KIRKUK

January 16, 2007 at 5:29 pm | Posted in Arabs, Globalization, History, Middle East | Leave a comment

“Kirkuk 2007”

Ankara Hilton Hotel

Panel discussion

Morning Session Of “Kirkuk 2007” Panel

http://www.anatoliantimes.com/hbr2.asp?id=159247

ANKARA – Kirkuk`s current status quo and future are being debated in the “Kirkuk 2007” panel discussion, held at Ankara Hilton Hotel by Global Strategy Institute, with the participation of representatives of political, religious and ethnical groups` representatives in Iraq.

Taking the floor at the morning session, Huseyin Avni , Deputy Chairman of Iraqi President, said that Kirkuk belongs to all Iraqis.

Underlining that nothing could be achieved by provoking sectarian strifes, Avni stressed those living in Kirkuk were the real owners of the city. He also said that Kirkuk`s future depends on national compromise.

Moreover, Deputy Chairman of Iraqi National Dialogue Front Hamit El Mutlak indicated that it`s up to Iraqi people to decide on the fate of Kirkuk. Mutlak said not only the ones living in Kirkuk, but all Iraqis should express their opinion on the matter.

On the other hand, Kerim Muhsin El Yakubi, a MP from the Iraqi Virtue Party, indicated that peace in Kirkuk meant peace in Iraq and a struggle in Kirkuk would provoke a dispute in the country. Yakubi also indicated that Kirkuk issue could be solved through dialogue.

Another participant Halid Osman from Iraq Islamic Party stated that none of the relevant parties should be ignored and opinions of all segments in Iraq, as well as points of view of neighbor countries, should be asked.

Meanwhile, Republican People`s Party (CHP) Deputy Chairman Onur Oymen expressed Turkey`s concerns about a possible failure of obtaining tangible results in the fight against terrorism in Iraq.

“While a part of the world is interested in underground richness of Iraq, some countries, including Turkey, deals with humanitarian issues,” he said.

“Since 40 percent of oil reserves of Iraq is in Kirkuk, this Iraqi town deserves more attention,” he also noted. Oymen also underscored that a UN peace-keeping force must be deployed in Iraq.

“Democracy should be established in Iraq. Turkey is ready to make all kinds of contributions to this end,” he added.

Published: 1/15/2007