Oct 17, 2002

In a recent interview with the Qatar-based Netwwork Al-Jazeera, the President of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) stated that contradicotry comments were coming out of Turkey regarding the situation in Iraq and Southern Kurdistan. According to Mr. Barzani, 
in some statements Turkey has stressed the unity of Iraq but in other statements it was bringing up [old] designs on Kirkuk.

Mr. Barzani stressed that the recent claims of the Turkish Defense ministry were provocative in nature and stated that "we will not sit down and negotiate the identity of Kirkuk in Kurdistan with anyone", 
but Mr. Barzani went on to indicate that these are issues to be dealt with Iraq.

Mr. Barzani also indicated that the Kurdish "house" is united and speaking with one voice, and stated that elections in Southern Kurdistan would be held within nine months but that elections could be postponed in case of military action by the United States.

Barzani also stated that [Southern] Kurdistan does not pose a threat to neigboring countries including Turkey and others in the region. However, he reiterated the point that no neigbouring countries should interfere in the internal affairs of Iraq and Kurdistan. Mr. Barzani 
also indicated that the United States had given guarantees that such interference would not be allowed. When asked if Turkey does intervene, Mr. Barzani indicated that the people of Kurdistan have 
the right to defend their legitimate rights.

In answer to the question of whether the Kurds would assist the American military in case of an attack against Iraq, President Barzani indicated that the decision on this matter was up to the Regional Parliament in Southern Kurdistan.