INSTITUT KUDE RPARD IS E

Information and liaison bulletin N°290 MAY 2009 The publication of this Bulletin enjoys a subsidy

from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs (DGCID) aqnd the Fonds d’action et de soutien pour l’intégration et la lutte contre les discriminations

(The Fund for action and support of integration and the struggle against discrimination)

This bulletin is issued in French and English

Price per issue : France: 6 € — Abroad : 7,5 € Annual subscribtion (12 issues) France : 60 € — Elsewhere : 75 € Contents

• AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHES ITS REPORTS ON IRAN, IRAQ, SYRIA AND TURKEY.

• THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN IN IRAQI KURDISTAN HAS STARTED.

• TURKEY: A BLOODY SETTLING UP OF OLD SCORES BETWEEN “VILLAGE GUARDIANS”.

• IRB IL: THE EXPORTING OF KURDISH OIL MAY BEGIN IN JUNE.

• SYRIA: MASHAL TEMO HAS BEEN SENTENCED.

• IRAN: QALA MERE HAS DIED.

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHES ITS REPORTS ON IRAN, IRAQ, SYRIA AND TURKEY mnesty International of their “ economic, social and membership of PJAK, the has published its cultural rights as well as their civic Iranian branch of the PKK. The A reports on Human and political rights ”. The use of international NGO particularly Rights and their Kurdish, like the other minority recalls the case of Farzad violations throughout languages, is forbidden in Kamangar, a Kurdish teacher the world. The situation of the schools and in the who has always denied Kurds is also raised in the administration, and those membership of PJAK who was reports on Iran, Syria, Turkey Iranians who are active in favour severely tortured in detention. and Iraq, with a special section of their economic, social and He faces a death sentence. From devoted to Iraqi Kurdistan. cultural rights are frequently August to October 2008, over 50 arrested, threatened and jailed. prisoners went on hunger strike According to this organisation, in protest against the execution Iraq continues to “marginalise Amnesty International also of Kurds and to “ demand respect its ethnic minorities, “ particularly highlights the irregularity of the of the civil rights of a certain the Azeris, the Baluchis and the trials that have sentenced to number of Kurds in detention ”. Kurds ”, who attack the violations death Kurds accused of In general, attempts to promote • 2 • Information and liaison bulletin n° 290 • May 2009

the Kurdish language and Many have been made stateless and terrorist Act, for having sung an culture in Iran exposes activists do not enjoy economic and social anthem in the Kurdish language, to police persecution and rights ”. Mashaal al-Tammo was amongst other songs, during a iniquitous sentences. In arrested on 15 August 2008 for cultural festival. They were detention since July 2007, political activity in a Kurdish acquitted at their first appearance in Mohammad Sadiq Kubudvand, movement and faces a death Court, but the warrant for the arrest who founded and presides the sentence for “ an attempt to start a of the choirmaster was upheld ”. Organisation for Human Rights civil war or religious dissentions ” Several Newroz festivities were in Kurdistan, was tried and and “ conspiracy ”. banned in towns in Kurdistan. sentenced to ten years imprisonment in May 2008 for In general, Kurdish identity is Young people have been acting ““ against the security of the repressed, particularly the use of subjected, as a general rule, to State by creating the Organisation the language and culture. Decree increasing violence and ill for Human Rights in Kurdistan ” N°49 of 10 September 2008 treatment by the police. In the and for “ propaganda against the strongly restricts the right to cases of demonstrations, often regime ”. The latter sentence was housing accommodation and banned without any valid reason quashed on appeal, but the ten- property owning in the border and “ broken up using excessive year sentence was confirmed. regions — which affects most of force, often without any attempt to Mohammad Sadiq Kabundvand the areas inhabited by Kurds. try non-violent methods ”, children has been detained in a secret and and adolescents have been denied any visits from his The report is particularly severe struck hard and jailed along lawyer or family for a long time. about Turkey and the fact that with adults. Acts of violence by He has also been denied any the majority of the breaches of the police of the State generally medical attention for a long human rights restrictions on go unpunished or very lightly time. freedom are related to the reprimanded. Thus: “ police were Kurdish question. The DTP is filmed while they were beating up The State has not undertaken still in danger of being banned E.C., a 15-year-old boy who they any actions to protect women by the Constitutional Court had summoned on the fringes of a from domestic violence, whereas the AKP, the party in demonstration, in Hakkari. A although a large number of cases office, has just escaped this. Prosecutor dismissed a complaint of self-immolation are due to made about the violence. On the family oppression. On the other The armed conflict with the PKK other hand the young boy was taken hand active feminists are also has caused civilian casualties in to court for having taken part in the exposed to State repression, even through bomb attacks “ often demonstration ”. Following the though their actions are committed by isolated individuals or October demonstrations for the peaceful, like Parvin Ardalan unidentified groups ”. Outside release of Abdullah Ocalan, who faces a heavy prison Turkish Kurdistan itself, Kurds “over a hundred minors were sentence. have been subjected to acts of charged with offences that can carry aggression because of their sentences of up to twenty years The majority of the Kurds are origins: “ some have been harassed imprisonment ”. At Adana, the Sunni Moslems or members of or attacked and unknown people or prefect threatened collective religious minorities like the Ahl- unidentified groups have taken it punishment to “ the families of e-Haqq. They are thus exposed out on their goods and property. In children who had demonstrated ”. to persecution from the Shiite September, the county of Altinova, powers that be or to various in Western Turkey, was the scene of The anti-terrorist laws also forms of discrimination. Thus, aggressions of this kind for several enable the sentencing of several Amnesty reveals: “ The school days running ”. people accused of membership directors must inform the local of the PKK on the basis of security services of the presence, in The anti-terrorist laws continue doubtful or flimsy evidence. their schools, of any Baha’is or to repress any display of “Murat Istkirik was sentenced to followers of other ´subversive sects’ Kurdish culture in accordance seven years jail for “membership of such as the Ali-Ilahi or Ahl-e- with the whims of the a terrorist organisation” solely on Haqq ”. prosecutors. Thus: “ nine children the basis of his attending the funeral all members of the municipal choir of a member of the PKK and of The report indicates that in of Yenisehir, a Diyarbekir having been photographed making Syria: “ members of the Kurdish neighbourhood, were sued on the the “V” sign. In September minority suffer from discrimination. basis of Article 72 of the Anti- Selahattin Okten was sentenced to n° 290 • May 2009 Information and liaison bulletin • 3•

life imprisonment for having taken from Mosul following attacks on Domestic violence has not part in armed operations on behalf their community. The report disappeared, nor have “honour of the PKK. The proof his guilt was points out that “ the majority have crimes”, and women have been based on unreliable testimony said found refuge in nearby villages or in burnt or killed by members of to have been obtained by torture ”. Dohuk, Irbil or Kirkuk, but about their family. A hostel was 400 have left for Syria. According to attacked by armed men to Prison conditions in Turkey are information collected, about a third “punish ” a woman member of still very bad, with ill treatment of the displaced people had returned their family, who had sought and solitary confinement of to Mosul by the end or the year ”. refuge there and who was detainees. Thus Amnesty seriously injured. Associations to International recalls the report of The Kurdistan Region of Iraq is defend women have had some the European Commission for the the only one where organisation of their members threatened by Prevention of Torture that has noted “ advances ” on family members of women they recommended that Abdullah questions of Human Rights. were protecting. Amnesty Ocalan, the PKK leader, “ should Thus: “ several hundreds of political mainly criticises the Kurdish undergo medical examination, that prisoners, including several who Police of a certain laxity in the material conditions of his had been detained for several years identifying and arresting several detention should be improved and without being brought to trial, had murderers involved in “honour that the Turkish authorities should been freed ”. Amnesty also crimes”. take measures to enable him to have approved the repeal of the more contact with the outside world ”. penalty of imprisonment for The report on the Asayish “defamation” in the course of aroused official protests from the In Iraq, Amnesty International the debate on the new press laws head of the security services in observed a significant drop in as well as the legal limitations Irbil, who pointed out that several violence but points out that “ all imposed on polygamy. points were “ out of date ” on the parties involved have committed several points because of reforms flagrant violations of human The report criticises, in more already carried out. Malcolm rights ”. The international NGO detail, the “breaches f human Smart, Amnesty International’s also notes that: “ as in previous rights” perpetrated by the officer for North Africa and the years, Kurdistan was less affected region’s Security Service, the Middle East, discussed this report by the conflict, nevertheless there is Asayish, that is virtually under and the state of human rights in persistent news of human rights no effective control and are said Iraqi Kurdistan as well as the violations by security forces and of to resort to arbitrary arrests. It protests from the Asayish during violence against women in this also notes that people have a televised interview on the KNN region ”. disappeared. Finally cases of channel, just after meeting Prime torture and ill treatment are Minister, Neçirvan Barzani, about Amongst the 34 executions of raised. Thus: “ Melka Abbas the report. people sentenced to death, 3 Mohammad and his sixty-year-old took place in Kurdistan. Two of mother, Akhtar Ahmad Mostafa, Re-iterating certain of his those condemned had taken part were kept in isolation for nineteen criticisms, he nevertheless in a bomb attack that had caused days following their arrest in declared he was optimistic about 48 deaths in Irbil in 2005. The March, for their suspected the Kurdish Governments Kurdish Courts have sentenced a involvement in a bomb attack . political determination to total of 9 people to death, which Melka Abbas Mohammad is said to progress in observing human raises the number of prisoners have been tortured during his rights, recalling his meeting with facing execution to 84, 33 in Irbil detention in the Asayish Gishti the Prime Minister: “ I must say and 47 in Suleimaniah. The 2006 prison (the General Security that it was a quite unusual sort of Anti-terrorist Law, which Directorate) in Suleimaniyah. They meeting with a Prime Minister. increases the number of crimes are said to have been hung by their Because he said quite clearly that he that can incur capital arms while their legs were beaten accepted this report and realised punishment, has been extended with cable and to have been that it was critical of certain for a further 2 years by the subjected to electric shocks. In aspects. He said he had read and Parliament. November, this man and his mother examined the recommendations and were acquitted of all charges by a had sent them to the Asayish and On the question of refugees, the court that ordered their release; they the police, telling them to read and report records nearly 13,000 were, nevertheless maintained in take due note of them. Such a Christians who have had to flee detention by the Asayish”. political line is important and I • 4 • Information and liaison bulletin n° 290 • May 2009

wholeheartedly approve it. Kurdistan Region, Malcolm changed in the future. We also Obviously time will show what Smart replied: “ The principal wanted more concrete measures to effect this has. However, I came out objective of our report was to say be carried out to resolve the issues of very encouraged and felt a that you have succeeded to doing violence against women and human determination to get things moving many good things in the Kurdistan rights. This is most important for and show an example ”. Region, but that that were still some you, who live in the Kurdistan points, regarding Security, that Region. It is also valuable that this Asked why there was a section needed to be corrected. The main send a message to the rest of Iraq, of the overall report on Iraq concern is that the Asayish are not showing that a better way is specially devoted to the sufficiently answerable. This must possible ”.

THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN IN IRAQI KURDISTAN HAS STARTED s the date of the Kurdistani list, that includes suspect the Kurdistan Islamic Presidential and Massud Barzani’s KDP and Jalal Union of being supported by the A Parliamentary elections Talabani’s PUK, and the List for AKP, the party running the for the Iraqi Kurdistan Change, led by Nawshirwan Turkish government, and by the Region have been set Mustafa, former senior leader of Turkish Islamic Movement, led for 25 July, six candidates for the the PUK who broke away from it by Fetuhllah Gulen. Presidency have come forward recently. “ We want to change the this month, announced the political system ”, explained the As in 2005, the Kurdistani list independent Iraqi Electoral High latter, whose campaign is aims at maintaining the status quo Commission on 25 May, the final principally hinged on attacks on in the power sharing between the date for filing candidacies. They corruption and on improving the KDP and the PUK, both in the include the outgoing President, quality of life in Iraqi Kurdistan. government and in Parliament as Massud Barzani, Halo Ibrahim was confirmed by Sa’di Ahmed Ahmed, Jalal Talabani’s brother- Another contending list is that Pira, a member of the PUK in-law, dr. Kamal Mirawdeli, a called “Service and Reform”, a Political Committee, on the writer and academic living in coalition of four Islamic parties Rudaw internet site. He also London, Hussein Gamiyani, a led by Ali Bapir. The Islamic recalled that since the present businessman, Ahmed parties are often presented as a President of Kurdistan was Mohammed Rasul and Ahmed threat to Kurdish political life Massud Barzani, head of the KDP, Kurda. should the electors’ discontent the post of Prime Minister (at with the KDP and PUK lead present held by Neçirvan Helo Ibrahim Ahmad, who lives them to switch their votes to the Barzani) should, by rights, be in Sweden and Great Britain, religious movements. However, held by a member of the PUK. He had resigned from the PUK last none of these religious parties did not mention any names, but it year to form his own party, Al- has succeeded in making an is probable that Dr. Barham Salih, Taqadom (Progress). impact since 1992. They have at present Iraqi Deputy Prime even been unable to reach Minister, would replace Neçirvan Nearly two and a half million sufficient common agreement to Barzani at the head of the electors will be able to vote by allow them to form a list that government. direct suffrage both for the includes them all. Thus Irfan Presidency and to re-elect the Ahmed Kake, of the Islamic Some people fear that this Irbil Parliament, which at the Movement, has attacked the challenge to the existing two- moment I dominated by the refusal of the other religious party power sharing might revive KDP-PUK joint list, which won parties, the Kurdistan Islamic the spectre of civil war if the KDP 80 of the 111 seats in the 2005 Union and the Kurdistan Islamic and PUK felt their ascendency elections. Group, to respond to his call to threatened. However President unite for the elections. The Jalal Talabani tried to be Regarding the parliamentary newspaper Awene also states that reassuring by hoping that “ the elections, two important lists are all these little parties hoped to elections will take place in a civilised contenting breaking the two- join the Kurdistani list but that manner in conformity with party tradition that has neither the KDP nor the PUK Kurdistan traditions ”. On 9 May dominated Iraqi Kurdistan since had accepted to include them. the Iraqi President visited the 1992 elections. There is the Moreover, the secular parties Suleimaniah, Halabja and n° 290 • May 2009 Information and liaison bulletin • 5•

Shahrazur for a meeting with well as the struggle against would not go so far as to vote for leaders of his party. In what corruption. the KDP but might find, in the seemed like the beginning of the List for Change, a third way of election campaign, Jalal Talabani Indeed, other voices in civil expressing a “protest vote”. also insisted on a policy of society, especially among the assisting the most disadvantaged young, hope for changes in the Born at Suleimaniah in 1944, he social classes while stressing that political leadership. Officially, studied political science at living conditions had greatly the leaders of the PUK Political Baghdad University. On his improved, citing as evidence the Committee say they are return to Kurdistan, he ran a figures given by the Minister of confident and are convinced that weekly, Rizgari (Liberation) Planning, He also pointed out the electors will remain loyal to while forming an underground that Suleimaniah held first place the two main Kurdish parties. party, Komala, with other in Iraq as far development data “The people of Kurdistan are very Kurdish intellectuals. His was concerned. Amongst his sensible and will never endanger political activity forced him to election promises was a their future by voting for new lists. go into exile in Austria, where programme for the The people trust their leaders and he continued his research. He reconstruction of Kurdish the parties that have already carried returned to Kurdistan as soon as villages and drilling of wells, out many reforms in the last few the 1975 “Kurdish revolution” with a special budget allocated to years ”, insisted Sa’di Ahmad began and became one of the this end, as well as the opening of Pira, a member of the PUK most prominent leaders of the cultural centres for women and leadership. grouping that was to become the young people. PUK. From 1976 on, his role was However, Mustafa Nawshirwan as much political as military. Mustafa Nawshirwan, formerly is fairly popular and value for Thus he took part in the 1991 the PUK’s N° 2, is standing as his outspokenness. Some people uprising. From 1992 on he candidate for change, as consider that his list could win a returned to his intellectual indicated by the name he has number of seats in Parliament, activities, writing several books given to his list. “ The old which would result in new while holding senior posts in the politicians and traditional parties do political alliances and the end of PUK. However, because of his not care about bringing change to a frozen status quo inherited from differences with his party’s Kurdistan. They want to keep the civil war. He could also Political Committee, he things as they are. We want to benefit from the internal gradually withdrew from the change the political system ”. His dissentions of the PUK and the PUK and started up his own programme also stresses confusion of its traditional press group and then his own improving the quality of life as electorate, which probably political movement.

