Kurd News
Monday, October 20, 2003
Talabani Due in Turkey
The Patriotic Union for Kurdistan (PUK) general secretary, Jalal Talabani, will go to Turkey on November 19, reported the leftist Turkish newspaper, Radikal.
Talabani will be the president of the Iraqi Governing Council in November. The paper said that "Turkey's determination on Iraq's territorial integrity and preservation of Iraq's political unity are expected to be conveyed to Talabani during the visit."
The Patriotic Union for Kurdistan (PUK) general secretary, Jalal Talabani, will go to Turkey on November 19, reported the leftist Turkish newspaper, Radikal.
Talabani will be the president of the Iraqi Governing Council in November. The paper said that "Turkey's determination on Iraq's territorial integrity and preservation of Iraq's political unity are expected to be conveyed to Talabani during the visit."
Saddam's New Letter
The ousted Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein urged tribal leaders to start their wars on Americans and their co-operates, reported the AFP.
The letter had the same tone as all Saddam's previous letters. The ousted dictator called to continue the resistance against the Americans and said that "victory is close".
"Your strikes, which they did not expect hurt them. Their demons made them believe Iraq would be just a mouthful. To the contrary, it has been poison for them."
It was not clear whether Saddam's signature on the note was authentic.
Saturday, October 18, 2003
Bin Laden Attacks Kurdish Democratic Parties
The terorist leader of the terrorist Al-Qaeda organisation attacked Kurdish political parties in a voice message broadcasted on the Arabic Al-Jazeera TV today. The speaker, presumable Bin Laden, lashed out at “infidel parties,” singling out the Baath Party of toppled Iraqi president Saddam Hussein and “Kurdish democratic parties.” Bin Laden also praised the terrorist outlawed “Ansar Al Islam, the descendants of Saladin,” in a reference to the Islamist group which the United States and Kurdish political parties accuse of links with Al Qaeda.
The terorist leader of the terrorist Al-Qaeda organisation attacked Kurdish political parties in a voice message broadcasted on the Arabic Al-Jazeera TV today. The speaker, presumable Bin Laden, lashed out at “infidel parties,” singling out the Baath Party of toppled Iraqi president Saddam Hussein and “Kurdish democratic parties.” Bin Laden also praised the terrorist outlawed “Ansar Al Islam, the descendants of Saladin,” in a reference to the Islamist group which the United States and Kurdish political parties accuse of links with Al Qaeda.
Turkish Democracy Joke : Doors Are Not Big Enough
Turkish officials have put the brakes on what was to be one of country's first Kurdish-language teaching centers because its classroom doors were not wide enough, reported AFP.
During a preliminary inspection at the center in Batman city in Northern Kurdistan this week, inspectors established that the doors of its six classrooms were 85 centimeters wide, whereas the rules said they had to measure 90 centimeters.
However, the owner of the institution Aydin Unesi said Saturday he was optimistic about the future of his troubled undertaking.
"We dismantled the doors today and the new doors will be installed tomorrow. This is the only problem the inspectors detected and we hope to get the necessary permission in 15 days, or in a month at the latest," Unesi told AFP by telephone.
"The doors of other teaching centers in Batman are also not standard, but we are showing tolerance... This is something new for a country where Kurdish was banned until just a year ago and it is normal for inspectors to be over-cautious," he said.
In a taboo-breaking move last year the Turkish parliament allowed private institutions to teach the language of the country's restive Kurdish minority as part of reforms aimed at boosting Turkey's struggling bid to join the European Union.
But the courses have so far failed to take off, and there have been complaints by entrepreneurs that authorities have imposed a mass of procedural rules which impede business on the ground.
The EU has also criticized Ankara for failing to properly enact the reforms its has passed.
Unesi said several language teaching centers in the Northern Kurdistan have come very close to finally opening their doors to students.
Turkish officials have put the brakes on what was to be one of country's first Kurdish-language teaching centers because its classroom doors were not wide enough, reported AFP.
During a preliminary inspection at the center in Batman city in Northern Kurdistan this week, inspectors established that the doors of its six classrooms were 85 centimeters wide, whereas the rules said they had to measure 90 centimeters.
However, the owner of the institution Aydin Unesi said Saturday he was optimistic about the future of his troubled undertaking.
"We dismantled the doors today and the new doors will be installed tomorrow. This is the only problem the inspectors detected and we hope to get the necessary permission in 15 days, or in a month at the latest," Unesi told AFP by telephone.
"The doors of other teaching centers in Batman are also not standard, but we are showing tolerance... This is something new for a country where Kurdish was banned until just a year ago and it is normal for inspectors to be over-cautious," he said.
In a taboo-breaking move last year the Turkish parliament allowed private institutions to teach the language of the country's restive Kurdish minority as part of reforms aimed at boosting Turkey's struggling bid to join the European Union.
But the courses have so far failed to take off, and there have been complaints by entrepreneurs that authorities have imposed a mass of procedural rules which impede business on the ground.
The EU has also criticized Ankara for failing to properly enact the reforms its has passed.
Unesi said several language teaching centers in the Northern Kurdistan have come very close to finally opening their doors to students.
Tourism Boosts up Economy in south Kurdistan
The number of the Arab tourists in south (Iraqi) Kurdistan has boosted up the Kurdish economy. Since the fall of the dictatorship rule in Iraq, vast numbers of Arab tourists are arriving in south (Iraqi) Kurdistan.
Saddam effectively sealed off the south (Iraqi) Kurdistan to most ordinary Iraqis after the great Kurdish uprising in 1991. The Kurds established their own government in a free and democratic elections in 1992, with the help of Western powers whose warplanes watched over it.
With Saddam gone, thousands of Iraqis from the mainly Arab center and South of the country spent the summer rediscovering what used to be a favorite vacation area, its cooler climate and mountains a welcome change from intense heat and flat desert.
