WKI Applauds U.S.-Brokered Accord Between Iraqi Kurdish Leaders;
Urges Full Implementation and Continued US Support
Washington, D.C. — The Washington Kurdish Institute lauded the accord signed by Jalal Talabani, Massoud Barzani and the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State David Welch. The agreement, brokered by the United States, brings the two parties together on crucial issues of power sharing and revenue distribution.
WKI President Najmaldin Karim and Executive Director Mike Amitay issued the following statement:
“The accord is a positive step towards bringing peace and prosperity to a region desperately in need of both. It represents a starting point from which the two parties can work together to build a Kurdish regional government that will serve the interests of the Kurdish people and form a critical element in international efforts to bring democracy to the entire Iraqi nation. The accord affords the Kurdish people a new opportunity. We must all work steadfastly to ensure that this rare second chance is not squandered.
While the agreement gives us much cause for hope, if its goals are to be realized, it is crucial that the details be fully implemented. The most difficult work for the Iraqi Kurdish leadership and the U.S. Government lies ahead. Implementation of the accords depends upon the support of the Iraqi Kurdish people and democratic forces around the globe.
The U.S. Government’s efforts in forging this agreement are greatly appreciated and should be highly commended. The persistent and tireless work of David Welch and his staff have been critical to bringing Mr. Talabani and Mr. Barzani together for the first time in four years. We are further reassured by Secretary of State Madeline Albright’s statements that the United States will not tolerate further aggression by Saddam Hussein against his neighbors or the Kurds. We believe that the United States will provide the necessary support to ensure that the election process and other aspects of the accord are successfully implemented.
Regional states will protest this agreement and undertake efforts to undermine it. In the face of such efforts, it will be critical for the Iraqi Kurdish leaders and their international supporters to remain firmly committed to this framework. A united Kurdish movement can better face challenges from all sides We firmly believe that the formation of a democratic regional government in Iraqi Kurdistan will contribute to peaceful resolution of conflicts involving Kurds in Iraq, Turkey and Iran.”