TURKEY: A BLOODY SETTLING UP OF OLD SCORES BETWEEN “ VILLAGE GUARDIANS ”

he attack on an attack was launched from services, who indicated that the engagement party in several different points just as orphans would be looked after T the village of Bilge, in the imam ended the religious by close relatives. According to Mardin province, by part of the ceremony. The bride- one young woman who eight armed and to-be was the daughter of the survived, the deaths of the masked men caused 44 deaths. former village headman women and children were not Over and above the recurrent (mokhtar). She was killed along just “ collateral damage ” — the problems of honour crimes and with her fiancé and his younger attacker had herded them into a clan rivalries, which Turkish sister, his parents and the room together before gunning public opinion readily ascribes imam’s young sister. them down. to the Kurdish regions, this affair also re-opens the debate on the Amongst the other victims were The murderers then fled, taking highly controversial issue of the 6 children and 16 women, three advantage of the darkness and a “village guardians ”, since the of whom were pregnant. Forty- sandstorm. The army pursued assailants were all members of eight of the children in the them for several days before this rural militia. village lost at least one of their capturing them near the Syrian parents, while 31 lost both, border. According to the survivors, the according to the local social “In this region, concepts of honour, • 6 • Information and liaison bulletin n° 290 • May 2009

of dignity and reputation are carried those supplied by the State. envisage dissolving them to extremes that defy Western There have already been man completely, only admitting that understanding ”, declared, for his complaints of murder, rape and their status should be part Mazhar Bagli, a sociological drug trafficking against “reconsidered ” and denying that researcher at Diyarbekir’s Dicle members of this militia — who this militia created a security University. “ In common parlance, enjoy a certain degree of problem. “Some village guardians a man is said to live for the sake of impunity against villagers who are involved in this incident, but his honour, but this is the bloodiest have refused to join them. There the village guardian system is not tragedy linked to questions of are said to be some 60,000 the direct cause”, he declared, honour I have ever heard of ”. “village guardians ” today, and before recognising that the militia breaking them up would also had certain “ dimensions that should It seems, indeed, that the origin create a security problem. be criticised, discussed and revised ” of this massacre lays the conflict Disarming them would expose and that his had already been between two families. However, them to reprisals from Kurdish done, in part. the fact that the killers were all families that have suffered from members of the government’s their violent abuses of power. The DTP Member of Parliament, “village guardian ” militia reopens The endemic unemployment in Emin Ayna, called for the the controversy over the the Kurdish regions also raises immediate suppression of this existence of these groups of problems for their reconversion. militia in a press conference in armed Kurds, initially and Ankara, as did Sevket Soke, an officially created in 1985 to fight Faced with a storm of criticism, M.P of the opposition CHP party the PKK — especially as the the Minister of the Interior and the NGO Human Rights arms used in this massacre were nevertheless did not really Watch.

IRBIL: THE EXPORTING OF KURDISH OIL MAY BEGIN IN JUNE n 8 May the Kurdish redistribution among all the Iraqi other province to sign contracts in regional government provinces in accordance with the name of Iraq without announced that its crude their needs. The Kurdish Region authorisation ”, said Minister O oil exports would begin should receive 17% of Iraq’s total Sharistani, going one better. “ All on 1 June via the budget. contracts must be submitted to the pipeline that leaves the North of Ministry ”. Iraq for the Turkish port of However, the legal disputes Ceyhan. Some days later, the Iraqi between the Kurdish government However, this will not prevent government announced that it and Hussein Sharistani are still the Korean National Oil approved this programme of not settled regarding the KRG’s Company (KNOC) from starting exporting oil from the Kurdistan signing contracts with foreign to drill as from next October. Its Region. This “authorisation” companies for exploiting Kurdish share of the Bazian field is 50.4% delivered by the Iraqi Oil oil without going through while another Korean company, Ministry was confirmed by the Baghdad. Thus the Iraqi Minister SK Energy, will have 15.2%. The Kurdish authorities. Thus Ashti has persisted in re-iterating his Koreans say they are confident, Hawrami, the Kurdistan Minister allegations of the “ illegitimacy ” of now that that exports have been for Natural Resources, told the contracts signed between Irbil officially approved. “ With this Reuters Agency that he had and foreign companies. “ The Oil announcement, KNOC’s projects for received an email from Hussein Ministry’s position has not changed pumping crude oil in the Kurdish Sharistani, with whom, however, regarding contracts signed by the region will accelerate ”, the the Kurdish government has very Kurdistan Regional Government company declared, adding that poor relations. with foreign oil companies. exporting should begin very Authorising the Kurds to export does soon. In its official statement, the not mean approval of the contracts Kurdish Regional Government they have signed ”, declared its In total, KNOC has shares in five envisages exporting about 60,000 spokesman to Reuters. fields in Kurdistan, including the barrels a day. This oil will be sold Sangaw field, where drilling by the Iraqi Trade Organisation “All we say is that these contracts should begin early next year and and the revenue will go to the are illegal and illegitimate. The the Qush Tepe field, late 2010. federal government for Region has no more right than any These two Korean companies n° 290 • May 2009 Information and liaison bulletin • 7•

had been excluded from the Kirkuk. plans did not include invitations to tender for A few days later, however, agreements, signed quite operating fields in Southern Iraq Hussein Sharistani indicated independently by the Kurdish because of the contracts signed that the revenues the Kurds Regional Government: “ The with Irbil without Baghdad’s earned from their oil sales would government rejects any agreement approval. be paid in full to the central that does not include the Iraqi Oil government for redistribution to Ministry ”. Among other foreign companies all parts of Iraq. Some people involved in exploring Kurdish saw this as a sign of an easing However, the Central oilfields are the Norwegian up of this conflict, although the Government’s support of the Oil DNO, the Turkish Gerel Enerji Minister repeated that any Minister may not save him from and the Canadian Addax agreement reached with the being put on the spot by the Petroleum Corp. Kurds should first be presented Baghdad Parliament, exasperated to his government. by the disastrous oil production Baghdad’s lack of keenness for results especially when compared Kurdish oil activity has led some This warning had little effect on with the positive and rapid officials to doubt the truth of the the Kurds, as Massud Barzani had development in the Kurdish news of Kurdish exports, which indicated. On 18 May, encouraged Region. Thus 140 Iraqi Members are due to start in June. by this first success, the Regional of Parliament have summoned However, the timetable has been Government publicly welcomed Hussein Sharistani to the confirmed by the President of the announcement by several National Assembly to give an the Kurdish Region, Massud companies, including the United account of his management over Barzani, in a press declaration: Arab Emirates Crescent the last three years. Should a vote “This is a very important step Petroleum (UAS) in partnership of no confidence be passed, he which is taken in accordance with with the Austrian OMV, the could be relieved of his office by the Constitution and so is in the Hungarian MOL companies and Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, as interest of all the Iraqi people. It is a Dana Gas to invest in the Region pointed out to the AFP by the success for all Iraqis — but this to accelerate the extraction of its Kurdish M.P. Mahmud Othman. success was achieved by Kurds. It is natural gas reserves. It would be Ezzeddin al-Dawlah, a Sunni like in football — one player scores sold via the Nabucco pipeline, Arab M.P. and member of the a goal but the whole team benefits which is due to connect Turkey National Concord Front, the from it ”. with Central Europe in 2014. The largest Sunni Arab block, Kurdish Minister for Natural confirmed the summons but The Iraqi Oil Minister, on the Resources himself presented these without mentioning the date . other hand, is seriously criticised investments as a strengthening of for having failed to increase the “the bonds between the Kurdistan This would not be the first time production of oil in the country, Region and Turkey ” and a an Iraqi Minister was stripped of which remains stagnant at 3.3 or contribution to strengthening the office after a no confidence vote 2.4 million barrels a day — far strategic position of Turkey as in parliament — on the 14 th of below the production before the Europe’s partner in the field of this month a similar action by old regime fell in 2003. energy. the M.P.s resulted in the Questioned about the departure of Abded Falah al- intransigent stand adopted by The announcement of this Sudani, Minister for Trade, Hussein Sharistani, Massud second export project was not involved in cases of corruption Barzani limited himself to favourably received by Baghdad and embezzlement of funds replying: “I do not think he even this time and Hussein Sharistani intended for the national food understands himself let alone immediately rejected the project. assistance programme. what he does. And what he says His spokesman, Asim Jihad, is of no importance to us. The repeated that Iraqi gas and oil There are also some suspicions President to the Kurdish Region should only be sold by the of corruption regarding Hussein also brushed aside the idea that government, while the Sharistani, but his spokesman, the dispute over the contracts his government’s spokesman, Ali al- Asim Jihad, it was only the government had signed might Dabbagh, pointed out that while management of oil production be used for bargaining with Iraq was, indeed, planning to that was being questioned by Baghdad over the status of supply Europe with gas, these parliament. • 8 • Information and liaison bulletin n° 290 • May 2009

SYRIA: MASHAL TEMO HAS BEEN SENTENCED

ashal Temo, a 52-year- already in prison serving a two before being transferred to the old Kurdish dissident, and a half year sentence, which Adra prison in Damascus on 26 M was sentenced to three inspired al-Hassani to make the August 2008. and a half years ironic comment: “ How can imprisonment by a anyone weaken national morale Amnesty International Syrian Court that found him from behind the bars ”. condemned this sentence, saying guilty of “ weakening national that Mashal Temo should be morale ”. One of his lawyers, Mashal Temo is active in the considered a prisoner of opinion, Mohammad al-Hassani, defence of the rights of Kurds in jailed for having expressed his criticised the conditions of the Syria. He was arrested last year opinions in a peaceful manner, trial: “ We were not really allowed as he was driving between and called for his immediate to defend him. The court rejected the Kobani and Aleppo and some release. The organisation seven witnesses we put forward in political leaflets were found in expressed its concern at the his favour ”. Another dissident his car. He was detained by the conduct of the trial and the was sentenced on the same political police on Damascus for court’s refusal to hear the grounds, although he was 12 days in solitary confinement witnesses for the defence.

IRAN: QALA MERE HAS DIED ala Mere, alias Qadir the Kurds and that the four parts a sayyid (descendant of Abdullah Zada, a great of Kurdistan would be freed of Mohammed). He asked for it composer and virtuoso their occupiers. several times, but the other Q player of the shemshal refused until his death. As soon (a kind f flute) died on Qala Mere described in these as the musician heard the news 21 May. Thousands of terms the beginning of his of this death, he went to the people attended his present vocation: “ It was in dead man’s son and exchanged funeral at the Nalashkena autumn. I was invited to a party in the shemshal for a sheep. This cemetery, where he lies near that which my brother and two other instrument became, in his works, other great Kurdish artist, people were playing the shemshal. I his only friend. “ We have grown Hassan Zirek. wanted to play with them but they up together, we gossip together. chased me away. So I left crying Sometimes it is rude and insults Qala Mere was born on 23 and, still crying, hid in a mud hut. me! We often have private October 1925 in the village of After crying still more I fell asleep. discussions in that way ”. As he Kulija, in the Bokan region of In my dream, someone came to me was already suffering from a Iranian Kurdistan, A musician and said : “Wake up Adbel Qader ! longstanding illness, the doctors totally devoted to his You are annoying God with your told him to stop playing but he instrument, he was also tears. Stop crying and play the refused to the end and finally politically committed, ever since shemshal !” So I woke up and no died at the age of 84. the Mahabad Republic, in which one could equal my playing of the he served. He was an admirer shemshal ”. Qala Mere had also recorded for and loyal supporter of the Kurdsat television. He was Abdekrhman Ghassemlou, the This shemshal, which he said famous in Iraqi Kurdistan and General Secretary of the KDP-I was 140 years old, accompanied has been awarded a prize that is who was assassinated in Vienna him throughout his life, he was given each year to the most in 1989 by the Iranian secret never separated from it, day or eminent artists. He had services. He evoked his memory, night, slipping it in his clothes or expressed the wish to bequeath with tears in his eyes, in a recent under his pillow when he slept. his instrument to a museum in interview on Tishk TV, saying He said that he had fallen in love the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, so that he hoped that one day God with this instrument when it was his shemshal will go to the Irbil would avenge the sufferings of still owned by its previous own, museum. Rezme de Presse-Press Revim-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ozeti 1 I 3 mai 2009 Kurdistan : la carte chance de l'Irak Parfois bombardée par ses voisins turcs ou iraniens, la haute montagne protège Béatfice en même temps une zone autonome en plein développement.

oulouse-Dohuk via Amsterdam et TIstanbul. Le Kurdistan irakien se mérite. Mais la récompense est à la hau- teur pour les rares touristes qui osent bra- ver les idées reçues pour en savoir plus sur un pays dont les médias nationaux ne parlent qu'au gré des attentats à Bagdad et Mossoul ou, comme hier, quand des hélicoptères iraniens bombardent des combattants du Pejak, un mouvement séparatiste kurde iranien qui opère depuis des bases dans les montagnes du Kurdistan irakien. Première image, à la frontière turque : les longues files de camions pleins de voitures neuves, de sacs de ciment et de produits de consommation chargés d'ali- menter le grand supermarché qu'est devenu le nord de l'Irak depuis que les Kurdes ont récupéré la manne pétrolière à la chute du régime de Saddam Hussein en 2003 et des ambitions pour cette ... Pour fuir le génocide, Zoubeyr a trouvé refuge à Albi (l),Mahfoz en Suède. terre qu'ils administrent de façon auto- Aujourd'hui, ilshparticipent à lamarche en avant du pays avec leurs amis euro- nome. péens.( Photo à Erbil, Béatrice Dillies ) Dohuk, dans la troisième ville du ------pays, début avril. Hassan Abdullah Mahy descend de son 4x4 et vérifie que veulent déménager au Kurdistan. Les de main sont franches devant l'église, la ses hommes étalent le goudron convena- Kurdes s'assurent d'abord qu'ils n'ont confiance totale. Et pour cause, le gou- blement dans les rues du quartier aucun lien avec le terrorisme, car le dou- vernement autonome considère que « les Badinan : 3 millions de $ sont en jeu, ble attentat perpétré en 2004 à Erbil et chrétiens participent à la diversité cultu- l'équivalent du budget travaux que Souleimaniyé doit rester une exception. relle du Kurdistan ». Une « richesse » Saddam Hussein daignait accorder à La population, qui signale la moin- qu'ils encouragent en favorisant la créa- l'ensemble du Kurdistan à sa grande dre voiture suspecte, y veille. Résultat, tion d'écoles et de journaux pour les époque. La fin des années noires a per- pas le moindre sentiment d'insécurité ne Assyriens qui parlent encore I'araméen, mis à Hassan de multiplier son chiffre vient ternir les vacances des rares touris- la langue du Christ, mais aussi en facili- d'affaire par dix en six ans. Et il n'est pas tes européens, même lorsqu'un coup de tant l'installation des chrétiens irakiens le seul. En 2008,230 entreprises implan- vent emporte une liasse de billets posée dans la zone sous protection de l'armée tées à Dohuk ont réalisé plus de 10 mil- sur le carton qui fait office de bureau de kurde. lions de dollars de chiffre d'affaire. Le change impqvisé, dans une rue passante Isam Gurgis a profité du sens de résultat est déjà visible sur la route qui de Dohuk. Etrange vision en effet que l'hospitalité kurde il y a quatre ans. descend de la montagne pour rejoindre tous ces Kurdes -se précipitant.. . pour L'ancien mécanicien de Bagdad avait Erbil à travers les vastes champs de blés ramener les billets à leur propriétaire, peur pour ses cinq filles « trop belles D bordés d'immenses silos. Un bitume sous le regard de policiers indolents, de aux yeux des intégristes. Ils ont recom- impeccable que découpent à intervalles l'autre côté du carrefour. mencé leur vie à Erbil en 2005. réguliers les contrôles de l'armée kurde Une vision de rêve pour les Irakiens Gilbert et Iptisam Mickaël ont quitté qui gère seule la sécurité dans la zone qui sont de plus en plus nombreux à Mossoul pour Dohuk en juin 2006. « On autonome. chercher au Kurdistan la paix, la démo- avait reçu des menaces par téléphone, Les plaques minéralogiques de cratie et le développement économique explique ce prof d'anglais à la retraite. Dohuk Dermettent au chauffeur de se qu'ils ont du mal à trouver dans le reste Heureusement, pour les chrétiens, c'est contenter d'un salut de la main en direc- du pays. très facile de venir au Kurdistan ». Isam tion des militaires, même à l'approche de confirme : « Au Kurdistan, il y a la Mossoul (hors zone autonome) où ce « Chrétiens, musulmans ici on démocratie, la paix, l'égalité. On se sent sont des Kurdes ... sous l'uniforme de est tous égaux » en Europe ici. Et surtout, on pratique l'armée irakienne qui contrôlent la ville notre religion sans aucun problème. » où les derniers soutiens d'Al-Qaida ont Mayé, à quelques kilomètres de la trouvé refuge. A ces barrages en revan- frontière turque, dans le nord du che, l'attente est longue pour ceux que Kurdistan. Gurgis Adam, le directeur de les Kurdes appellent les Arabes, y com- l'école, salue Ashour, un chrétien de pris pour les Bagdadis qui, le vendredi, Durê (ici en photo avec une bible de profitent du repos hebdomadaire pour 1798). Des kurdes musulmans se mêlent oublier ici les tensions de la capitale. Et à la conversation et souhaitent de joyeu- elle est plus longue encore pour ceux qui ses Pâques à leurs voisins. Les poignées Revue de Presse-Press Revieiv-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

IRAN: 18 POLICIERS ET 8 REBELLES TUÉS DANS UN ACCROCHAGE LA SEMAINE DERNIÈRE

TEHERAN, 2 mai 2009 (AFP) sur les lieux des affrontements alors que cinq suspects ont été an'êtés.