For many young Iraqi Arabs this is the first time they see the beauty of Kurdistan.
Ali an Arab Iraqi has told Reuters "I can't believe I'm here," sitting at a plastic table in the Anishki cave about (30 miles) south of the Turkish border, one of many long-established tourist attractions in the south (Iraqi) Kurdistan which have enjoyed a boost this summer.
"People are treating me so well," Ali added.
Kurdish hotels and restaurants have increased their sales by %70, according to some financial watches.
Baghdad travel agents who specialized in tours to Kurdistan quickly dusted off their itineraries after the war and sent busloads of visitors to the area every week. The tourist numbers tailed off only with the start of the school year this month.
Kamiran Barwary, the general manager of the Jiyan Hotel in Dohuk, the main Kurdish town north of Mosul, told Reuters that a 70 percent increase in guests from the rest of Iraq since the war ended.
"People were afraid of coming here. Now their reason for being afraid has gone," he said.
The number of the Arab tourists in south (Iraqi) Kurdistan has boosted up the Kurdish economy. Since the fall of the dictatorship rule in Iraq, vast numbers of Arab tourists are arriving in south (Iraqi) Kurdistan.
Saddam effectively sealed off the south (Iraqi) Kurdistan to most ordinary Iraqis after the great Kurdish uprising in 1991. The Kurds established their own government in a free and democratic elections in 1992, with the help of Western powers whose warplanes watched over it.
With Saddam gone, thousands of Iraqis from the mainly Arab center and South of the country spent the summer rediscovering what used to be a favorite vacation area, its cooler climate and mountains a welcome change from intense heat and flat desert.
For many young Iraqi Arabs this is the first time they see the beauty of Kurdistan.
Ali an Arab Iraqi has told Reuters "I can't believe I'm here," sitting at a plastic table in the Anishki cave about (30 miles) south of the Turkish border, one of many long-established tourist attractions in the south (Iraqi) Kurdistan which have enjoyed a boost this summer.
"People are treating me so well," Ali added.
Kurdish hotels and restaurants have increased their sales by %70, according to some financial watches.
Baghdad travel agents who specialized in tours to Kurdistan quickly dusted off their itineraries after the war and sent busloads of visitors to the area every week. The tourist numbers tailed off only with the start of the school year this month.
Kamiran Barwary, the general manager of the Jiyan Hotel in Dohuk, the main Kurdish town north of Mosul, told Reuters that a 70 percent increase in guests from the rest of Iraq since the war ended.
"People were afraid of coming here. Now their reason for being afraid has gone," he said.
Top Kurdish Leaders Are On Baath Assassination List
According to a statement by the terrorist toppled Arab Baath party, four top Kurdish politicians are on their assassination list. The statement is issued on 6th of October 2003 and it urges its terrorist member to "kill" 15 Iraqi and Kurdish politicians. The Kurdish politicians are; Massoud Barzani, the president of Kurdistan Democratic Party KDP, Jalal Talabani, the general secretary of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, PUK, Dr. Barham Saleh, the Prime Minister of the Sulaimani based Kurdistan Regional Government, and Hoshyar Zebary, a high ranking member of the KDP and the current Iraqi foreign Minister. According to another statement by the terrorist outlawed organisation another 15 Iraqi Ministers are on their assassination list. The terrorist outlawed Baath party has always terrorised the Iraqi and the Kurdish people since its existence. The aim of the terrorist outlawed Baath organisation is to create a united Arab country.
According to a statement by the terrorist toppled Arab Baath party, four top Kurdish politicians are on their assassination list. The statement is issued on 6th of October 2003 and it urges its terrorist member to "kill" 15 Iraqi and Kurdish politicians. The Kurdish politicians are; Massoud Barzani, the president of Kurdistan Democratic Party KDP, Jalal Talabani, the general secretary of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, PUK, Dr. Barham Saleh, the Prime Minister of the Sulaimani based Kurdistan Regional Government, and Hoshyar Zebary, a high ranking member of the KDP and the current Iraqi foreign Minister. According to another statement by the terrorist outlawed organisation another 15 Iraqi Ministers are on their assassination list. The terrorist outlawed Baath party has always terrorised the Iraqi and the Kurdish people since its existence. The aim of the terrorist outlawed Baath organisation is to create a united Arab country.
Freedom Idol "Leyla Zana" retrial in the terrorist Turkish courts
The retrial of Kurdish freedom idol. Leyla Zana and three of her colleagues has resumed in the Turkish capital, Ankara.
Miss Zana was arrested for and found guilty of membership of a the PKK organisation in 1994.
But her trial was considered unfair by the European Court of Human Rights.
The retrial has become something of a test case.
It is only taking place because of reforms to Turkey's legal system allowing such retrials to be ordered.
The reforms are part of Turkey's attempts to join the European Union.
Ms Zana was one of the first MPs in Turkey to represent a Kurdish party.
She shocked and angered the establishment by taking her parliamentary oath in Kurdish as well as Turkish.
She also actively promoted Kurdish rights at a time when the Turkish state was battling the Kurdish paramilitary organisation, the PKK.
Ms Zana was arrested and charged at various times with a variety of offences.
She has been in prison for nine years.
Her trial was widely denounced as unfair.
Now, slowly, with just one hearing a month, Ms Zana is being retried.
The case is attended by a variety of international observers and members of the European Parliament.
Miss Zana is the recipient of the EU parliament's Sakharov Peace Prize.
She has been unable to collect the prize because she has been in the prison.
The retrial of Kurdish freedom idol. Leyla Zana and three of her colleagues has resumed in the Turkish capital, Ankara.
Miss Zana was arrested for and found guilty of membership of a the PKK organisation in 1994.
