Statement on the KDP and PUK leaders
meeting in Iraqi Kurdistan
Salahaddin-Erbil
September 8, 2002
Mr. Massoud Barzani, the President of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and Mr.
Jalal Talabani, Secretary General of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) participated
in a series of meetings held on 7-8 September 2002 in Salahaddin, Erbil. These
meetings acquired historical significance, which will open the doors for a brighter future
for the people in Iraqi Kurdistan and Iraq.
The meetings were held in a fraternal and democratic atmosphere with both parties aware
of the responsibility bestowed upon them in regard to the future of a democratic, federal
and united Iraq, the Kurdish question and peace and stability in the Middle East region.
Both parties expressed identical views regarding the international democratic and
political changes, the fight against terrorism, fundamentalism and dictatorship. They also
had the same approach toward ways of benefiting from the anticipated developments in the
interest of the Kurdish and Iraqi people.
During the meetings it was agreed to establish four committees that are to prepare a
joint project for federalism, normalization of the situation in Iraqi Kurdistan, security
matters and formulating a united political position on regional and international levels.
It was also agreed that the Kurdistan National Assembly would hold a meeting on the 4th
of October 2002 at the Parliament building in Erbil attended by all its members from both
parliamentary blocks, as well as the Christian list. A mechanism was also agreed upon for
running its parliamentary affairs.
During the meetings, several decisions were taken with regard to involving other
Kurdistan political parties and forces in the democratic process, strengthening ties
between the Kurdistan Liberation movement in Iraq and the Iraqi opposition and stabilising
the legitimate rights of the Kurds, Turkmens, Assyrians and Chaldeans.
The meeting made decisions to strengthen the relations with neighbouring states on the
basis of friendship, fraternity and non-interference in internal affairs.
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