixed for Sulaymaniyah. 

When we fixed the price, we took into consideration the living condition of poor people and of those with modest incomes, equally in Sulaymaniyah and Arbil. We have not made any distinction between them; we considered them all as our beloved people. We consider it our duty to serve them relentlessly. 

Unfortunately, the statement by the brothers at Arbil administration that we insist "every household in the city of Arbil should pay 365 fils per kW/h, which means an average of 260 dinars per month for the four amperes" is not true. As it is clarified in the enclosed table, citizens are not forced to purchase all the four amperes [offered] or more. They are free to use less electricity and pay  less money; or to use more, and pay more. They pay according to the electrical equipment they have [at home]. It is clear that most of the poor people and those with modest income do not have so many electrical equipment, so they would not be under pressure. This leads also to waste less water. 

Again, we would like to assure the people of beloved Arbil that at least there is no distinction between them and other beloved Kurdistan cities, Sulaymaniyah and [PUK-held areas of] Kirkuk [Governorate]. The amount of money we have asked from the brothers at Arbil administration is [based on] the same price that will be paid by the citizens of Sulaymaniyah and Kirkuk. 

It is Arbil Electricity Department, which receives electricity charges from the people of Arbil. Therefore, we ask the officials at Arbil administration and electricity experts in Arbil to act, with responsibility, for the settlement of the issue. [Dated] 22 June 2002 the same price fixed for the city of Sulaymaniyah and no distinction is made between them. But, so far, the brothers at Arbil Electricity Department have not been prepared to endorse the same price for Arbil that has been fixed for Sulaymaniyah.

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