But her trial was considered unfair by the European Court of Human Rights.
The retrial has become something of a test case.
It is only taking place because of reforms to Turkey's legal system allowing such retrials to be ordered.
The reforms are part of Turkey's attempts to join the European Union.
Ms Zana was one of the first MPs in Turkey to represent a Kurdish party.
She shocked and angered the establishment by taking her parliamentary oath in Kurdish as well as Turkish.
She also actively promoted Kurdish rights at a time when the Turkish state was battling the Kurdish paramilitary organisation, the PKK.
Ms Zana was arrested and charged at various times with a variety of offences.
She has been in prison for nine years.
Her trial was widely denounced as unfair.
Now, slowly, with just one hearing a month, Ms Zana is being retried.
The case is attended by a variety of international observers and members of the European Parliament.
Miss Zana is the recipient of the EU parliament's Sakharov Peace Prize.
She has been unable to collect the prize because she has been in the prison.
Friday, October 17, 2003
Kurdish Police Shoot Down Terrorist Suicide Bomber
An Iraqi suicide car bomber was gunned down by Kurdish security agents before he could blow up the Kurdistani interior ministry building in the city of Arbil, an official from the Kurdish Democratic Party (KDP) said.
"A terrorist Iraqi in a Toyota carrying more than 100 kilograms of TNT sped towards the interior ministry building around 12:35 pm (0935 GMT) before trying to activate the explosives," Karim Singari, the Kurdistan Regional government's interior minister, told reporters.
"The ministry guards reacted and shot at the man who had penetrated the grounds of the building after crossing through checkpoints," he said.
"The Iraqi killed was called Hamed Ali Ahmed and was 19 years old.
"We have proof of who ordered this operation but we want to further investigate to be sure about these people and pinpoint them," he said.
An Iraqi suicide car bomber was gunned down by Kurdish security agents before he could blow up the Kurdistani interior ministry building in the city of Arbil, an official from the Kurdish Democratic Party (KDP) said.
"A terrorist Iraqi in a Toyota carrying more than 100 kilograms of TNT sped towards the interior ministry building around 12:35 pm (0935 GMT) before trying to activate the explosives," Karim Singari, the Kurdistan Regional government's interior minister, told reporters.
"The ministry guards reacted and shot at the man who had penetrated the grounds of the building after crossing through checkpoints," he said.
"The Iraqi killed was called Hamed Ali Ahmed and was 19 years old.
"We have proof of who ordered this operation but we want to further investigate to be sure about these people and pinpoint them," he said.
Talabani arrives in Egypt
The general secretary of the PUK has arrived in Egypt, reported Kurdistani Newi, the PUK Kurdish daily.
Talabani has arrived in Egypt after the the Barzani's visit to Egypt. Talabani has met with Omar Sleman, the head of Egypt's secret services and with Osama Al-Baz, Egytp's presidential adviser.
The general secretary of the PUK has arrived in Egypt, reported Kurdistani Newi, the PUK Kurdish daily.
Talabani has arrived in Egypt after the the Barzani's visit to Egypt. Talabani has met with Omar Sleman, the head of Egypt's secret services and with Osama Al-Baz, Egytp's presidential adviser.
Exchange rates in Iraqi (south) Kurdistan
$100= 1205 Iraqi Dinars
1000 (Iraqi Saddam Dinar)= 6.15 (Kurdish Swiss Dinars)
100 Euros= 1390 Kurdish Swiss Dinars
$100= 1205 Iraqi Dinars
1000 (Iraqi Saddam Dinar)= 6.15 (Kurdish Swiss Dinars)
100 Euros= 1390 Kurdish Swiss Dinars
Wednesday, October 15, 2003
Terrorist Turkish soldiers wound 5 Kurds in North Kurdistan
At least five villagers were wounded in a clash which erupted when terrorist Turkish forces raided a village in mainly Kurdish southeastern Turkey (Northern Kurdistan), local officials and the country's main Kurdish party said Wednesday.
The Democratic People's Party (DEHAP) said seven villagers sustained injuries when the terrorist Turkish gendarmes swooped down on the village and opened fire.
The terrorist Turkish gendarmerie is an army unit tasked with enforcing public order in rural areas.
Villagers who were taking the wounded to hospital were stopped at a nearby gendarmerie station and threatened, DEHAP added in a statement.
"It is extremely interesting" that the raid followed the opening hearing last Friday of a high-profile trial in which 405 gendarmerie soldiers are charged with the repeated rape of a local Kurdish woman when she was in custody, the party said.
The woman, known only as S.E., says she was tortured and raped by the troops each time she was detained in November 1993 and in March and August
Since S.E. said she was blindfolded during her ordeals and was unable to identify the culprits, the prosecution has charged all the soldiers who served during that period in two stations in Mardin where she claims she was abused.
The terrorist Turkish authorities have come under accusations of gross human rights violations in their crackdown on Kurdish freedom fighters who fought a 15-year armed campaign for self-rule in the country's southeastern corner.
At least five villagers were wounded in a clash which erupted when terrorist Turkish forces raided a village in mainly Kurdish southeastern Turkey (Northern Kurdistan), local officials and the country's main Kurdish party said Wednesday.
The Democratic People's Party (DEHAP) said seven villagers sustained injuries when the terrorist Turkish gendarmes swooped down on the village and opened fire.
The terrorist Turkish gendarmerie is an army unit tasked with enforcing public order in rural areas.
Villagers who were taking the wounded to hospital were stopped at a nearby gendarmerie station and threatened, DEHAP added in a statement.
"It is extremely interesting" that the raid followed the opening hearing last Friday of a high-profile trial in which 405 gendarmerie soldiers are charged with the repeated rape of a local Kurdish woman when she was in custody, the party said.