Kermanshah, capitale de la province éponyme, est située à la frontière avec le Dix-huit policiers et huit rebelles ont été tués dans des affrontements survenus Kurdistan irakien et abrite une minorité kurde substantielle. le 24 avril dans la province de Kermanshah, selon un nouveau bilan diffusé La région est le théâtre d'affrontements périodiques entre les forces armées ira¬ samedi par l'agence Isna. niennes et le groupe séparatiste kurde Pejak, basé dans le nord-est de l'Irak. "18 policiers ont été tués et 10 autres ont été blessés dans une attaque terro¬ Le Pejak, acronyme du Parti pour une vie libre au Kurdistan, est lié au Parti des riste" contre le poste de police de Ravansar-Javanroud, non loin de la frontière travailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK), qui lutte depuis 1984 contre le gouvernement irakienne, a déclaré Allahyar Malekshahi, chef de la justice de la province. turc dans le sud-est anatolien. La télévision d'Etat avait annoncé au lendemain de cette attaque que 1 0 policiers L'Iran accuse les Etats-Unis de soutenir le Pejak, ainsi que d'autres organisa¬ avaient été tués. tions ethniques aux frontières de l'Iran, ce que Washington a toujours démenti. Selon M. Malekshahi, les corps de 8 membres du groupe Pejak ont été trouvés

DES HELICOPTERES IRANIENS BOMBARDENT LE KURDISTAN IRAKIEN

SOULEIMANIYEH (Irak), 2 mai 2009 (AFP) 1984 contre le gouvernement turc dans le sud-est anatolien.

Ces raids interviennent une semaine après la mort de 26 personnes dans de vio¬ Des hélicoptères iraniens ont bombardé samedi pour la première fois trois villa¬ lents combats entre poliders iraniens et rebelles kurdes prés de la frontière ira¬ ges kurdes du nord de l'Irak, visant des indépendantistes kurdes iraniens, a kienne, selon un nouveau bilan donné samedi par l'agence iranienne Isna. déclaré un responsable des gardes-frontières irakiens. Mais on ignore dans l'immédiat s'il y a un lien entre ces affrontements et les bom¬ On ignore dans l'immédiat si ces bombardements ont fait des victimes. bardements de samedi.

"A 04H00 (01 HOC GMT), les villages de Kani Saif, Jomarasi et Kara Sozi, dans Dix-huit des pesonnes tuées le 24 avril étaient des policiers, a déclaré samedi le district de Penjwin, ont été la cible de tirs d'artillerie iraniens. Trois hélicoptè¬ Allahyar Malekshahi, chef de la justice de la province iranienne de Kermanshah, res iraniens ont ensuite bombardé ces villages à 09H00 (06H00 GMT)", a-t-il dit frontalière de l'Irak, cité par Isna. Il a ajouté que les corps de huit membres du à l'AFP sous couvert de l'anonymat. Pejak ont été trouvés sur les lieux des affrontements alors que cinq suspects ont

Ces raids visaient des combattants du Pejak, un mouvement séparatiste kurde été an-êtés. iranien qui opère depuis des bases dans les montagnes du Kurdistan irakien, L'Iran accuse les Etats-Unis de soutenir le Pejak, ainsi que d'autres organisa¬ selon la même source. tions ethniques aux frontières de l'Iran, ce que Washington a toujours démenti.

"C'est la première fois que les hélicoptères iraniens bombardent le Kurdistan ira¬ L'Irak, l'Iran, la Syrie et la Turquie ont tous d'importantes minorités kurdes. kien", a ajouté ce responsable. L'année turque a mené de nombreux raids aérien les bastions du PKK dans les Il a affirmé que le district de Penjwin n'était pas considéré comme un bastion du montagnes du Kurdistan. Pejak, acronyme du Parti pour une vie libre au Kurdistan, et que les rebelles se Les relations entre Bagdad et Téhéran se sont nettement améliorées depuis la concentrent plus au nord, dans le secteur de Qala Dizah. chute de Saddam Hussein, en 2003. Sous son règne, l'Irak et l'Iran se sont livrés Avant les bombardements de samedi, le district de Penjwin avait été deux fois la une guerre qui a fait environ un million de morts dans les années 1980. cible de tirs d'artillerie iraniens en un an, a-t-il ajouté.

Le Pejak est lié au Parti des travailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK), qui lutte depuis

IRAK: LE KURDISTAN CONDAMNE LE RAID AERIEN IRANIEN SUR SON SOL

SOULEIMANIYEH (Irak), 3 mai 2009 (AFP) - communs, et aucun groupe n'a le droit d'attaquer les pays voisins du Kurdistan", peut-on lire dans le communiqué.

Le gouvernement de la région autonome du Kurdistan a condamné dimanche le Des hélicoptères iraniens ont bombardé samedi trois villages kurdes du nord de raid aérien iranien mené la veille contre des séparatistes kurdes basés dans le l'Irak, selon un responsable des gardes-frontières irakiens. nord de l'Irak, et exhorté ces derniers à ne plus effectuer d'attaques sur le sol ira¬ Il s'agit du premier raid aérien iranien contre le Pejak -acronyme du Parti pour nien. une vie libre au Kurdistan- un mouvement séparatiste kurde iranien. "Nous condamnons ces attaques (iraniennes) et demandons qu'elles cessent On a fait état d'aucune victime dans ces bombardements. immédiatement", a déclaré le gouvernement régional dans un communiqué. "Elles ont fait fuir des habitants et endommagé les cultures des fermiers de ces L'armée iranienne avait par le passé effectué des tirs d'artillerie contre les rebel¬ régions." les.

Les autorités régionales ont appelé les rebelles kurdes à ne plus lancer d'atta¬ Le Pejak est lié au Parti des travailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK), qui lutte depuis ques en Turquie ou en Iran à partir de leurs bases dans les montagnes du 1984 contre le gouvemement turc dans le sud-est anatolien. Kurdistan irakien, qui ont été ces derniers mois la cible de nombreux bombarde¬ L'Iran accuse les Etats-Unis de soutenir le Pejak, ainsi que d'autres organisa¬ ments turcs ou iraniens. tions ethniques aux frontières de l'Iran, ce que Washington a toujours démenti. "Nos relations (avec les pays voisins) se fondent sur le respect et les intérêts Revue de Presse-Press Revierv-Berhevoka Ça-pê-Rivista Stmupn-Dentro de In Prensn-Bnsin Ôzeti

4 mai 2009

é uili le à Bagdad, 1 à la France likifa P

DIPLOMATIE tenteme.'it à travers le pays. La vdo- NI? ,': Le premier ministre irakien, lence, qui avait signifîcativement en visite officielle à Paris, reculé depuis plus d'un an, repart. va jouer la carte Bref, l'Irak est de nouveau entré de l'indépendance retrouvée dans une zone de turbulences, de son pays pour séduire aiguisée par le retiait militaire amé¬ *> ^ ^ les investisseurs français. ricain, qui doit commencer dans moins de deux mois. # C'EST un premier ministre, renfor¬ «Al-Maliki reste un premier cé par les élections provinciales de i7iinistTe de compromis sans réelle janvier, mais au pouvoir toujours force institutionnelle », déplore fragile, qui eiîectue aujourd'hui sa Joost Hiltermann, spécialiste de première \'isite officielle en Fran¬ l'Irak à International Crisis Group. ti ce. Deux mois apiès avoir reçu Son pouvoir limité l'empêche de >? Nicolas Sarkozy à Bagdad, Nouri neutraliser les bombes à retarde¬ al-Maliki s'entretient avec le chef :, * ment qui menacent la stabilité de de l'État à l'Elysée avant de ren- l'Irak. À court terme, la plus dange¬ contier une délégation de patrons reuse est la fracture qui se creuse du Medef, auxquels il va demander entre Arabes et Kurdes. À Mossoul, de venir investir dans la recons¬ Kirkouk et dans la province de truction de l'Irak. Dyala, la tension monte. Le litige ' Depuis plus d'un an, le chef du sur ces « zones disputées » reste gouvernement à majorité kurde et pendant. Après avoir beaucoup chiite est engagé dans un délicat # " cédé aux Kurdes, le premier minis¬ exercice d'équilibre entre ses tre est finalement entré en conflit tuteurs américains et ses voisins avec ses alliés du nord, pour frei¬ iraniens, d'une part, et, de l'autre, ner leurs aspirations indépendan¬ les différentes communautés tistes. Mais il ne dispose pas d'une d'une mosaïque irakienne si diffi¬ majorité alternative au Parlement cile à gouverner. pour entériner sa politique de ren¬ «La victoire de ses partisans forcement du pouvoir central. aux élections dejanvier devait per¬ \ mettre à al-Maliki de consolider Devenu le porte-drapeau son pouvoir en élargissant sa base Avant son entretien aujourd'hui à Paris avec Nicolas Sarkozy, du nationalisme politique, note un diplomate occi¬ Nouri al-Maliki était en visite, jeudi et vendredi, à Londres, L'homme, d'abord critiqué dental en poste à Bagdad. Mais où U a notamment été reçu au 10 Downing Street. Lefieris PitarakkiAFP pour sa faiblesse à Washington depuis, on constate une confusion comme à Paris, a fini pourtant par dans ses actions, comme s'il hésitait apparaître comme le possible lea¬ Américains, al-Maliki propose ment de l'état de droit ». Des inten¬ sur la stratégie à tenir. » der, dont l'Irak avait besoin pour « une indépendance dans la coopé¬ tions qui ne peuvent que réjouir la Soucieux de faire avancer la sortir du chaos. En mettant au pas ration ». U cherche à rassurer Téhé¬ France, désireuse de se position¬ réconciliation nationale, l'ancien l'an dernier les miliciens sadristes, ran tout en se montrant ferme à ner sur lejuteux marché de la sécu¬ opposant à Saddam Hussein, leader il a montré qu'il n'était pas forcé¬ leur égard. risation de l'Irak. Même si dans ce du parti chiite al-Dawaa, a tendu la ment un chefsectaire. Et en tenant Sa ligne de conduite pourrait se domaine aussi, beaucoup reste à main à ses ennemis : les baassistes tête aux Américains dans les négo- résumer ainsi : «Arrêtez vos ingé¬ faire face à des milices qui n'ont chassés du pouvoir à la chute de la ciations sur leur retrait, al-Maliki rences en matière d'insécurité et on toujours pas été démantelées. dictature en 2003, les ex-miliciens s'est fait le porte-drapeau du vousfera une place de choix dans la Georges Malbbunot sumiites qui ont aidé les Américains nationalisme irakien. reconstruction de l'Irak. » Tout aus¬ à combattre al-Qaida et, enfin, ses D'autant qu'il n'est pas une si habilement, le chefdu gouverne¬ rivaux chiites proches de Moqtada marionnette entre les mains du ment parie sur la Turquie - inquiè¬ Sadr. Mais ses alliés chiites du puissant voisin iranien, chiite com- te elle aussi de l'infiuence Conseil suprême islamique restent melui. «N'oubliez pas qu'enfuyain iranienne en Irak - pour jouer opposés à une large intégration des l'Irak de Saddam en 1980, il avait l'apaisement face aux Kurdes. ex-rebelles dans les forces de sécu¬ refusé de Travailler en Iran contre Pour séduire ses interlocuteurs rité, ainsi qu'à un retour des baas¬ son pays. Il était allé se réfugier en français et relancer la coopération sistes dans la vie politique. Syrie », se souvient un diplomate avec Bagdad, al-Maliki va jouer la Sous les pressions, al-Maliki français qui le fréquentait alors à carte de « l'indépendance, de la semble reculer et ses promesses Damas. Aux Iraniens comme aux sécurité retrouvée et du renforce non tenues font grandir le mécon- Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ozeti

^^fp TURQUIE: LE PRINCIPAL PARTI PRO-KURDE APPELLE À UN JEÛNE DE PROTESTATION

DIYARBAKIR (Turquie), 3 mai 2009 (AFP) - de liens avec les rebelles du Parti des travailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK).

"Alors que même l'état-major de l'armée évoque un retour de ceux qui sont dans la montagne (la guérilla du PKK, ndlr), ces opérations les empêchent d'en des¬ LES RESPONSABLES du principal parti pro-kurde de Turquie ont appelé dimanche la population à entamer avec eux un jeûne de deux jours pour protes¬ cendre. Au contraire, elles en encouragent d'autres à partir les rejoindre", a ter contre la multiplication des arrestations de membres de leur mouvement affirmé M. Turk.

accusés d'être liés aux rebelles séparatistes kurdes. Le général llker Basbug, chef d'état-major de l'année turque, a exhorté en avril le gouvemement à réviser les lois pour faciliter la reddition des rebelles. Plusieurs députés et maires du Parti pour une société démocratique (DTP) ont

élu domicile jusqu'à la rupture de leur jeûne lundi soir dans une tente érigée dans Le PKK, une organisation classée comme terroriste par la Turquie, l'Union euro¬ un parc de Diyarbakir, la principale ville du sud-est anatolien, à la population en péenne et les Etats-Unis, a lancé en 1984 une campagne année pour obtenir majorité kurde, a constaté un correspondant de l'AFP l'autonomie du Sud-Est. Le conflit a fait 45.000 morts, selon l'armée.

De là, le président du DTP, Ahmet Tûri<, a appelé la population à suivre leur Le DTP, qui détient 21 des 550 sièges au parlement turc, poun^ait être interdit par exemple pour protester contre l'arrestation au cours des dernières semaines de la Cour Constitutionnelle, qui examine actuellement ses liens éventuels avec le plusieurs dizaines de personnes, dont de nombreux membres du parti, accusés PKK.

IRAK: LA CAMPAGNE ÉLECTORALE AU KURDISTAN RISQUE D'ÊTRE VIOLENTE

SOULEIMANIYEH (Irak), 4 mai 2009 (AFP) - perdre beaucoup. Je m'attends à l'émergence de nouvelles têtes", dit-il.

La commission électorale indépendante a finalement agréé 41 listes, dont celle

LE PAYSAGE politique au Kurdistan irakien pourrait être modifié cet été lors des du "Changement" formée par des dissidents de l'UPK dirigés par l'ancien élections pour le Pariement régional et, compte tenu des enjeux, la population "numéro deux" du parti, Noushirwan Moustafa. Un sacré défi pour la "vieille mai¬ redoute une campagne violente. son' dirigée par Jalal Talabani.