The woman, known only as S.E., says she was tortured and raped by the troops each time she was detained in November 1993 and in March and August
Since S.E. said she was blindfolded during her ordeals and was unable to identify the culprits, the prosecution has charged all the soldiers who served during that period in two stations in Mardin where she claims she was abused.
The terrorist Turkish authorities have come under accusations of gross human rights violations in their crackdown on Kurdish freedom fighters who fought a 15-year armed campaign for self-rule in the country's southeastern corner.
Abdulla Gul threatens Kurds as the Turkish embassy is blown up in Baghdad
The forieng Minister of the Turkish republic threatened Kurds saying that his country could have negotiated with Saddam Hussein to decapitate the Kurds.
Replying to Zebari's comments, the Kurdish foriegn Minister of Iraq, , “We have reservations about Turkey’s sending troops to Iraq. Turkey has never accepted the cities of Kerkuk (Kirkuk) and Musul (Mosul) in Kurdistan as part of Iraq”, Gul responded, “You owe your lives to us.”
“Saddam Hussein made amazing proposals to us. These proposals were financial in nature, but they could also have been very different.
“We refused the offer immediately when Saddam said, ‘Come on, let’s decapitate Kurds together’ . Turkey has always regarded the Mosul Willayet (south Kurdistan) as part of its region of interest.
The forieng Minister of the Turkish republic threatened Kurds saying that his country could have negotiated with Saddam Hussein to decapitate the Kurds.
Replying to Zebari's comments, the Kurdish foriegn Minister of Iraq, , “We have reservations about Turkey’s sending troops to Iraq. Turkey has never accepted the cities of Kerkuk (Kirkuk) and Musul (Mosul) in Kurdistan as part of Iraq”, Gul responded, “You owe your lives to us.”
“Saddam Hussein made amazing proposals to us. These proposals were financial in nature, but they could also have been very different.
“We refused the offer immediately when Saddam said, ‘Come on, let’s decapitate Kurds together’ . Turkey has always regarded the Mosul Willayet (south Kurdistan) as part of its region of interest.
Saddam to Turkey : Let’s decapitate the Kurds together, let’s destroy them
The ousted Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein tried to negotiate with Turkey to destroy the Kurdish nation, reported the Turkish daily, Zaman.
Yesterday, the Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul revealed that overthrown Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein made proposals to Turkey before the war urging cooperation against Kurdish groups in Iraq.
Gul stated that the proposals were made through Iraq’s former Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz and that at every opportunity (i.e. bilateral meetings) Aziz brought the matter up.
Hussein’s message apparently was, “Let’s decapitate the Kurds together, let’s destroy them”. The Turks claim that Saddam's offer was refused.
However, diplomatic sources clarified that the word ‘decapitate’ was meant to imply ‘block’ or ‘hinder’. Turkey continuted to occupy parts of Iraqi (south) Kurdistan since 1992. Turkish planes were regularly attacking south Kurdistani cities.
The ousted Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein tried to negotiate with Turkey to destroy the Kurdish nation, reported the Turkish daily, Zaman.
Yesterday, the Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul revealed that overthrown Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein made proposals to Turkey before the war urging cooperation against Kurdish groups in Iraq.
Gul stated that the proposals were made through Iraq’s former Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz and that at every opportunity (i.e. bilateral meetings) Aziz brought the matter up.
Hussein’s message apparently was, “Let’s decapitate the Kurds together, let’s destroy them”. The Turks claim that Saddam's offer was refused.
However, diplomatic sources clarified that the word ‘decapitate’ was meant to imply ‘block’ or ‘hinder’. Turkey continuted to occupy parts of Iraqi (south) Kurdistan since 1992. Turkish planes were regularly attacking south Kurdistani cities.
Tuesday, October 14, 2003
Terrorist Hawleri captured by US forces near Mosul
A terrorist leader of the Ansar Al-Islam was captured by US forces, reporetd Reuters. The arrest of Aso Hawleri, also known as Asad Muhammad Hasan, late last week in the northern city of Mosul has not been announced. He was taken by soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division, said a defense official, who discussed the matter on condition of anonymity.
The officials said Hawleri is thought to be the third-ranking official in Ansar al-Islam, most of whose fighters were believed to have fled their stronghold in northern Iraq before U.S. forces invaded in March. U.S. and Kurdish forces destroyed the group's main base in the early weeks of the war.
A terrorist leader of the Ansar Al-Islam was captured by US forces, reporetd Reuters. The arrest of Aso Hawleri, also known as Asad Muhammad Hasan, late last week in the northern city of Mosul has not been announced. He was taken by soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division, said a defense official, who discussed the matter on condition of anonymity.
The officials said Hawleri is thought to be the third-ranking official in Ansar al-Islam, most of whose fighters were believed to have fled their stronghold in northern Iraq before U.S. forces invaded in March. U.S. and Kurdish forces destroyed the group's main base in the early weeks of the war.
Talabani arrives in Tehran, Iran
The general secretary of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and member of the governing council of Iraq Jalal Talabani arrived in Tehran on Monday.
Speaking to reporters at Mehrabad international airport on the activities carried out by the Iraqi governing council, he said the council has undertaken crucial tasks such as the appointment of the cabinet ministers.
He said the ministries are now operational and are dealing with the public affairs.
Asked to comment on the reaction of the governing council to the presence of the Turkish troops in Iraq, he said the council members are opposed to the forces from the neighboring states in Iraq including Turkish forces.
He said the council has expressed its concern over the issue to the US administrator in Iraq Paul Bremer.
Talebani said the fate of Iraq has to be determined by the Iraqi people and not by the foreign forces.
He said the flag of Iraq's Kurdistan has been hoisted but the Iraqi Kurds are Iraqis and they remain committed to the fate of Iraq even if they want a federal government.
As for the Iranian documentarians made captive in Iraq by the US forces, he said he would do his best to secure their release as of next month when he is to be appointed as president of the Iraqi governing council.
Commenting on steps taken to formulate the new constitution of Iraq, Talebani said proposals have been set forth on the modalities of formulation of the constitution.
He said the members of the governing council are trying to decide on what all the ethnic groups representatives agree whether Shiite, Sunni, Arab and Kurds.
On the terrorist Mujahedin Khalq Organization (MKO) in Iraq, he said the Iraqi authorities want the MKO (members of the outlawed Monafeghin) leaders who have committed so many criminal acts over the past years to be brought before the court and tried.< br>
As for Abdul Aziz al-Hakim, who replaced the slain cleric Mohammad Baqer al-Hakim, Talebani said he had friendly and cordial relations with him.
He said they would continue to consult on the major issues of Iraq.
Talebani added the Iraqi Kurdistan is eager to engage in improved cooperation with Iran and that is why it has inked agreements with Iran's Kermanshah province to boost trade ties.
He called for the members of the Organization of the Islamic Countries (OIC) to accept Iraq as a full member of OIC adding that Iraq is to be besides the Islamic countries.
The general secretary of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and member of the governing council of Iraq Jalal Talabani arrived in Tehran on Monday.
Speaking to reporters at Mehrabad international airport on the activities carried out by the Iraqi governing council, he said the council has undertaken crucial tasks such as the appointment of the cabinet ministers.
He said the ministries are now operational and are dealing with the public affairs.
Asked to comment on the reaction of the governing council to the presence of the Turkish troops in Iraq, he said the council members are opposed to the forces from the neighboring states in Iraq including Turkish forces.
He said the council has expressed its concern over the issue to the US administrator in Iraq Paul Bremer.
Talebani said the fate of Iraq has to be determined by the Iraqi people and not by the foreign forces.
He said the flag of Iraq's Kurdistan has been hoisted but the Iraqi Kurds are Iraqis and they remain committed to the fate of Iraq even if they want a federal government.
As for the Iranian documentarians made captive in Iraq by the US forces, he said he would do his best to secure their release as of next month when he is to be appointed as president of the Iraqi governing council.
Commenting on steps taken to formulate the new constitution of Iraq, Talebani said proposals have been set forth on the modalities of formulation of the constitution.
He said the members of the governing council are trying to decide on what all the ethnic groups representatives agree whether Shiite, Sunni, Arab and Kurds.
On the terrorist Mujahedin Khalq Organization (MKO) in Iraq, he said the Iraqi authorities want the MKO (members of the outlawed Monafeghin) leaders who have committed so many criminal acts over the past years to be brought before the court and tried.< br>
As for Abdul Aziz al-Hakim, who replaced the slain cleric Mohammad Baqer al-Hakim, Talebani said he had friendly and cordial relations with him.
He said they would continue to consult on the major issues of Iraq.
Talebani added the Iraqi Kurdistan is eager to engage in improved cooperation with Iran and that is why it has inked agreements with Iran's Kermanshah province to boost trade ties.
He called for the members of the Organization of the Islamic Countries (OIC) to accept Iraq as a full member of OIC adding that Iraq is to be besides the Islamic countries.
Kurdistan Parliament bans flying the IRAQI flag in south Kurdistan
The Kurdistan parliament issued a law last week to ban flying the IRAQI flag in south (Iraqi) Kurdistan. The KDP-Kurdistan government was not flying the Iraqi flag but the Sulaimani based-PUK Kurdistan government was flying both the Kurdistani and the Iraqi flag. This means that the bloody Iraqi flag will be stripped from Sulaimani and its surrounding areas.
The Kurdistani Parliament banned using the Iraqi flag because it does not reflect Kurds at all. Under the Iraqi flag, the terrorist Iraqi government conducted Halabja massacres and Anfal genocide operations. The Iraqi jet which bombed Halabja with chemical weapons were carrying the Iraqi flag. The terrorist Iraqi soldiers which burnt more than 5000 Kurdish villages were conducting their genocidal crimes under the Iraqi flag.
The Kurdistan parliament issued a law last week to ban flying the IRAQI flag in south (Iraqi) Kurdistan. The KDP-Kurdistan government was not flying the Iraqi flag but the Sulaimani based-PUK Kurdistan government was flying both the Kurdistani and the Iraqi flag. This means that the bloody Iraqi flag will be stripped from Sulaimani and its surrounding areas.
The Kurdistani Parliament banned using the Iraqi flag because it does not reflect Kurds at all. Under the Iraqi flag, the terrorist Iraqi government conducted Halabja massacres and Anfal genocide operations. The Iraqi jet which bombed Halabja with chemical weapons were carrying the Iraqi flag. The terrorist Iraqi soldiers which burnt more than 5000 Kurdish villages were conducting their genocidal crimes under the Iraqi flag.
Sunday, October 12, 2003
Kurd burnt to death in a car accident in England
A Kurdish man burnt to death in a car accident in West Yorkshire, England, police said.
But his passenger, another Kurdish man, was rescued by a passing motorcyclist.
The car collided with a lamp post in Manchester Road, Milns Bridge, Huddersfield, at about 0135 BST on Sunday.
It then burst into flames with the 21-year-old driver, trapped inside.
West Yorkshire Police said a motorcyclist saved the life of the passenger by pulling the man, also 21, from the wreckage.
A police spokesman appealed for any other driver who stopped at the crash scene to come forward.
An investigation is under way into the cause of the accident.
A Kurdish man burnt to death in a car accident in West Yorkshire, England, police said.
But his passenger, another Kurdish man, was rescued by a passing motorcyclist.