Les deux grands partis traditionnels kurdes, qui dominent la région depuis des 'Si leur maître-mot est le changement, alors il doivent le mettre en oeuvre au décennies, vont affronter de nouveaux rivaux, certains issus de leurs rangs. Le sein des deux principaux partis", estime le dirigeant de l'UPK Saadi Ahmed Bira, scrutin s'annonce rude et même brutal, à l'inverse du scrutin provincial de jan¬ critiquant ces dissidents.

vier dans la partie arabe de l'Irak. L'UPK tiendra son congrès en juin pour discuter des divergences internes mais

"Les Kurdes devraient en tirer les leçons et gérer leurs rivalités de manière civi¬ elle a déjà décidé de faire liste commune avec le PDK.

lisée et pacifique", estime Shasw/ar Karim, un boutiquier de 60 ans de L'UPK devrait reconduire Jalal Talabani, 76 ans, au poste de secrétaire général, Souleimaniyeh (nord-est). en dépit de ses soucis de santé.

"Mais je suis inquiet en constatant que les candidats ont déjà commencé à "La grande majorité des gens ont soutenu la liste d'union et continueront de la employer un langage blessant et à proférer des accusations, ce qui préfigure un soutenir", a assuré dimanche M. Talabani, disant espérer 'que l'élection se climat violent", souligne-t-il. déroulera d'une manière civilisée et conformément aux traditions du Kurdistan'.

En 2005, la liste commune de l'Union Patriotique du Kurdistan (UPK) du chef de Les deux formations islamiques espèrent améliorer leur score mais craignent les l'Etat Jalal Talabani et du Parti Démocratique du Kurdistan (PDK) du président attaques des deux partis laïcs. régional Massoud Barzani, avait raflé 80 des 111 sièges. "Je suis convaincu que le PDK et l'UPK ne réussiront pas à atteindre leur score Dix sièges étaient réservés aux minorités turcomane, chrétienne et yazidie. de 2005", assure Ali Babir, le chef du Groupe islamique, qui a renoncé à la vio¬ L'Union islamique avait remporté neuf sièges, son rival plus radical le Groupe lence en 2003. islamique du Kurdistan six, alors que trois petits partis de gauche se parta¬ "Les Kurdes doivent comprendre qu'une guerre intestine n'effacera pas nos dif¬ geaient le reste. férences. S'ils ne le comprennent pas, la violence s'imposera", souligne-t-il. Mais le monopole des deux grands partis pourrait être remis en cause lors du Hiwa Mirza Saber, chef de l'Union islamique (modérés) proche des Frères SCTUtin prévu la seconde quinzaine de juillet. musulmans, partage cet avis: "La situation requiert prudence et vigilance de la L'ancien chef du bureau politique du PDK qui fut aussi durant huit ans président part des deux prindpaux partis et j'appelle le président de la région (Barzani) à du Pariement régional, Jawhar Nameq Salem, estime qu'il appartient au gouver¬ surveiller personnellement le déroulement du scaitin". nement régional autonome d'éviter que la campagne dégénère.

"Le recours à la violence peut venir des deux grands partis car ils risquent de

RAID AERIEN IRANIEN: L'IRAK REMET UNE LETTRE DE PROTESTATION A L'IRAN

BAGDAD, 5 mai 2009 (AFP) répercussions négatives sur les relations entre les deux pays".

"Si l'Irak comprend que les autorités iraniennes ont besoin de sécuriser leurs

L'Irak a convoqué mardi l'ambassadeur iranien pour protester contre le raid frontières, cela ne peut être fait par des actions unilatérales mais par (...) un dia¬ aérien iranien mené samedi contre des séparatistes kurdes basés dans la région logue constmctif, précise le communiqué. autonome du Kurdistan, dans le nord de l'Irak, a annoncé le ministère irakien des Le gouvernement de la région autonome du Kurdistan avait condamné diman¬ Affaires étrangères. che le bombardement, par des hélicoptères iraniens, de trois villages proches de

"Le ministère des Affaires étrangères a présenté une lettre officielle de protesta¬ la frontière. tion à l'ambassadeur d'Iran à Bagdad au sujet du bombardement par les forces Il s'agissait du premier raid aérien iranien contre le Pejak, un mouvement sépa¬ iraniennes de villages irakiens près de la frontière", a déclaré le ministère dans ratiste kurde iranien, en teritoire irakien. L'armée iranienne avait par le passé un communiqué. effectué des tirs d'artillerie contre les rebelles.

Il demande "la fin immédiate de ce genre de violations qui continuent d'avoir des On a fait état d'aucune victime dans ces bombardements. Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ozeti

Le Pejak -acronyme du Parti pour une vie libre au Kurdistan- est lié au Parti dans les montagnes du nord de l'Irak. des travailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK) qui lutte depuis 1984 contre le gouveme¬ L'Iran accuse les Etats-Unis de soutenir le Pejak, ainsi que d'autres organisa¬ ment turc dans le sud-est anatolien. tions ethniques aux frontières de l'Iran, ce que Washington démenti. Les autorités du Kurdistan ont également exhorté dimanche les rebelles kurdes à cesser de mener des attaques en Turquie ou en Iran à partir de leurs bases

IRAK: LES ELECTIONS PARLEMENTAIRES AU KURDISTAN AURONT LIEU LE 25 JUILLET

ERBIL (Irak), 5 mai 2009 (AFP) - tienne et yazidie.

L'UPK et le PDK devront notamment composer avec l'opposition de la liste du LE PRÉSIDENT du Kurdistan, Massoud Barzani, a annoncé mardi que les élec¬ "Changement", formée par des dissidents de l'UPK dirigés par l'ancien "numéro tions pariementaires auraient lieu le 25 juillet dans cette région autonome du deux" du parti, Noushinvan Moustafa.

nord de l'Irak, un scrutin qui pourrait remettre en cause le monopole des deux Mais M. Talabani a estimé dimanche que "la grande majorité" des électeurs qui grands partis kurdes. avaient voté pour la liste d'union en 2005 feraient la même chose cette année.

"La date du 25 juillet a été an'êtée pour les élections pariementaires au M. Barzani a exhorté mardi les partis politiques de ne pas faire campagne dans Kurdistan", a-t-il dit devant le Pariement régional. les mosquées et autres lieux publics, dans un appel au calme à l'ensemble des

"J'appelle le peuple du Kurdistan à participer à ces élections et à choisir en toute candidats.

liberté leurs représentants, les listes qui les serviront le mieux", a-t-il ajouté. "Les formations politiques sont libres de faire leur campagne, mais elles ne doi¬

Plus de 2,5 millions d'électeurs sont appelés aux urnes lors de ce scrutin, selon vent pas utiliser la campagne pour diaboliser les autres factions", a-t-il dit.

la Commission électorale du Kurdistan, qui a agréé 41 listes électorales. Le L'ancien chef du bureau politique du PDK qui fut aussi durant huit ans président Pariement régional compte 111 sièges. du Pariement régional, Jawhar Nameq Salem, a récemment déclaré à l'AFP qu'il

L'Union patriotique du Kurdistan (UPK) du chef de l'Etat Jalal Talabani et du Parti appartenait au gouvernement régional autonome d'éviter que la campagne ne démocratique du Kurdistan (PDK) de M. Barzani -qui dominent la vie polifique dégénère. du Kurdistan depuis des décennies- ont reconduit leur alliance pour ces élec¬ "Le recours à la violence peut venir des deux grands partis car ils risquent de tions. perdre beaucoup. Je m'attends à l'émergence de nouvelles têtes", a-t-il dit.

Mais ils doivent affronter cette année de nouveaux rivaux, dont certains issus de Aucune date n'a été en revanche fixée pour la tenue des élections provinciales leurs rangs, ce qui pourrait donner lieu à une campagne musclée. au Kurdistan.

En 2005, la liste commune de l'UPK et du PDK avait raflé 80 des 111 sièges. Des scrutins provinciaux ont eu lieu le 31 janvier dans 14 des 18 provinces ira¬ L'Union islamique avait remporté neuf sièges, son rival plus radical, le Groupe kiennes, à l'exception des trois provinces kurdes et de celle voisine de Kiri

DIX REBELLES KURDES TUÉS LORS DES DERNIÈRES FRAPPES TURQUES EN IRAK

ANKARA, 6 mai 2009 (AFP) - Anatolie ne précise pas ses sources mais donne les noms de code et les âges de sept des rebelles tués.

Dix rebelles kurdes de Turquie ont été tués lors de bombardements fin avril par L'armée n'a pas donné de bilan du raid, survenu en riposte à des attaques des l'aviation turque de leurs retranchements dans le nord de l'Irak, a rapporté mer¬ séparatistes qui ont coûté la vie à dix soldats turcs le 29 avril dans le sud-est de credi l'agence semi-officielle Anatolie. la Turquie.

Les rebelles du Parti des travailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK) ont été tués lorsque Interogé par téléphone, Ahmed Denis, le porte-parole du PKK au Kurdistan ira¬ l'aviation turque a anéanti les 29 et 30 avril plusieurs abris et dépôts d'amies kien, a affirmé que "deux membres du PKK seulement ont été tués dans les atta¬ dans les zones de Zap et d'Avasin-Basyan, dans le Kurdistan irakien, affirme ques turques du 29 et du 30, dans la zone de Zap", près de Dohouk. l'agence. Les chasseurs-bombardiers turcs effectuent régulièrement des raids contre des cibles du PKK dans le Kurdistan irakien oij quelque 2.000 rebelles sont retran-

CINQ MORTS DANS L'EXPLOSION D'UNE MINE DANS LE SUD-EST DE LA TURQUIE

source.

DIYARBAKIR (Turquie), 9 mai 2009 (AFP) - 19h13 - Cinq personnes ont été Trois des personnes tuées faisaient partie des "gardiens de villages", une milice tuées samedi par une explosion, due probablement à une mine, sur une route armée et payée par le gouvemement pour combattre les rebelles. de campagne du sud-est de la Turquie, une région où les rebelles kurdes sont Le PKK, qui mène une lutte armée pour l'autonomie de cette région à majorité présents, a-t-on appris auprès des services de sécurité. kurde, a souvent recours aux mines. Un véhicule transportant les cinq victimes a sauté sur une route près du village Il est considéré comme une organisafion terroriste par la Turquie, l'Union euro¬ de Cavizduzu, dans la province de Sirnak, probablement sur une mine posée péenne et les Etats-Unis. par (es rebelles du Parti des travailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK), selon la même Revue de Presse-Press Reviezv-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

TODAYS ZAMAN Ôzal's wife, son meet with Barzani in Iraq May 1, 2009

and even supports the outlawed Kurdistan

TODAY'S ZAMAN Workers' Party (PKK), which attacks Turkish targets from bases in northern Iraq. Lately, Turkey has made rare official The wife and son of Turkey's eighth pre¬ contact with Barzani as part of a rappro¬ sident, Turgut Ôzal, have met with Iraqi chement process. Kurdish leader Massoud Barzani in Arbil, The late President Ôzal was criticized news reports said yesterday. for granting diplomatic passports to According to Zagros TV, tlie official Barzani and Iraqi President Jalal Talabani station of tlie Iraqi Kurdistan Democratic during Saddam Hussein's reign, allowing T li Party (KDP), which Barzani leads, tlie them to travel abroad conveniently. Kurdish leader welcomed Semra Ôzal and Turgut Ôzal died in office on April 17, :./_ ^^ .> Ahmet Ôzal at his residence and expressed 1993, after sufîering a suspicious heart his delight at having the opportunity to host According to police records, 200,000 attack. As Turkey's first seven presidents them. The Ôzal s said they came to meet people, including a number of government all came from military backgrounds, Ôzal with Barzani both to see recent develop¬ ministers, gathered in ?stanbul last month was the first civilian president of the coun¬ ments in the region firsthand and because to commemorate Ôzal in a ceremony held try, and his presidency is seen as a land¬ of their longtime friendship with the leader on the anniversary of his death. mark in attempts to further democratize Turkey has a troubled relationship with Turkey's governance. Barzani due to suspicions that he tolerates

Voice of America

V*A 02 May 2009

Iranian Helicopters Attack Iraqi Kurdish Border

By Edward Yeranian K

Kurdistan's Zagros TV announced the raids by Iranian heli¬ copters in the border region and quoted Kurdish officials as peatt r» .ArbH saying that it was the first time that combat helicopters have iMosQI i * been used during months of sporadic border clashes. A As Siiaymànîyah Kurdish military spokesman said the helicopters did not vio¬ late Iraqi airspace but attacked by flying parallel to the border S "kirkuk mAN Border officials said Iran's military shelled the PJAK positions before the helicopters struck. Iran has targeted the PJAK with v;^;, N 'Sâmarrà artillery in the past but never followed with air assaults. i is ^-^. i..;*- Iran has long complained about cross-border activities of the BAGHDAD îamâdi V,V n PJAK (Free Life Party of Kurdistan) which normally operates til-'.:'n 5T,, further to the north. -< Ka/balâ'v AI KOiT^^I "'V Turkey bombed positions of the terrorist PKK (Kurdish Workers' Party), along its border with Iraqi Kurdistan, several times, this past week. Nine Turkish soldiers were killed by a roadside bomb blast, for which the PKK claimed responsibi¬ Hon with the PKK, the Turkish-Kurdish group, for some time, lity, Wednesday. and the latest attack is consistent with that, and whether the Iranians shell the PJAK positions or they carry out helicopter attacks in the area where the PJAK is operating doesn't make Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and Turkish President Abdullah Gul agreed to a joint demand that the PKK throw down its a huge difference," he said. "Now, some Kurds in Iraq are arms, during a recent visit by President Gul to Baghdad. The obviously going to be affected by this. The people living in the PKK rejected that demand. border area have suffered a long time from these attacks and it's a big problem for them, but they also are not capable of get¬ ting rid of PJAK and the Kurdish regional government is 26 people were also killed during fierce cross-border gunbat- equally incapable of ejecting PJAK from this area," he added. tles between Iranian police and Kurdish separatists along the Iraqi-Iranian border, just a week ago. 18 of the dead were Iranian policemen. Western Iran has a large Kurdish population, and Iranian security forces have clashed repeatedly with PJAK separatists,

Joost Hiltermann of the International Crisis Group said that operating out of northern Iraq, in recent years. Iran has been trying to quash PJAK rebels along its border for

quite some time:

"The Iranians have been taking acHon against PJAK, the Kurdish guerilla group from Iran that has worked in coopera- Revue de Presse-Press Reviezv-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

aj^-fsm «2 May 2009

Democracy for

* . the trust *. ! - .Ï, < of masses ) fi ' ^ ' 1 ^ s 'i -.

Kurds to continue being the ^*

By Azad Asian forefathers and frontrunners of democracy in the region."