The car collided with a lamp post in Manchester Road, Milns Bridge, Huddersfield, at about 0135 BST on Sunday.
It then burst into flames with the 21-year-old driver, trapped inside.
West Yorkshire Police said a motorcyclist saved the life of the passenger by pulling the man, also 21, from the wreckage.
A police spokesman appealed for any other driver who stopped at the crash scene to come forward.
An investigation is under way into the cause of the accident.
%88 of the Arab wolrd are against Turkish troops in Iraq according to Al-Jazeera poll
88% of the 36055 + participants in a poll on Al-Jazeera.net website opposed the deployment of Turkish troops inside Iraq. Only 12% of the participants approved the Turkish decision to send troops to Iraq. Please vote against Turkish troops in Iraq by visit the Al-Jazeera.net website www.aljazeera.net
88% of the 36055 + participants in a poll on Al-Jazeera.net website opposed the deployment of Turkish troops inside Iraq. Only 12% of the participants approved the Turkish decision to send troops to Iraq. Please vote against Turkish troops in Iraq by visit the Al-Jazeera.net website www.aljazeera.net
Saturday, October 11, 2003
Barzani in Egypt over Turkish troops
Massoud Barzani, the president of the KDP and a member of the US-backed Iraqi Governing Council arrived in Cairo on Saturday for talks with Egyptian officials over the deployment of Turkish troops in Iraq, according to an Arab official.
Massoud Barzani, is heading a delegation of five KDP members for talks with Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmad Maher, intelligence chief Omar Suleiman, and Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa.
An Arab League official said on condition of anonymity that Barzani, who arrived in Cairo from Kuwait, is expected to discuss to discuss Turkey's planned deployment of 10,000 peacekeeping troops to Iraq.
The Iraqi Governing Council has rejected the Turkish proposal, expressing fears that peacekeepers from neighbouring countries could end up interfering in Iraq's internal affairs.
Turkey has long battled against its Kurdish minority, who are fighting for an independent homeland, and Kurds in northern Iraq fear that Turkish troops could turn on them.
Turkey gave the green light this week to send the troops to Iraq, becoming the first Muslim country to do so without requiring the United States to first turn control over to the United Nations.
The move is a marked change of policy from earlier this year.
When around 1000 Turkish soldiers crossed the border in March, augmenting the several thousand it maintains there to pursue Turkish Kurd guerrillas, the Americans were irritated.
Donald Rumsfeld, the US defence secretary, said at the time, "We have special forces units connected to Kurdish forces in the north ... and you can be certain that we have advised the Turkish government and the Turkish armed forces that it would be notably unhelpful if they went into the north in large numbers."
Massoud Barzani, the president of the KDP and a member of the US-backed Iraqi Governing Council arrived in Cairo on Saturday for talks with Egyptian officials over the deployment of Turkish troops in Iraq, according to an Arab official.
Massoud Barzani, is heading a delegation of five KDP members for talks with Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmad Maher, intelligence chief Omar Suleiman, and Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa.
An Arab League official said on condition of anonymity that Barzani, who arrived in Cairo from Kuwait, is expected to discuss to discuss Turkey's planned deployment of 10,000 peacekeeping troops to Iraq.
The Iraqi Governing Council has rejected the Turkish proposal, expressing fears that peacekeepers from neighbouring countries could end up interfering in Iraq's internal affairs.
Turkey has long battled against its Kurdish minority, who are fighting for an independent homeland, and Kurds in northern Iraq fear that Turkish troops could turn on them.
Turkey gave the green light this week to send the troops to Iraq, becoming the first Muslim country to do so without requiring the United States to first turn control over to the United Nations.
The move is a marked change of policy from earlier this year.
When around 1000 Turkish soldiers crossed the border in March, augmenting the several thousand it maintains there to pursue Turkish Kurd guerrillas, the Americans were irritated.
Donald Rumsfeld, the US defence secretary, said at the time, "We have special forces units connected to Kurdish forces in the north ... and you can be certain that we have advised the Turkish government and the Turkish armed forces that it would be notably unhelpful if they went into the north in large numbers."
Terrorist Muqtda Sader Arabisation campaign of Kirkuk, the Kurdistani capital
Terrorist Muqtada Sader's group are sending thousands of Shias to the Kurdistani capital of Kirkuk where they are being housed by the Iraqi aid agencies. This new arabisation campaign is being planned by Muqtada Sader and his terrorist group, reported the Kurdish newspaper, The Kurdish Tribune. Arabs are being housed and fed by the Iraqi Human Rights group under the leadership of Mu'aeed Al-Sharifi. This moves proves that the Arabs never want to give the Kurds their full rights. Muqtada Sader has also created a new Iraqi government which is led by himself.
Terrorist Muqtada Sader's group are sending thousands of Shias to the Kurdistani capital of Kirkuk where they are being housed by the Iraqi aid agencies. This new arabisation campaign is being planned by Muqtada Sader and his terrorist group, reported the Kurdish newspaper, The Kurdish Tribune. Arabs are being housed and fed by the Iraqi Human Rights group under the leadership of Mu'aeed Al-Sharifi. This moves proves that the Arabs never want to give the Kurds their full rights. Muqtada Sader has also created a new Iraqi government which is led by himself.
Our Boys and Girls Operate inside the Occupied territories
Our freedom fighter boys and girls are planning to operate inside the occupied territories of Northern Kurdistan (so called south-east Turkey).
The freedom fighters of KADEK are planning to leave their bases in south Kurdistan (Iraqi Kurdistan) and return to their occupied lands in North Kurdistan.
According to the Turkish daily, Zaman, KADEK is planning to respond to the Turkish government's decision to send troops into Iraq.
According to Zaman, the leadership of KADEK had decided on a course of action in case Turkey's parliament decided to approve a troop deployment. Now that this has been done, in response KADEK has planned a campaign for Turkey's major cities, primarily in the east and southeast region. (Occupied Northern Kurdistan).
PKK-KADEK has named its campaign the 'Road Map for Peace and Democratic Solution'.
According to the recent leadership summit, the campaign is planned to last from September 2003 to September 2004. Already, the organization has stated that its (unilateral) ceasefire, which was announced when leader Abdullah Ocalan was arrested, has been suspended.
The terrorist Turkish forces arrested 15 people last week when the Kurds of Northern Kurdistan uprose against the Turkish decision to send troops to occupy south Kurdistan (Northern Iraq).
Terrorist Zaman describes the democratic demonstrations against Turkish troops decision as (terrorist).
Our freedom fighter boys and girls are planning to operate inside the occupied territories of Northern Kurdistan (so called south-east Turkey).
The freedom fighters of KADEK are planning to leave their bases in south Kurdistan (Iraqi Kurdistan) and return to their occupied lands in North Kurdistan.
According to the Turkish daily, Zaman, KADEK is planning to respond to the Turkish government's decision to send troops into Iraq.
According to Zaman, the leadership of KADEK had decided on a course of action in case Turkey's parliament decided to approve a troop deployment. Now that this has been done, in response KADEK has planned a campaign for Turkey's major cities, primarily in the east and southeast region. (Occupied Northern Kurdistan).
PKK-KADEK has named its campaign the 'Road Map for Peace and Democratic Solution'.
According to the recent leadership summit, the campaign is planned to last from September 2003 to September 2004. Already, the organization has stated that its (unilateral) ceasefire, which was announced when leader Abdullah Ocalan was arrested, has been suspended.
The terrorist Turkish forces arrested 15 people last week when the Kurds of Northern Kurdistan uprose against the Turkish decision to send troops to occupy south Kurdistan (Northern Iraq).
Terrorist Zaman describes the democratic demonstrations against Turkish troops decision as (terrorist).
Friday, October 10, 2003
Barzani threatens to resign from the Iraqi Govering Council if Turks enter south Kurdistan
The president of the KDP, Massoud Barzani, threatened to resign from the US appointed Iraqi Govering Council IGC, if Turkish troops entered Kurdistan, reported the Kuwaiti daily, Al-Qabis.
The president of the KDP, Massoud Barzani, threatened to resign from the US appointed Iraqi Govering Council IGC, if Turkish troops entered Kurdistan, reported the Kuwaiti daily, Al-Qabis.
Bakrajoo Airport in Sulaimani is near complete
The airport of Bakrajoo in Sulaimani is near complete, according to our sources in Kurdistan. The American leader of 101st American forces, General Patrios visited the airport and congratulated the workers for their hard work to finish off the works at the airport.
Barzani: Why Arabs deny Kurds from their independence rights
The president of the KDP, Massoud Barzani, told the Arabic Egyptian daily, Al-Ahram, why the Arab nation denies the Kurdish rights of independence. Barzani was asked about the establishment of a Kurdish state. Barzani aslo added that Kurds are not part of the Arab, Turkish, Persian nations but Kurds are a nation themselves.
Barzani said that Kurdistan was divided between the neighbouring countries after the Word War I. Barzani said that Kurds have the right to be independent but this right is not being considering at the moment. Adding that he doesn't know what will happen in the future but Kurds will never step down from their independence dreams.
The president of the KDP, Massoud Barzani, told the Arabic Egyptian daily, Al-Ahram, why the Arab nation denies the Kurdish rights of independence. Barzani was asked about the establishment of a Kurdish state. Barzani aslo added that Kurds are not part of the Arab, Turkish, Persian nations but Kurds are a nation themselves.
Barzani said that Kurdistan was divided between the neighbouring countries after the Word War I. Barzani said that Kurds have the right to be independent but this right is not being considering at the moment. Adding that he doesn't know what will happen in the future but Kurds will never step down from their independence dreams.
Thursday, October 09, 2003
Crucial stages of the Goyzha-Taroota Tourist Project Completed
Some crucial stages of the Goyzha-Taroota tourist project have been completed, reported Kurdistani Newi today. The project which aims to turn the Goyza moutains into a tourist attractionv started before the war on Saddam.
Water from Qala-Chwalan moor has been transferred to the top of the mountains. Roads have been built so that tourists can visit the mountain easily.
The project is to be completed soon.
Some crucial stages of the Goyzha-Taroota tourist project have been completed, reported Kurdistani Newi today. The project which aims to turn the Goyza moutains into a tourist attractionv started before the war on Saddam.
Water from Qala-Chwalan moor has been transferred to the top of the mountains. Roads have been built so that tourists can visit the mountain easily.
The project is to be completed soon.
Wednesday, October 08, 2003
Statue from shoes for Chemical Ali in Halabja
A statue from shoes is to be made for Chemical Ali, the man responsible for ordering the chemical gas attack on Halabja. Mohammed Hamasalih, the man who thought up the idea after U.S. forces captured Chemical Ali. "We want him to know that he is lower than a shoe." Hamasalih said.
A statue from shoes is to be made for Chemical Ali, the man responsible for ordering the chemical gas attack on Halabja. Mohammed Hamasalih, the man who thought up the idea after U.S. forces captured Chemical Ali. "We want him to know that he is lower than a shoe." Hamasalih said.
Tuesday, October 07, 2003
Aisa-Cell the biggest success for Kurds in the telecom world
Asia-Cell company has launched its official website. The Asia-cell company is the first Kurdish mobile company that has won the bid to work in south (Iraqi) Kurdistan as the official Iraqi telecom company.