IT IS widely expected that The democratic expe¬ a date in early July will be rience in Kurdistan is much announced for the upco¬ older and more profound The (KRG) and all other Kurdish agencies should pursue a clear ming Parliamentary elec¬ than the rest of Iraq. While and proper policy in the upcoming parliamentary elections. Iraq only initiated local and tions in Kurdistan. GLOBE PHOTO/Aiyob Mawloodi According to Ali Wadir general elections in 2005, of The Independent High Kurdistan witnessed its first free election in 1992. At a Electoral Commission, the crucial juncture in their his¬ number of political entities tions, transparency and government officials is one tory and finally free from participating in the upco¬ impartiality are two of the of the serious features that the shackles of Baathist ming elections has reached most crucial factors that the is lacking in Kurdistan. repression, millions of 38. Minority groups in KRG must respect and The other crucial ingre¬ Kurds casted their votes to Kurdistan are allocated 1 1 ensure that procedures are dient in a democracy is that elect their representatives to seats from the total 1 1 1 implemented to maintain the state apparatus must not the Kurdistan National available seats in parlia¬ them. For this to happen, facilitate surplus labor. In Assembly. This comparati¬ ment. One seat is reserved not only the KRG but all other words, the government vely early start in the elec¬ for Armenians, five seats for other national agencies have or state should not be part of tion process and the demo¬ Turkmens, and five seats for a responsibility and proper economic activities other cratic experience in various Christian communi¬ cooperation between the than to be its regulator and Kurdistan from 1992 have ties that reside in Kurdistan. government and other agen¬ arbiter. In those countries from time to time become Minority rights and the cies including civil socie¬ where the state has a direct hindered thanks largely to assurance of their represen¬ ties, syndicates, unions, stake and interest in econo¬ internal and external factors tation in the Kurdistan political parties, individuals mic affairs, the implementa¬ that have prevented demo¬ Parliament by law, is one of and media is essential. tion and development of the best aspects of Kurdish cracy from blossoming fur¬ Having touched upon the civil society either fail or ther in Kurdistan. Despite democracy and this practice importance of free and fair lag behind. Since its esta¬ must be pursued and preser¬ these setbacks and an inte¬ elections in Kurdistan, it is blishment, Iraq has always ved conservatively. rim civil war between the imperative to note that elec¬ been, at least up to the fall two main groups in Elections and the way tions on its own are not the of the Baath regime, a state- Kurdistan, democracy is they are conducted is one of whole aspect of democracy. led economy and thus strong certainly not derailed and the fundamental pillars of a There are seven decisive authoritarian regime persis¬ not evolved towards autho¬ healthy democracy. In that features that can be ascribed ted for decades. Despite the ritarian tendencies. sense, the last local elec¬ to any properly functioning fall of Saddam, the current The Kurdistan Regional tions for the 14 provincial democracy, which include economic activities in Iraq Government (KRG) and all councils in Iraq on January individual freedoms and and Kurdistan are not com¬ other Kurdish agencies 31st 2009 were a useful civil liberties, the rule of the pletely free from the clench should pursue a clear and showcase of a successful law, sovereignty resting of the state, government or proper policy in the upco¬ democracy, mainly due to upon the people, equality of political parties. ming parliamentary elec¬ the participation of a large all citizens before the law, The establishment of a tions in Kurdistan in order number of political groups vertical and horizontal strong democratic expe¬ to conduct a fair and fitting and individuals and the rela¬ accountability of govern¬ rience in Kurdistan, is not election in order to maintain tively peaceful environment ment officials, transparency only necessary for interna¬ international respect and surrounding the elections. of the ruling systems to the tional respect and the free¬ admiration for the democra¬ The Independent High demands of the citizens, and dom of individuals, which tic experience in Kurdistan. Electoral Commission of equal opportunities for citi¬ are important reasons on For this to be realized, the Iraq stated that 14800 candi¬ zens. their own, but at the same dates representing 401 KRG and other agencies In Kurdistan, for demo¬ time it has another serious must work hard to encou¬ groups contested for 440 cracy to flourish and dee¬ function, that is democracy rage the general public in provisional seats. As one pen, the conditions of the is the only proper system Kurdish critic, Salah Aziz, Kurdistan to participate in above noted features must that that can establish strong rightly argued, "the success the elections and to simplify be upheld and implemented. relations between the state the registration procedures of new elections in the rest Some aspects of the above and individuals, or in the of Iraq sets the bar higher of political groups and indi¬ conditions In Kurdistan are case of Kurdistan between viduals to participate and for the Kurds, raising not fully implemented. For the government, political compete in the elections. expectations and requiring a example, vertical and hori¬ parties and individuals. renewed commitment by the In the forthcoming elec- zontal accountability of Proper and healthy relations Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

between individuals and will create an unbreakable tary mass participation to political changes and poli¬ political agencies in resistance unit for any forces protect their political entity cies and most importantly Kurdistan are the safe belt that may wish to disturb to and thus their national and political struggle, will be an for the masses to struggle for destroy or to diminish any political interests. impossible task. national and democratic political experience or entity Since the collapse of The KRG and Kurdish rights. that is established in Saddam's regime in 2003, political actors have a histo¬ Kurdistan. In the crucial and chal¬ the relations between the rical responsibility to lenging times ahead for Mass participation and KRG and the masses in construct and rebuild the tar¬ Kurdistan and the world, the mass mobilization are the Kurdistan are steadily ero¬ nished relations between the Kurdish political actors and two essential tools to deter ding and weakening. This is nation and their political Kurdish masses must be any dark forces in Kurdistan. the greatest danger that representatives and this ready for dire situations and An accountable and transpa¬ awaits the Kurdish political upcoming election provides even for wars. A strong rent political entity which actors in the near future. a unique opportunity for the democracy and prosperous basis its relation with the Once the trust of individuals actors to assume a new plat¬ relations between the masses masses on democratic unity towards the state apparatus form for this. in Kurdistan and the KRG rather than a ruler-ruled is decomposed, the chances and all other political parties mentality can realize volun of political actors' initiating

PMPIE -i^ëi 02 May 2009

KRG reaffirms commitment to human rights

On the back of crucial Amnesty International Report, KRG makes pledges

By The Kurdish Globe lated to the detention authori¬ by this. At the same time, we ties and the government minis¬ emphasized the need to ensure tries. He assured the organiza¬ that women's human rights

The Prime Minister of tion of his determination to defenders are fully involved in Kurdistan Region of Iraq, ensure that the Asayish and all stages of developing and 9 ^ iif Nechirvan Barzani, expressed other security agencies are implementing policies to end his strong commitment to made fully accountable under violence, discrimination and to K human rights in a meeting witli tlie imminent law. increase life opportunities for Amnesty International in the Amnesty International's women and girls.» city of Erbil on Thursday. report also outlined a number Meanwhile, tlie Kurdistan Amnesty International's of recent improvements in the Regional Government's (KRG) KRG Coordinator to the UN Dr. visit to the Kurdistan Region region, including the release of UN coordinator, Dindar Zebari, Dindar Zebari comments on a follows the recent publication hundreds of long-term political denied the existence of secret recent Amnesty Intemational of its report, Hope and Fear: detainees in 2008 and legal prisons or political prisoners in report during a press conference Human rights in the Kurdistan reforms affecting the status of the Kurdistan Region, adding on Erbil, April 29. GLOBE Region of Iraq. women and media freedoms. that a senior committee has PHOTO/Safîn Hamed The report had stated that The Prime Minister assured been set up to examine the security forces in Iraq's autono¬ Amnesty International that he Amnesty International report rights in the region, had started mous Kurdistan Region operate along with his government are on human rights in the region. its works on Wednesday. outside the rule of law and committed to stamping out so- "No one has been arrested After publication of regularly abuse their authority. called honour crimes and to without a court order. The Amnesty Intemational rejwrt, It detailed many cases of peo¬ ensuring that women are affor¬ doors of our prisons are always Massoud Barzani, President of ple who were arbitrarily detai¬ ded effective protection against open to international organiza¬ Kurdistan Region, decided to ned by Asayish (security) offi¬ violence, including within the tions?" Zebari said in a press form the committee in order to cials, tortured or forcibly disap¬ family. conference held in Erbil city, examine Uie rejrort. peared. « Kurdistan Regional April 29tli. "Kurdistan Region presi¬ At tlie meeting, Prime Govemment has taken positive According to Zebari, dency considers the reports as a Minister Barzani said tliat a human rights steps in recent Amnesty International did not very important report," said new law was being prepared to years,» said Malcolm Smart, adequately reflect tlie positive Hussein, "the presidency is make tlie Asayish accountable Director of Amnesty aspects in die region, including keen to solve all the violations to tlie Council of Ministers, International's Middle East and an improvement in tlie situation inside the security establish¬ tliough the timetable for this North Africa Programme and of women. ments." was still unclear. head of the organization's dele¬ Kurdistan Region The Prime Minister told gation in the Kurdistan Region. Presidency Chief of Staff, Fuad Amnesty International tliat he «In particular, it has put in Hussein, stated tliat the senior had personally read the report place concrete measures to committee, which has been set and that he had instructed that combat violence against up to examine tlie Amnesty its recommendations be circu women, and we are heartened Intemational report on human Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti yipAssodatedP.^ New candidate emerges among Iraq's Kurds

May 2, 2009 / By YAHYA BARZANJI / law for their semiautonomous region. For Associated Press Writer that, they need a new parliament.

The Kurds separated from the rest of Iraq after rising up against Saddam Hussein in SULAIMANIYAH, Iraq (AP) - Time for 1991, aided by a U.S. -British no-fly zone "Change" for Iraq's Kurds? A new, indepen¬ that helped keep the dictator at bay. dent candidate is taking up the slogan to woo Iraqi Kurds disenchanted over the two- ^' PUK is one of the two main parties domi¬ party political divide in their oil-rich semi- nating the regional government, along autonomous region in northern Iraq. with the Democratic Party of Kurdistan. The two parties are also thought to pull Nosherwan Mustafa, a former deputy leader all the strings in the region's daily and co-founder of Iraqi President Jalal ^ affairs, including businesses and com¬ Talabani's party, the Patriotic Union of , merce. Kurdistan, says he plans to head a political ,

group of independents called "Change" in .4 ^ Mustafa broke away three years ago. the region's upcoming parliamentary elec¬ Other senior PUK officials followed suit tions. more recently, citing anger over corrup¬ tion, a lack of financial transparency and Tired of the Kurdish two-party dominance private militias maintained by some and unable to push through reforms within the PUK, members. Mustafa told The Associated Press he wants to draw in those unhappy with the current political struggle. Senior PUK member Saadi Ahmed Pera expressed confi¬ dence that Kurds would vote for the established parties. "The old politicians and the dominating traditional parties are not interested in making change in Kurdistan," "The people of Kurdistan are very smart and will never Mustafa said. "They want to keep things as they are." risk their future by voting for new lists. The people trust the Kurdish leaders and parties who have carried out "We want to change this political system," said Mustafa, many reforms over the past years," he said, calling on the adding he would campaign on promises to battle corrup¬ groups to join forces against corruption. tion and improve the lives of the region's population. But whether Mustafa - a 65-year-old who had stood by A date for the parliamentary elections has not been set, Talabani for 40 years - can draw enough votes to become but the vote - the first in the territory since 2005 - is a power-broker in the assembly remains to be seen. expected to be held by mid-July. There are about 2.5 mil¬ lion registered voters, according to the electoral commis¬ "The two parties are controlling the police and media and sion. we fear that this my affect the elections," Mustafa said. "But we think that the will of the people will prevail in Mustafa is among a wave of independent Iraqi politicians the end." trying to break the hold of religious parties and other tra¬ ditional power brokers in Iraq by tapping into frustration Some Iraqi Kurds believe that Mustafa - who is popular felt by Kurds and many Iraqis over perceived failures of both for his frankness and personal wealth - will add the current administrations. weight to the independents' bloc.

The trend was evident in the Jan. 31 provincial elections "There will be strong competition," said Reben Herdi, 43. held in areas outside the semiautonomous Kurdish region "The region will witness a real election that will enable in the north. The hopefuls had mixed results. the voters to make a choice."

Youssef al-Haboubi, who ran as a single candidate rather Others, such as 36-year-old attorney Othman Ahmed, than on a party ticket with multiple candidates in Karbala, believe the Kurds' "main problem is the absence of real won the most votes but failed to gain the governorship. opposition: both parties are partners in sharing the wealth and dividing the homeland." Instead, other parties formed an alliance and chose a member of the group loyal to Prime Minister Nouri al- "I will not vote for those who are part of the government," Maliki. Al-Haboubi said he would work to improve servi¬ Ahmed said. "I will vote for new faces." ces from his post as second deputy to the governor. The Kurds have long been at odds with Iraq's central Salah al-Rekhayis, one of an estimated 2 million Iraqis government over what the authorities in Baghdad see as with African roots, also ran in the southern province of their persistent attempts to project influence beyond the Basra, calling himself the "Iraqi Obama." borders of their region and expand the boundaries of their authority. He was so impressed with President Barack Obama's cam¬ paign and victory that he created a small party called the The disputes have threatened to revive bitterness between Movement of Free Iraqis and ran under its banner. He lost Iraq's Arab majority and the long-oppressed Kurdish but his group has already created a list of potential black minority and could also stoke tension and hinder national candidates to run in the next Iraqi elections. reconciliation.

The vote for a new Ill-seat Kurdish National Assembly comes amid increased infighting among the ethnic mino¬ rity as the political landscape shifts in Iraq ahead of the expected withdrawal of U.S. forces by the end of 201 1 .

Kurds did not go to the polls to choose provincial coun¬ cils on Jan. 31 because of the need for a separate election Revue de Presse-Press Revieiv-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

Ss^ Student Operated Press -A

Mullen Warns Iraq About Arab-Kurd Hostilities

By Jim Garamone / Armed Forces any solution to the PKK problem with Turkey, but

Information Services be a political one. The PKK is a radical Kurdish

group launching tenorist attacks inside neighbo¬

ring Turkey. ERBIL, Iraq - Iraqi Kurds and Arabs must com¬

promise to realize the full polenlial of the counuy,

Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said during a visit here Development is key to the region^s future, Mullen today. said. >#^l' The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff met with This is the civilian face of the Iraq surge, Lucy the president and prime minister of the Kurdistan Tamlyn, the chief of tlie Regional Reconstruction Regional Government areas in Iraq. He also visi¬ Team, said to Mullen. ted the U.S. Regional Reconstruction Team for the

area. Tamlyn is an economic officer for the State

Department. Her most recent assignment before Mullen said there have been tense times between taking the job was in the African nation of Chad. Kurds and Arabs in Iraq, but that any disagree¬ Now she is in charge of development for the three ments must be worked out. Cool heads must pre¬ Hussein in 2003, she said. This means that team provinces that make up the Kurdistan Regional vail, the chairman said. members are able to work closely with Kurdish Govemment " Erbil, Dahuk and Sulamaniyah. officials on projects across the region. They are An outbreak of violence between the peshmerga Unlike the more well-known provincial recons¬ also able to U^ain and mentor Kurdish Regional (anncd Kurdish fighters) and the Iraqi security truction teams in the rest of Iraq and in Govemment officials. forces would adversely impact the progress the Afghanistan, there are no U.S. servicemembers on counu-y has made, and 1 told the Kurdish leaders Erbil is a booming city in the U-aditional sense. the team, although they work with American ser¬ that, Mullen said during tlie meeting with recons¬ There are many new buildings and ground has vicemembers based in the region. truction team. They know this must not be allo¬ been cleared for even more. Shops are modem and

wed to happen. The civilian workforce manages a large portfolio clean and there are road construction projects

of projects aimed at improving life in the three throughout the city. The oil-rich city of Kirkuk is a flash point between provinces. the regional govemment and the national govem¬ It gels more primitive out(side) of the cities, but

ment. There have been confrontations between the The Kurds like us and they don't want us to leave, that is part of the process as we move forward,

peshmerga and Iraqi security forces " most Tamlyn said. We~re working with the Kurds on Tamlyn said.

recently in February " but they have no escalated goals they have set including essential services, The U.S. team is helping die Kurds build the infra¬ to violence. rule of law issues and developing the private sec¬ structure which includes water projects, elecu-icity tor. The group also has a strong public diplomacy Mullen was struck by tlie willingness to discuss and the oil and gas infrastructure. outreach effort. and compromise from President Massoud Barzani

in his meeting. The president also told Mullen that The area is peaceful and has been a permissive

environment " since the overthrow of Saddam

REUTERS i Iraqi president says will not barter disputed city

SULAIMANIYA, Iraq, / May 3 , 2009 / (Reutere) -

Iraqi President Jalal Talabani said on Sunday the country's Kurdish

minority would not give up their bid for control of the disputed oil

region of Kirkuk.

Speaking alongside Massoud Barzani, president of the largely autono¬ ^

mous northern Kurdistan region, Talabani, a Kurd, was asked if Kurds

would be willing to trade control of etlmically-mixed Kirkuk for any¬ thing else. :? "Article 140 is a constitutional and lawful article. No one can violate

the law or constitution ... 1 will never be ready to trade Kirkuk for any¬

thing. Tliere will be no bargaiiiing with Kirkuk," he said.