Many Kurds would like the company to be called Kurd-Cell instead of Asia-Cell. Take a look at Asia-Cell's website
Barzani in Kuwait
Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah on Tuesday received Massoud Barzani, the president of Kurdistan Democratic Party and a Kurdish member of Iraq's interim Governing Council, the state KUNA news agency reported. He also said that the issue of the war reparations demanded by Kuwait for Iraq's 1990 invasion was a small matter that could be resolved easily, but insisted the Iraqi people should not be made to pay for Saddam Hussein's crimes.
New Iraq Currency pictures
New Iraqi dinars 1 Kurdish Dinar = 150 new Iraqi dinars
More pictures to come soon in the nearing future. One of the pictures on the Iraqi dinar is of a Kurdish farmer and another one is of Gali Ali Bag tourist attraction in Shaqlawa, Kurdistan.
New Iraqi dinars 1 Kurdish Dinar = 150 new Iraqi dinars
More pictures to come soon in the nearing future. One of the pictures on the Iraqi dinar is of a Kurdish farmer and another one is of Gali Ali Bag tourist attraction in Shaqlawa, Kurdistan.
Jalal Talabani to visit in Ankara soon
Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) general secretary, Jalal Talabani will visit Turkey soon, reported the Turkish news provider, Anadolu Agency.
During the contacts of PUK PM, Barham Saleh in Ankara, the wish of Talabani to visit Ankara also came to agenda.
Turkish side was also positive about that demand and studies started to determine a date.
Exchange Rates in Kurdistan 07/10/03
$100 = 1165 (Kurdish Dinars Swiss Print K.D.) (down)
100 Euros=1335 (Kurdish Dinars Swiss Print K.D.) (down)
Arab man kills wife and 4 children in Kirkuk, the Kurdistani capital
An Arab man has shot his wife and 4 children on 30th of September in Kirkuk, reported PUK daily, Kurdistani Newi.
Monday, October 06, 2003
AsiaCell wins telecom bid in Iraq
The Kurdish telecom company headed by Faroq Mala-Mustafa, AsiaCell, has won the bid to increase its telecom activities in south Kurdistan (Iraqi Kurdistan).
A Kuwaiti official speaking on condition of anonymity said AsiaCell, which operated in the Kurdish north during Saddam Hussein's rule, had taken Kuwait National Telecom as a small percentage partner, reported AFP.
Once the networks are built, calls will cost 8 cents to 10 cents per minute, al-Aubadi, the Iraqi communication Minster said, and phones will cost from $50 to $60.
PUK invites Turkey to open consulates in Sulaimania and Erbil
Dr. Barham Saleh, the Prime Minister of the PUK government said in an interveiw with the Turkish NTV news channel that his party will ask the Turkish foriegn Ministry to open consulates in the Kurdish cities of Sulaimani and Erbil in south Kurdistan.
The PUK top man told the Turks that his party will oppose the deployment of any Turkish troops in Iraq and said that Turkey can contribute by other means such as political and economical support for Iraq.
Sunday, October 05, 2003
NO agreement between US and Turkey on how to deal with KADEK-PKK
Turkey and the US have not reached a solid agreement regarding what to do about the existence of the Kurdistan Workers Party - Kurdistan Freedom and Democracy Congress (PKK-KADEK) in south (Iraqi) Kurdistan.
Reportedly, the Turkish authorities hold the view that the US side is less and less committed to their original position, describing a difference in 'priorities'.
Furthermore, a top-level Turkish official told the Turkish Media that, "the signing of the $8,5 billion dollar credit agreement before the second round of meetings, and the fact it stipulates that Turkish troops not enter Northern Iraq (south Kurdistan), has caused the Americans to run away from concrete suggestions".
Turkish authorities have asked for the capture or surrender of 13 top-level PKK-KADEK administrators, including Osman Öcalan, Cemil Bayik, Murat Karayilan, Duran Kalkan, Mustafa Karasu, Ali Toprak, Mecit Gümüs, Faysal Dunlayici, Halil Ataç, Ali Haydar Kaytan, Hidir Karakaya, Sakine Cansiz, and Abdülkerim Ertaç.
Kurdish Kirkuk refugees return back home, Kirkuk the Kurdistani capital
On 4th of October 2003, 22 Kurdish families who were displaced by the former Iraqi regime, returned to their homes in Kirkuk, the Kurdistani capital.
The families were settled in Takiya Camp after their expulsion on the hands of the Iraqi regime. The camp's population is consisted of 72 families. The rest are promised to be returned home soon.
Todays Exchange Rates in Kurdistan 05/10/03
$100 = 1167 (Kurdish Dinars Swiss Print K.D.) (down)
100 Euros=1340 (Kurdish Dinars Swiss Print K.D.) (down)
Kirkuk's special flag "cancelled"
The plan to create a new special flag for Kirkuk was cancelled, reported Kurdistan Monitor. The artists who were called to create the new flag has issued a statement declaring that there are no reasons behind the new Kirkuk flag. "We think that people must decide on this issue through a referendum" the statement said.
Saturday, October 04, 2003
Kurdish Jews Return Home in Kurdistan
Kurdish Jews who were displaced by the former Iraqi regimes from Kurdistan are supposed to return back home, reported the Turkish daily Zaman.
Zaman claims that a high-ranking Israeli delegation met with the Mesud Barzani the president of KDP and Jalal Talabani the secretary of PUK after the war. It was reported that the Israel delegation discussed the return of Kurdish Jews to south (Iraqi) Kurdistan.
Nearly 150,000 Kurdish Jews reside in Israel. Apparently, they face discrimination because of their ethnic background and are finding life in Israel difficult. They want to return to their lands.
Patriotic Kurdish Jews have also created a website to build bridges between Kurdistan and Israel.
Observers claim that the returning of the Kurdish Jews to their home in Kurdistan will lead to the creation of a strong tie between Israel and Kurdistan.