Arricle 140 of Iraq's 2005 constitution calls for several steps to address report not yet comment on

the dispute over Kirkuk, a volatile mix of Kurds, Arabs and Turkmen, Tensions are ninning Irigh in Kirkuk, where Arabs and minority including a referendum. Turkmen and Kurds view one another suspiciously after decades of

Tlie United Nations handed the Iraqi government a report last month bloodshed, political manoeuvring and hardship. that it hopes will help end decades of deadlock over Kirkuk, wliich Saddam Hussein, a Sunni Arab ousted by the U.S.-Ied hwasion of Iraq sits on as much as 4 percent of the world's oil. in 2003, moved Arabs to tlie city en masse in order to dilute Kurdish

Tire report contained four options to overcome disputes over control influence. After Kurds gahred control of the provincial government in of Kirkuk and recommendations on 14 other contested areas in nor¬ 2003, Kurds have flooded back and Arabs now complain they have thern Iraq. Tlie options, all of wlnidi treat the provmce as a single unit, tipped the balance too far the other way.

were not made public. As violence between once-dominant Sunni and majority Slii'ite Arabs

Barzani said the Kurdish regional government, increasingly estranged subsides, many fear a major tlireat to Iraq's stability now hes along the

from the Shi'ite Arab-led govemment in Baghdad, was studying the line demarcathig Kurdistan from the rest of Iraq.

10 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

LePoin « HUIT INCULPATIONS À LA SUITE DU CARNAGE

6 mai 2009 DANS UN VILLAGE KURDE DE TURQUIE

Par Burak AKINCI, (AFP) Huit personnes

. , ont été inculpées

- - - dans l'enquête sur MARDIN (Ibrquie) Huit personnes ' le massacre de 44 ont été inculpées après le massacre personnes lundi qui a fait 44 morts, dont des enfants et des . . _.,. soir lors d'un femmes enceintes, pendant un mariage ,-».^___~ mariage dans un dans un village kurde du sud-est de la T "'^ ' village kurde du Turquie. sud-est de la Les suspects ont été arrêtées peu _., ^ .. Turquie, a après l'attaque du village de Bilge, lundi ' ^ annoncé mercredi soir dans la province de Mardin, a précisé l'agence de presse le gouverneur de la province, Hasan turque Anatolie, Duruer, cité par l'agence Anatolie. , citant un respon- Parmi les inculpés figure un adoles¬ - - ... sable. cent de 14 ans, a ajouté M. Duruer qui n'a pas donné de précisions sur les charges lage. C'est important. Nous sommes en "Bien que retenues contre les prévenus mais a train d'évaluer la question", a déclaré le nous soyons innocents, ils (les villageois) signalé que ceux-ci avaient choisi de gar¬ ministre à Ankara. nous accusent. Si les gendarmes ne sont der le silence pendant les interrogatoires. pas là, ils vont nous tuer. Nous ne som¬ Plus de 60.000 civils kurdes sont Deux autres personnes étaient tou¬ armés et payés par l'Etat depuis 1985 mes plus en sécurité, nous devons émi- jours interrogées par les forces de sécu¬ pour aider les forces de sécurité à com¬ grer", a déclaré un des fuyards, Ahmet rité, selon Anatolie. Celebi, cité par l'agence. battre le PKK, en lutte contre le régime Le massacre, selon des témoins, a eu turc depuis 1984. M. Atalay a affirmé que les forces de lieu au cours d'une cérémonie de mariage sécurité avaient fait la lumière sur l'af¬ La dissolution de cette milice a été dans le village. Les assaillants ont réclamée à plusieurs reprises d'autant faire, mais a refusé de donner des détails. mitraillé à l'arme automatique les habi¬ "Il y a eu une succession d'événements au que, de l'aveu même des autorités, les tants de plusieurs maisons avant de pren¬ fil des ans, qui ont conduit à l'attaque. Il y miliciens sont régulièrement impliqués dre la fuite à la faveur de la nuit et d'une dans des affaires de drogue ou de viols. a eu une raison importante qui a accéléré tempête de sable. le processus", a-t-il déclaré. Selon Anatolie, citant un travailleur Parmi les victimes figurent la jeune Plus tôt dans la journée, relatant un social, environ 70 enfants ont perdu au mariée, son époux, les parents ainsi que entretien avec un des rescapés de la tue¬ moins un de leurs parents dans le massa¬ la petite soeur de ce dernier, âgée de qua¬ rie, M. Atalay avait signalé que l'homme tre ans, et l'imam du village. cre. avait fait état, comme mobile possible du Le Croissant-Rouge turc a annoncé Le ministre turc de l'Intérieur, Besir massacre, de "jalousies qui s'accumu¬ dans un communiqué l'envoi de huit psy¬ Atalay, a déclaré mercredi à la presse que laient depuis longtemps" entre familles. chologues à Bilge pour soutenir les survi¬ plusieurs "gardiens de village", une milice Le gouverneur de Mardin a pour sa vants. kurde payée par le gouvemement pour part estimé que l'attaque n'était pas la lutter avec l'armée contre les rebelles kur¬ Les forces de sécurité ont établi un conséquence d'une vendetta mais "d'ini¬ des du Parti des travailleurs du Kurdistan cordon de sécurité autour des maisons mitiés, de jalousies et de conflits d'inté¬ (PKK), figuraient parmi les prévenus. des proches des prévenus pour empêcher rêts". d'éventuelles représailles, ce qui n'a pas "Il y a des gardiens de village aussi Selon des témoignages recueillis par empêché le départ de plusieurs familles, bien parmi les victimes que parmi les l'AFP, une dette entre familles serait à craignant pour leurs vies, a rapporté assaillants. Les armes utilisées sont celles l'origine du drame. Anatolie. qui ont été remises aux gardiens de vil

TIRS IRANIENS DE MORTIER CONTRE L'IRAK: 5 TUES, DES OBUS

AfP TOMBENT EN TURQUIE (OFFICIEL)

DIYARBAKIR (Turquie), 11 mai 2009 (AFP) Les obus ont atten'i "par erreur" dans une région montagneuse déserte près de Yuksekova, à l'intersection des frontières turque, iranienne et irakienne,

- Cinq rebelles Kurdes ont été tués lors de tirs de mortier iraniens dimanche ajoute le communiqué.

soir contre le nord de l'Irak, ont affirnné lundi les autorités turques qui ont fait Des milliers de militants du PKK, en lutte ouverte contre le gouvemement état de neuf obus tombés en territoire turc lors de cette attaque, sans faire de d'Ankara, et du PJAK sont réfugiés dans les montagnes du nord de l'Irak. victimes. Les artilleries iranienne et turque bombardent régulièrement cette zone. "Un total de neuf obus de mortier sont tombés en territoire turc lors des tirs L'aviation turque frappe aussi fréquemment la région avec l'aide de rensei¬ survenus dimanche soir depuis l'Iran dans une opération anti-ten'oriste contre gnements fournis par les Etats-Unis, alliés de la Turquie au sein de l'Otan. des cibles dans le nord de l'Irak' indique un communiqué du gouvernorat de

la province de Hakkari, dans l'extrême sud-est de la Turquie. Le PKK, considéré comme une organisation terroriste par Ankara, les Etats- Unis et l'Union européenne, a lancé en 1 984 une campagne anmée pour obte¬ Les autorités frontalières Iraniennes qui se sont entretenues lundi avec leurs nir l'autonomie du sud-est de la Turquie, une région peuplée majoritairement homologues turques ont fait état de cinq morts dans les rangs du PJAK, orga¬ de Kurdes. Le conflit a fait 44.000 morts. nisation soeur du Parti des travailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK, rebelles kurdes de Turquie) dans l'attaque iranienne, selon le texte.

11 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

44 Killed In Attack In TVirkey; 8 Gunmen Arrested

Authorities Arrest 8 Gunmen Suspected In Attack On Engagement

Ceremony In T\irkey's Southeast >IP Associated Press

BILGE, Turkey, May. 5, 2009 (AP)

K

Turkish security forces on Tuesday detained eight gunmen

suspected of fatally shooting 44 people, many of whom were

praying, at an engagement ceremony in the rural southeast of

the country.

Masked assailants with automatic weapons attacked the cele¬ y bration Monday night in the village of Bilge, near the city of

Mardin, in the deadly outcome of a family feud, the govern¬

ment said. Vendettas occasionally simmer among families in the region, where tribal tics and rivalries can eclipse the power

of the state.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said "the result of a feud /' between two families" had led to the deaths of six children, 17

women and 21 men. He said some suspects had the same family

name as the victims. engagement ceremony.

"The people were killed at a happy event, during a ceremony, Anatolia news agency said the attackers had wanted Sevgi while praying," Erdogan said in his weekly address to ruling Celebi to marry one among their own group of friends or rela¬

party lawmakers in parliament. "The fact that they pointed tives but that her family would not allow it.

guns and massacred children, defenseless people, is atrocious." It cited unnamed villagers as saying there was a dispute bet¬

Reports said the gunmen opened fire as men and women prayed ween the attackers' family and the family of the would-be

in separate rooms in line with tradition in parts of Turkey. groom, and that Celebi's family had resisted pressure to cancel the marriage plans. The dead included the engaged couple, Sevgi Celebi and her fiance Habib Ari, as well as his mother, sister and the Islamic The attack focused attention on a feudal-style system that pre¬ cleric who was presiding over the ceremony. vails in some impoverished parts of Turkey, where tribal lords and clansmen sometimes incite violence to safeguard the clans' Six other people, including Celebi's father, were wounded in honor. the 15-minute attack. Two girls survived after the bodies of slain friends fell on top of them. "No customs and mores can be used as an excuse for this mas¬ sacre," Erdogan said. "This is the painful price we are paying One teenage girl said she lost six members of her family. "I for such customs and mores." heard the shooting and 1 hid in the barn because I was afraid. I

was really afraid," the girl said on television footage released Opposition lawmaker Canan Aritman urged the government to

by Turkey's Dogan news agency. take steps toward eradicating the tribal system, though she did not specify how that should be done. On Tuesday morning, four large earth-movers were seen dig¬ ging graves for victims in the village cemetery. Residents car¬ "It is something that doesn't exist even in the most primitive

ried gravestones and two dozen seated women wept beside a societies," said Aritman, member of a parliamentary panel tree, slapping their legs in grief. investigating so-called "honor killings" within traditional families. Security forces backed by armored vehicles set up checkpoints on roads leading to the village. Authorities also cut telephone Mehmet Besir Ayanoglu, the mayor of Mardin, told Channel 24

communication with Bilge. that he spoke to two survivors, both girls, who said at least two masked men stormed a house where the ceremony took place. Interior Minister Besir Alalay said eight suspects were in cus¬

tody. "They raided the house, we were in two rooms, they opened fire on everyone, they were wearing masks," Ayanoglu quoted "They were caught with their weapons," he said. "The first the girls as saying. The girls said they lay underneath thebodies indications are that it was the result of disputes, of animosity of friends until the attack was over. among relatives, within a family in the village." Seyhmus Balik, whose house is one kilometer (half a mile) Turkish media initially described the gathering as "dugun," a from the village, told AP Television that he heard gunshots. term for a wedding celebration. However, authorities and After a short lull, he heard another round of gunshots, leading media outlets later used the term "nisan," which refers to an him to believe that the gunmen were firing on the injured.

NTV television, citing deputy Gov. Ferhat Ozen, had earlier

,,., . «, ^**>*» said the motive for the attack could be a feud between rival groups of pro-government village guards, who fight alongside Turkish troops against Kurdish rebels. Like many other villa¬

.. v.. ges in the region, Bilge has a number of guards, and weapons 'V -^r^ are abundant in the region. Balik said most village guards had left Bilge at the time of the f*:;> attack to assist Turkish troops in an operation against Kurdish '^^ rebels in a nearby region. f The conflict between government forces and Kurdish guerril¬ las, whose strongholds are in the southeast as well as northern

Iraq, has killed tens of thousands of people since 1984.

12 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

Hurriyet Not after a separate state, DailyNews

7 May 2009 says PKK leader

Karayilan said no trace of that sentiment *.|ir is left today. by Hasan Cemal - Milliyet "I can't be optimistic," he said. "There is no political will in regard to the Kurdish KANDIL, N. Iraq -The [outlawed] \' f' problem. This is a serious problem. Today Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, is no even the generals are speaking diffe¬ longer seeking a separate state, but wants rently, but where is the political will equal rights for Kurds in a united Turkey, Where is the prime minister who said its acting leader has said. V those words in 2005 Where is the

"The PKK is in a better position now. Erdogan who, when he was Istanbul In the past, it wanted an independent r mayor in 1994, prepared a Kurdish report Kurdish state, but that is not the case any and presented it to the leader of his party" which both sides have to forgive each longer," acting PKK leader Murat said Karayilan. other. He also called for a new constitu¬ Karayilan said from the group's base in According to Karayilan, the PKK has tion. the Kandil mountain range in northern changed and today uses armed conflict Iraq. "We want to live in the Republic of "Our desire is that Kurds should be only for legitimate defensive purposes. Turkey as equal and free citizens." able to live their culture freely," said "We are not the PKK of 10 years ago," he

Added Karayilan: "We now say Karayilan, who added that a Kurdish said. "We do not engage in armed conflict 'Democratic Autonomous Kurdistan.' By conference like one held recently in nor¬ using the classic methods. We use armed autonomous, we don't mean a federation. thern Iraq could help lay the groundwork conflict within the limits of legitimate This leaves no need for redrawing borders for a future solution. defense. For the last four years we have and maintains or the unitary nature ofthe Lack of political vrill has left little been in a limited war." state. The local administrative law should resemblance between the Prime Minister The PKK took up arms in 1984 in a be changed and local administrations Recep Tayyip Erdogan of today and the conflict that has claimed thousands of empowered." Erdogan of 2005, said Karayilan, refer¬ lives. Turkey, the United States and the

He said around 17,000 extra judicial ring to remarks the prime minister made European Union list the PKK as a terro¬ murders have been committed against during a speech that year in the southeas¬ rist organization. Kurds and there is an ongoing denial tern city of Diyarbakir. "The Kurdish pro¬ policy. He said the PKK has also engaged blem is our problem too," Erdogan said. in some improper acts and that is why a "The state too has committed mistakes on community-outreach project is needed, in this subject and they will be rectified."

U.S. fears violence ahead of Kurdistan

May 6 , 2009 regional elections

BY CORINNE REILLY AND LAITH HAMMOUDI by Iraqi President Jalal Talabani. MrcLÀTCHYNEWSPÀipiÊ^^^^ Recently, some Kurds have begun demanding a shift from the two-party system, and many expect new challengers to take

BAGHDAD Iraq's semi-autonomous northern region of seats this year. "We're afraid this election will witness violence and clashes Kurdistan will hold parliamentary elections on July 25, offi¬ between those competing for power," said Sardashat Aziz, a 24- cials said Tuesday. year-old schoolteacher from the Kurdish city of Sulaymaniyah. Tensions between the Kurdish regional govemment and "The electoral map is different this time ... (The KDP and the Iraq's central govemment in Baghdad have been rising, and PUK) aren't ready to give up their authority." U.S. officials have said they fear the disputes could escalate into Ijocal and intemational observers will be invited to ensure armed conflict. that the balloting is carried out fairly and without fraud, al- None of Iraq's three mostly Kurdish provinces held elec¬ Mudaras said. tions in January, when the rest of Iraq chose new provincial Regional parliament members serve four-year terms and are councils, and the July elections could help further the Kurds' slated to choose a new Kurdish president soon after they take efforts to control their northern territory and the revenues from office. Iraq's northern oil fields. The last time Kurdistan voters went to the polls was in 2005, Roughly 2.5 million people are eligible to vote in the elec¬ and Kurdish parliamentary elections were initially scheduled tions, though registration is ongoing, said Musab al-Mudaras, a for this month but were delayed after officials said they needed spokesman for Iraq's Independent High Electoral Commission. more time to prepare. Voters won't vote for individual candidates, al-Mudaras Kurdistan has remained fairly peaceful for the past six said. Instead, they will choose from the 42 political parties that years, though separatist rebels in the region's northern moun¬ have registered to run. Winning parties will decide whom to tains routinely fight with Turkey and Iran. In recent days, Iran name to the regional parliament's III seats after the election has launched air strikes into northern Kurdish villages where results are announced. rebels from the Kurdistan Workers' Party live and train. For decades, two parties have dominated Kurdistan's poli¬ tics: the Kurdistan Democratic Party, led by Kurdish President Massoud Barzani, and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, headed

13 Revue de Presse-Press Revieiv-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

United Nations Development Programme- MAY 7 , 2009

u N UNDP to aid Kurdistan Region Government D P

Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan - UNDP-Iraq launched a three-year 4.5-mil- to accelerate much-needed structural reforms aimed at diversifying

lion US dollar project in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan, on Wfednesday to sup¬ the economy and stimulating the growth of the non-oil private sec¬

port the budget planning and execution capacities of the Kurdistan tor," Mr. Hagona pointed out.

Region Government (KRG). "The crisis calls for more effective management of public resources

"The KRG is at a cross road of its development process. to get better value for money and increase the development impact

Improvements in the political and security situation over the past few of public spending. The KRG Action Plan for Regional Public Finance

years have made it possible to step up its reconstruction efforts," said Management provides the right tool to carry out these reforms at the

Mr. Elballa Hagona, Deputy Country Director and Head of right time," he stressed.

Programmes with UNDP-Iraq, adding: UNDP has worked in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region for several decades,

"l-lowever, this process is still fragile and subject to reversal. Like the currently implementing a portfolio of some 20 different development

rest of Iraq, KRG is not insulated from the spill-over effects of the projects there. The many senior KRG officials present at the cere¬

global financial crisis and economic recession." mony thanked the UN agency for its continued support of the region's

development. Mr. Hagona made the remarl

ject, which was attended by over 200 participants, including several "I would like to thank UNDP for their good work. Iraq has great finan¬

KRG ministers and high-level officials from the central Iraqi govern¬ cial, natural and human resources. It is rich in oil and water. Most of

ment, as well as senior officials from the UN, W/orid Bank and donor the revenue comes from oil, but for Iraqis to be able to benefit from

countries. this, we need to prioritize the execution of our budget," Mr. Baez

Saeed Mohammed, KRG Minister of Finance, noted in his speech. A key part of the new project is the implementation of the Action Plan

for Regional Public Finance Management, which was adopted at the Currently, the capacity-building project is only partially funded

ceremony. The aim of the Action Plan is to strengthen the efficiency, through a donation of some 850,000 US dollar from UNDP's own

effectiveness and transparency of the regional ministries' budget funds, a 500,000 US dollar contribution from KRG authorities, and

execution and enhance the delivery of public services in the three about two million US dollars from the Worid Bank. UNDP and the KRG

northern Iraqi governorates. It is being implemented alongside a government hope to get additional support from the international

similar and wider effort across Iraq at the national level. donor community to meet the funding gap.

The Kurdistan Region Government receives 97 percent of its budget In 2008 UNDP delivered 88.7 million US dollars in aid to Iraq, brin¬

from the central government in Baghdad, which again derives 86 per¬ ging the total for the five-year 2004-08 period to over 4SI million US

cent of its income from the petroleum sector. The recent sharp dollars.

decline in global oil prices has forced steep budget cuts on both the

central and KRG authorities.

"Instead of a threat, the current crisis should provide an opportunity

"The Kurdistan! list" is tlie name of

Aswat ai-lraq I PUK& KDP joint list t I I I I IIISBSH I

May 8, 2009 tical powerhouse that has alarmed PUK lea¬

ders.

Erbil-Hewler, Kurdistan region 'Iraq', The Nawshirwan Mustafa, a former deputy leader and co-founder of Iraqi President Jalal two main Kurdish parties announced officially Talabani's party,www.ekurd.net the Patriotic on Thursday that they will run In the forthco¬

ming parliamentary elections on one list, Union of Kurdistan, says he plans to head a political group of Independents called according to an official In charge of elections "Change" In the region's upcoming parliamen¬ in Iraqi President Jalal Talabani's Patriotic

Union (PUK) of Kurdistan. tary elections.

"The PUK and the Kurdistan Democratic ftirty "We want to change this political system," said Mustafa, adding he would campaign on promi¬ (KDP) have registered their alliance on ses to battle corruption and improve the lives of Thursday at the Independent Higher Electoral l^rWAtfJJ JJ g ^^A^A^ Commission (IHEQ in Erbil to participate in the the region's population.

parliamentary elections under one list called

the Kurdistan List," Shorsh Ismail said In a press "The Kurdistani list" is the name of

conference attended by Aswat al-lraq news PUK& KDP joint list.

agency.

council elections in January, will oversee the Iraqi Kurdistan Region President Massoud vote and has certified 41 political entities, with Barzani's KDP and Talabani's PUK had allied one final application pending. with several other Kurdish parties on one list

during the 2005 legislative elections, where Those registered include a breakaway faction

they gained majority in parliament. from the PUK, the "Change" list led by

Talabani's former deputy Nawshirwan Mustafa. The lndef)endent High Electoral Commission of His is a rare challenge to the decades-old p>oli- Iraq, which supervised the country's provincial

14 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

Voice ofAmerica 08 May 2009

The Question of Kurdistan: Where Will It Lead?

By Judith Latham / Washington Government In Iraq) is the main reason

for Washington's opposition to Kurdish

independence. Were It not for that, he The U.S. Secretary of Defense blames al- says, "The United States would have Qalda for a recent increase In violence In been very happy to see a friendly, Inde¬ 'r. Iraq that has sparked sectarian strife. pendent Kurdistan in the north of Iraq." And as the United States reduces Its mili¬ Nonetheless, several members of what tary forces In Iraq, Robert Gates says it Williams calls the "foreign policy elite" will be increasingly important to monitor have suggested partitioning Iraq "bet¬ the contentious relationship there bet¬ ween Arabs and Kurds - and amongst the ween Arabs and Kurds. Arabs between the ShI'a and Sunnls." He says "This dispute, which has been bre¬ Tensions between Arabs and Kurds in r Iraq have been rising over a number of wing for a century, was exacerbated by

issues, including oil policy and the status the U.S.-Ied Invasion of Iraq and how the of disputed territories such as the oil-rich war was subsequently conducted." Iraqi President Jalal Talabani on a visit to the

city of Kirkuk. Kurdish city of Sulaymaniya last year Under the new Iraqi Constitution establi¬

A British Perspective shed in the aftermath of the 2003 inva¬ sion, the majority Shi'a, the minority "not forget there are four million Iraqi British journalist Ian Williams, who Sunni Arabs, and the minority Iraqi Kurds refugees." And that means, as they reports from the United Nations In New were to share in the governance of Iraq. return, "the situation on the ground will York, says Iraqi Kurds are functionally Ian Williams says even though Iraqi be fluid." Bilbassy says Iraq could des¬ autonomous but have not given up their Kurds do not speak publically about their cend into chaos, which could in turn pro¬ dream of eventual Independence - some¬ ultimate political goal, "their desire for voke a civil war. "The problem with the thing opposed by both the United States Independence has not abated at all." Kurds is that, although they have all the and Turkey. He explains the Iraqi Kurds According to Williams, it would be foolish ingredients to make them a nation and a are competing with the Sunni Arabs for for any Kurdish political leader to say the state, their interest in being a state goes control over the cities of Kirkuk and Kurds want independence "because that against the Interests of neighboring Mosel. would be an Invitation to Ankara to come countries and other Western powers,

Speaking with host Judith Latham on riding onto them, not to mention giving including the United States," she

VOA's International Press Club, Ian the people in Baghdad an excuse for tel¬ explains.

Williams says the problem goes back to ling them that they are being disloyal." A Kurdish Perspective the history of the formation of Iraq. One Ian Williams says the whole idea of Kurdish journalist Asos Ahmed Hardi Is of the reasons the British abandoned basing states on homogenous ethnic and the director of Awena (Mirror) Company, their pledge to a Kurdish state at the end religious groups is a West European Idea which publishes a weekly newspaper in of World War I, he notes, was because of that has "poisoned every area it has Sulaymaniya. He says just this week it their concern about continued access to infected." He adds, "Just look at Bosnia. was announced that parliamentary elec¬ oil. "On the same premise," Williams The old Balkan saying on this applies to tions for the Kurdish Regional says, "Saddam Hussein carried out ethnic Iraq as well, 'Why should I be a minority Government will be held on July 25th. He cleansing and cleared the Kurds from in your country when you can be a mino¬ explains the Kurds did not participate In Kirkuk and the surrounding region and rity in mine?'" Iraq's provincial election in January tried to Arabize it." Even after the fall of because their local parliament has to Saddam, there has been little progress In An Arab Perspective draft its own laws for provincial elections. resolving either the status of Kirkuk or Arab journalist Nadia Bilbassy, senior cor¬ the future apportionment of oil revenues According to Asos Ahmed Hardi, the most respondent for the Middle East between the central government In Broadcasting Center, says she thinks the sensitive issue is Kirkuk. "The central Baghdad and the various regions of Iraq, long-awaited referendum on the status of government In Baghdad doesn't want Williams observes. Kirkuk will be postponed Indefinitely. She final negotiations because they know that, if they apply Article 140 of the Iraqi According to Ian Williams, Ankara's notes that the current population of the Constitution and hold a referendum, the strong opposition to a separate Kurdish city is mixed - Kurds, Arabs, Turkmen, majority will vote with the Kurds," he state (as opposed to a Kurdish Regional Assyrian and Chaldean Christians. says. Nadia Bilbassy says both the Sunni Arabs and the Iraqis want to keep it under their Is Civil War a Possibility? <* '^ S control. An Interesting development, Looming over the competing factions in i Bilbassy suggests, is that Iraqi President Iraq is the question of whether the pro¬ ® f Jalal Taliban!, who is Kurdish, has mised withdrawal of American troops will

announced that he will not seek reelec¬ plunge Iraq into a civil war. U.S.

tion. Bilbassy says, "That could further President Barack Obama answered that

complicate the question as to whether question during his surprise visit to

the status of Kirkuk can be solved." And Baghdad last month. He told Iraq's lea¬

worse yet, she adds, it could turn into a ders the U.S. withdrawal will be done res¬

major conflict between the Kurds and the ponsibly and without plunging the coun¬

central government. try Into chaos. But knowing the history of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki (left) Iraq's internal strife between Shi'a and and Kurdistan Regional Govemment Prime The ethnic makeup has changed since Sunni Arabs and Kurds, fulfilling that pro¬ Minister Nechirvan Barzani. Iraqi Kurds the fall of Saddam Hussein, Bilbassy mise will be a difficult challenge.» share in the governance of Iraq under the new notes, and "some areas have been ethni¬ cally cleansed." She warns that we should Iraqi Constitution

15 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

. National Public Radio

May 8, 2009

Arab-Kurd Conflict Deepens In Mosul

By Quil Lawrence Kurds' Painful Memories Of Mosul

Arabs Assert Control

All Things Considered, American troops are A group of Kurdish teenagers plays soccer every scheduled to withdraw from Iraqi cities by the end afternoon in Shaykhan, one of the towns north of of June. But U.S. commanders have expressed Many of Iraq's military commanders during Mosul whose leaders decided to withdraw from concern about security in Iraq's second largest Saddam Hussein's regime came from Mosul. the provincial government. city, Mosul, where ethnic tensions between Arabs After the American invasion, al-Qaida and Sunni and Kurds run high. Shootings and bombings still Arab insurgents made Mosul their haven, and The young men here say they feel free and safe occur almost daily. Sunni Arabs shunned elections there in 2005. in Kurdistan. They may have been swayed by the newly built, fenced-in soccer field with artificial Elections in Mosul in January did not calm the But in January, an Arab nationalist coalition called turf, which, along with all the other services in situation. The new Arab-dominated provincial al-Hadba won elections in the province of 2.6 mil¬ town, came from the Kurdistan regional govem¬ government in Mosul declined to give Kurdish lion people. The previous ruling coalition, domina¬ ment. representatives seats on the cabinet, increasing ted by Kurds, came in second. Despite the split, rancor between the rival groups that threatens to al-Hadba announced that it would not give the For people in these towns, Mosul brings back spread across the north of Iraq. Kurds any cabinet positions in the new govern¬ painful memories of life in the Saddam era, says ment. Khasro Goran, leader of the Kurdish parties in

Sheik Abdullah Ajil al-Yawar, leader of al-Hadba's Mosul.

largest faction, says the Kurds need to respect "We have very bad history with the former gover¬ Iraqi law and respect that voters gave al-Hadba nors. They always excluded Kurds from every¬ the majority. He lives outside Mosul in a palatial thing. It was unable for Kurds to own a house in estate, guarded by tribal fighters In bulletproof this city. They kicked out Kurds from a lot of dis¬ cars. tricts and brought others, especially Arabs, to these areas. They don't want these things [to] be The Kurdish party won only one-third of the votes, repeated again," he says. and al-Yawar defends the decision to shut Kurds

out of the govemment. Goran himself is not relaxed in Mosul; his own guards are visibly nen/ous as they move around "How many states in the United States did not the city, passing Arab-controlled police check¬ vote for Obama?" he asks. Can people who voted points. When Goran's Kurdish party list won the for John McCain say, "We will not listen to Obama elections here last time, they put Arabs in top because we did not elect him?" positions, he says, because they knew Arabs ,.Vt.' were the real majority.

Kurds Pull Out Of Provincial Govemment Now, the Arab-led provincial government must include some Kurds, Goran says.

But winner-takes-all politics have not gone over "When we are not there, who will solve the pro¬ well. The 12 elected members of the Kurdish blem? By force? This is the only way that they can Sheik Abdullah Ajil al-Yawar is one of the coalition walked out of the 37-member council. solve the problems," he says. new power brokers in Mosul's provincial When al-Hadba still didn't budge, they went fur¬ govemment. He is the leader of the largest ther faction in al-Hadba, the Arab nationalist Kurd-Arab Conflict Continues The mayors from several Kurdish-majority dis¬ coalition that won in January's provincial tricts around Mosul gathered April 20 to announce elections. that they will no longer participate in the provincial But Goran doubts the two sides will find peace in government effectively, they seceded. Mosul. He says tens of thousands of Kurds have already fled the city. Goran thinks the only solu¬ Anti-Kurdish violence also has prompted most of tion is the referendum stipulated in the Iraqi those mayors to stay away from Mosul. The constitution that will allow the disputed towns to mayors have a stronger relationship with the join the Kurdish region. neighboring Kurdistan autonomous region in nor¬

1 thern Iraq, which would like to annex their terri¬ Al-Yawar, al-Hadba's leader, disagrees. He says tory. The Iraqi constitution provides for a referen¬ none of the people on the Kurdish list are fit for t tt.M i. ^ dum on sucfi disputed territories, but politics in the government in Mosul. He says their true alle¬ M the Mosul region would make such a referendum giance is to the Kurdish region. difficult, if not impossible. "There is no future if they keep pushing, 'This land Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki recently for me, this land for me.' It is not a piece of cake. appealed for inclusion of Kurds alongside Arabs All Iraq for all the Iraqis, not for the Arab or Shiite in the provincial government. The new al-Hadba Kurdish teens in Shaykhan play soccer on a or Sunni or Kurd or Turkoman," he says, refening governor says talks with the Kurds have been new field provided by the Kurdistan govern¬ to Iraq's major ethnic and sectarian groups. postponed indefinitely. ment. Their town is one of many that has

decided to pull out of the new Arab-domina¬

ted provincial council in Mosul.

16 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ozeti

Kurds say will launch oil exports, REUTERS :$ Iraq denies

BAGHDAD, May 8 , 2009 - (Reuters) -

By Waleed Ibrahim

* Exportsfrom Taivkefield to start June 1 - regional govt ,. V#-î>

* Kurdish deputy PM: no export without Baghdad a greement . * Baghdad says there is no deal with Kurds to export (Adas Kurdish deputy PM, lawmaker, edits) ,( l-l ffiiiijik-

IRAQ'S largely autonomous Kurdish region said on Friday it would start exporting oil next month, but the Oil Ministry in Baghdad cast doubt on the plan, denying it had given them permission to use national pipelines.

The Kurdistan Regional Govemment (KRG) heralded the start on June 1 of oil exports from the Tawke field, saying they help Iraq double daily output from around 2.3-2.4 million bpd would start at an initial rate of 60,000 barrels per day (bpd). now. But he has been criticised for not moving more quickly to raise production with shorter term deals. Shares in DNO International (DNO.OL: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), the Oslo-listed firm developing Tawke, 'The Kurds ... are basically saying: 'there is crude to be expor¬ surged on the news, up more than 18 percent on the day. ted if you allow us to do that'," Ciszuk said. "The audience is Iraqi parliament and ... by making this fight overt they are Natural Resources Minister Ashti Hawrami also said that trying to foment support in parliament and (from) all who are 40,000 bpd of exports from another field, Taq Taq, would begin, critical of Shahristani and his oil policies." travelling by truck and through an Iraq-Turkey export pipeline. Iraq has the world's third largest oil reserves, but it desperately But the Iraqi Oil Ministry in Baghdad denied that the central needs investment to boost output and repair infrastructure government, vi^hich has long refused Kurdistan permission to damaged by decades of sanctions, war and neglect. export via the national pipeline, had agreed to this. The country, which relies on oil imports for more than 95 per¬ "So far no deal has been concluded between the two parties," cent of its state revenues, needs exports more than ever as it ministry spokesman Asim Jihad told Reuters, but he declined faces a budget crisis due to the plunge in oil prices. to say whether such a deal could be reached by June. Baghdad's pipeline position has meant oil from Kurdistan, lar¬ Other officials in Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's ruling Shi'ite gely independent since 1991, has gone only to supply a small Arab-led government could not be reached for comment. Kurdish market. Small amounts have been smuggled abroad. "The govemment of Kurdistan will not export the oil without Kurdish officials, who estimate reserves of at least 40-45 billion the approval of the government of Iraq," Kurdistan Deputy barrels in the area now recognised as Kurdistan, have also Prime Minister Imad Ahmed told Reuters, casting doubt on the struck deals with other firms including Addax Petroleum. plan. Those contracts are deemed illegal by the Oil Ministry. The long-running feud over oil is part of a larger dispute bet¬ ween Maliki's govemment and Iraq's Kurds, one that has held "Everything is in deadlock," said Mahmoud Othman, a Kurdish up national energy legislation and cast a shadow over a coun¬ lawmaker from Baghdad's parliament. "I blame both sides, but try struggling to emerge from six years of sectarian bloodshed. more the central govemment because the ball is in their court. They should take initiative. They don't seem to be in a hurry."

British oil explorer Heritage Oil said on Wednesday it had LOOMING KURD-ARAB FEUD found up to 4.2 billion barrels of oil in Kurdistan. Ciszuck said Hawrami said Iraq's State Oil Marketing Organisation that may have emboldened the KRG. (SOMO), controlled by the Oil Ministry, would handle the oil Growing Kurd-Arab tensions raise fears that the divide over sales. energy resources could feed renewed conflict even as the vio¬ 'The exported crude oil from both fields will be marketed by lence unleashed by the 2003 invasion subsides. (SOMO) and the revenue will be deposited to the federal Iraq Arabs reject Kurdish ambitions to absorb the oil-rich region of account for the benefit of all Iraqi people," Hawrami said. Kirkuk, home to Kurds, Arabs and Turkmen, into Kurdistan. That was news to Falah Alamri, who heads SOMO.

"So far we are not aware of anything like this. Normally we receive instructions about such things from the oil minister, but we haven't gotten anything from him," he told Reuters.

Samuel Ciszuk, an analyst at MS Global Insight in London, said the announcement could be an attempt to increase pres¬ sure on the Oil Ministry from its many critics in parliament, so that it moves more quickly to boost oil production.

Iraqi Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahristani is seeking long-term contracts with the world's largest oil firms, which he hopes will

17 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

institute for war & peace reporting ^ Mayïïr2009

Iraqi Kurds Yield to

Rights Pressure ©GO

OFFICIALS pledge to rein in security forces following inter¬ '[2 national scrutiny of abuse allegations.

By Frman Abdulrahman, Rebaz Mahmud and Roman Zagros in Sulaimaniyah Prison had no place in Melko Abbas Mohammed's plans.

"Someone who becomes a terrorist will do so knowing their actions could put them in jail," he said. "I wanted to become a lawyer or a teacher."

The 22-year-old was taking evening classes at a high school when he was arrested in March 2008 in the Iraqi Kurdish city IWPR's inquiries into Melko's case indicate he has strong of Sulaimaniyah. He was released in February this year after grounds to seek redress for his treatment by the security ser¬ being cleared of involvement in a deadly car-bomb attack on vices. one of the cit)''s upmarket hotels.

Melko was arrested along with his 60-year-old mother nine During his time in custody, Melko says he was beaten with days after a bombing at the Sulaimaniyah Palace Hotel that cables, given electric shocks, suspended by his limbs and pla¬ left two people dead and dozens injured. Their arrests coinci¬ ced in solitary confinement. ded with the Kurdish festival of Newroz, celebrated annually with a ritual lighting of bonfires. Talking to IWPR more than two months after his release, he appears distracted, at times widening his eyes and gesturing "My mother and I were good news for the security services - helplessly, as if words alone cannot convey his message. we were the wood for their bonfire," he said. Hours after the arrest, the Asayish presented photographs of Melko and his "I live in a country where the law questions only the weak. I mother at a televised press conference about the bombing. am not happy, though I am free. 1 fear I will be arrested again," he said. Melko's brother, Nahro Abbas Mohammed, learnt of the arrests from a Kurdish TV station in Switzerland, where he Melko's case is one of several listed by the London-based was living at the time. Alarmed to hear his family described as pressure group Amnesty International in a recent report accu¬ terrorists, he returned to Sulaimaniyah and began working for sing security services in Iraqi Kurdistan of abusing human their release. rights.

Melko says he too learnt only indirectly of the exact accusa¬ While praising recent improvements in the region's rights tions against him. Several weeks into his incarceration, he was record. Amnesty says people continue to be tortured and held eating his meal from a newspaper on the floor of his prison for years without charge in its prisons. cell, when he saw his photograph in an article about the hotel attack. The leadership of the Kurdistan Regional Government, KRG, has responded to the report with a pledge to make its security According to Amnesty, he was tortured repeatedly in prison. services, known as the Asayish, more accountable under a At one point, he reportedly required medical attention after a new law. Amnesty has given a guarded welcome to the series of electric shocks prevented him from urinating for pledge, saying it hopes the "positive" words will be backed several days. up by action.

In November 2008, Melko and his mother were part of a Some Kurdish officials attacked the report when it was relea¬ group of eight suspects brought to trial for the attack. Both sed in mid-April, accusing it of malice and distortion. A state¬ were acquitted. Another four individuals were sentenced to ment by the Regional Security Directorate in the Kurdish capi¬ death, including a cousin of Melko's who is alleged to have tal, Erbil, said it rejected Amnesty's accusations as there had been a member of an Islamist group allied to al-Qaeda. been "no human rights violations".

Despite their acquittal, Melko and his mother spent another Omar Abdul-Rahman, a lawyer and member of the KRG par¬ three months in prison and were only released in February liament's human rights committee, said Amnesty had attemp¬ this year. ted to "defame" the region.

Qadir Hama-Jan, the new head of security for Sulaimaniyah "This is an unjust and baseless report. Even if there are some province, told IWPR, "Local security bodies carmot hold shortcomings, they are not as serious as they claim," he said. someone who has been acquitted by the court. Holding peo¬ He said the KRG was building new facilities to compensate ple in such cases is a breach of the law." for a lack of purpose-built prisons. Most prisoners are cur¬ rently kept in converted schools or army barracks. Hama-Jan was not in office at the time of Melko's case. Asked whether Melko could sue over his prolonged detention, he Abdul-Rahman said his committee had investigated allega¬ said, "Let him ask for his right through the court. Whatever tions of torture and abuse but had found no evidence of it, the court decides, we will implement... No one and no appa¬ "The detainees were satisfied. In many prisons, they have ratus is above the law." libraries and computers."

18 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

Hama-Jan also said property confiscated from Mohammed's Kurds". family during the investigation - including a house belonging to his brother - would be returned to them. Aland Mahwi, the director of local NGO Human Rights Information Bank, says the abuses carried out by Kurdish

Said Boumedoha, an Amnesty researcher who worked on the security forces "have largely ruined the Kurdish cause and report into Iraqi Kurdistan, says Hama-Jan's respHjnse is "very image abroad". positive". He also praised the KRG's prime minister, Nechirvan Barzani, for a recent pledge to improve legal over¬ For Melko's brother, Nahro, Iraqi Kurdistan has a long way to sight of the security services. go before it cleans up its act. "If democracy is a school, then we are in first grade," he said.

However, Boumedoha said, "It remains to be seen whether these [words] will be followed by practical steps." He says he does not want anyone to be punished for what hap¬ pened to his brother and his mother in prison.

He says the Asayish interrogators urgently require human rights training and "overnight" improvements in their Instead, he is campaigning for the authorities to publicly methods are unlikely. The "crucial" test, he says, will come if announce their innocence - a move that would restore their they are placed under pressure by another sudden attack. "honour". Right now, he says, the family is still suffering because of the stigma of terrorism.

Thanks partly to its security apparatus, the Iraqi Kurdistan region has avoided the daily terror attacks that have plagued News of Melko's arrest was broadcast widely across Iraqi Iraq for years. However, activists and experts say such stability Kurdistan. But since his release more than two months ago, his need not come at the cost of human rights. family says IWPR is the only media outlet to have interviewed him. Nouri Talabani, an independent deputy and member of the KRG's parliament's legal committee, said there is no justifica¬ Frman Abdulrahman and Rebaz Mahmud are IWPR-trained tion for human rights violations, despite "attempts by neigh¬ reporters. Roman Zagros is an IWPR Iraq editor. bouring countries to destabilise security".

Several experts say the failure to tackle violations by the secu¬ rity forces could ultimately harm Kurdish interests.

Dr Salar Basira, a professor of political sciences at Sulaimaniya University, warned that reports such as the one by Amnesty could lead to "a reduction in international support for the

THE WALL STREET JODRNAL may ii, 2009

Iraq Ends Ban, Allows Kurds to Export Oil

Mr. Jihad didn't say why Baghdad as their assets, a concession Baghdad By HASSAN HAFIDH and had reversed itself, but it is likely hates and thinks is against the natio¬ SPENCER SWARTZ that the central government's need nal interest. for more revenue played a part in its The Kurdish government on decision. The government has sla¬ Sunday welcomed Baghdad's deci¬ AMMAN - The Iraqi federal oil shed its 2009 budget three times sion. ministry said Sunday it will allow because of falling oil prices. Mr. Jihad said the oil ministry's the autonomous Kurdish government Baghdad's acquiescence is also State Oil Marketing Organization in northern Iraq to start exporting welcome news for the small foreign will handle the sale and marketing of crude oil in June to world markets oil companies, including Norway's Kurdish exports, which will be ship¬ after blocking such shipments for the DNO International ASA, that have ped via a major pipeline that snakes past two years. plowed hundreds of millions of dol¬ to a big export terminal in Ceyhan, The Kurds and the central govern¬ lars into finding and producing oil in Turkey. ment, which grants all oil-export Kurdish Iraq but haven't been able to licenses, have been at odds since export a single barrel. 2007 over Iraq's draft hydrocarbons It is unclear whether the start-up law and oil contracts that the Kurds of Kurdish crude exports could help signed with foreign companies. soften hard bargaining positions that Despite those issues being still Baghdad and Erbil, home to the unresolved, Baghdad -- under increa¬ Kurdish government, have adopted sed financial strain because of weak on the draft oil law and the Kurdish oil prices and falling revenue -- will contracts. Iraqi Oil Minister Hussain allow the Kurds to begin exporting al-Shahristani has said in recent days 60,000 barrels a day from June 1 , oil that Baghdad still won't recognize ministry spokesman Assem Jihad the roughly 25 contracts the Kurdish said. "We are agreeing to the government has signed with foreign exports," he said. The Kurds said oil companies. In those deals, the Friday they would start exports Kurds allow companies to book some regardless of the ministry's approval. level of crude reserves they discover

19 Revue de Presse-Press Revieiv-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stmnpn-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

5 mai 2009 La ase tu qu d'Inci lik, eu s ratégi ue amé cain

Dans la politique régionale de M. Obama, le site militaire utilisé par

Washington pourrait jouer un nouveau rôle

L'importance des bases pour l'Afghanistan et i'iralc Un demi-siècle d'existence \ RUSSIE ^°^"" 1951 Construction de la base Inclr-

\^v: lik. La Turquie entre dans l'OTAN. AlUMAtiNt

VMlIÉîBi 1969 Accord de coopération et de défense signé entre Ankara ' et Washington. ni Kvisno ! ITAIIE KAZAKHSTAN \ 1970 Les Américains passent de 35 000 à 16 000 hommes. .' Merfjc;ifP \ : Manas ,u Istanbul '"^o OUZBÉKISTAN 1980 Nouvel accord de coopéra¬ tion économique et de défense. ji;. ':' [\l\\ ^^j^:i , 1 TURKklENiSTAN

2007 Plus de 70 % des avions- '\' Uiflirerraiiee cargos américains à destination hl^kifr °Téhérar1 de l'Irak passent par Incirlik. ,-., B::iG aéîieivie utiiiséc ;. IRAN ''~' jjci les AiïiéiiCdlns 2009 La base compte 4 500 Théâtre d'opérations Américains dont 1 500 soldats. militaires américaines - 500 i(m ARABIE SAOUDITE

renforcerhent des unités américai¬ dit long : « Maisje sais que l'onparle Mais c'est à partir de la première nes en Afghanistan pourrait s'ac¬ d'Incirlik en plus haut lieu. » Une guerre du Golfe (1990-1991) que la compagner prochainement d'une Reportage façon d'évoquer à sa manière l'hy¬ base gagne sa notoriété dans la augmentation du nombre d'ex¬ pothèse d'un retour au premier région. Transformée en quartier

Incirlik, Ankara (Turquie) plan de ce site hautement stratégi¬ perts et de militaires turcs dans la général de l'armée américaine,

Envoyé spécial que pour les Etats-Unis et utilisé, à région. Deux théâtres d'opération Incirlik s'impose comme la rampe maintes reprises, comme formida¬ où « Incirlik continuera de jouer un de lancement des principales offen¬ Pas un avion de combat, plus ble moyen de pression diplomati¬ rôle important », ajoute, d'une for¬ sives militaires et missions de bom¬ un seul transfert de troupes que par les hommes forts d'Aiikara. mule elliptique, la source américai¬ bardement. Capable de gérer deux depuis des mois. Incirlik, la La visite, début mars, de la secré¬ ne, avant de lâcher : « Rien que opérations simultanément, le site

gigantesque base militaire turque taire d'Etat, Hillary Clinton, dans la pour l'Irak, cette base reste vitale sert aussi de point de rotation jwur

utilisée en partie depuis plus d'un capitale turque, et la récente tour¬ pour nos opérations. » l'acheminement d'aide humanitai¬

demi-siècle parl'armée del'airame- née de deux jours du président Construite par les Etats-Unis re aux Kurdes irakiens. ricaine, apparaît bien calme, acco¬ Barack Obama, qualifiée de succès aux premières heures de la guerre Après l'interdiction de survol du

lée à Adana, populeuse métropole par tous les commentateurs, ont froide en raison de son emplace¬ nord de l'Irak imposé en 1991 au du sud du pays. mis en lumière le rôle central ment idéal pour ses bombardiers - régime de Bagdad, plus de 50 % des A peine une demi-douzaine qu'Ankara peut jouer dans la nou¬ une météo dégagée toute l'année, missions américaines dans le mon¬ d'avions cargos de l'US Air Force velle politique régionale américai¬ un rayon d'action couvrant tout le de gravitent, selon la revue A;>for¬ attendent, la gueule ouverte, leur ne. Missions de bons offices avec Moyen-Orient et plaçant Moscou à ce Times, par la Turquie. Un rôle-clé chargement. Même la piscine, le l'Iran, Israël et la Syrie, la Géorgie ; seulement 1 6oo km -, Incirlik n'a qui poussera Oussama Ben Laden à terrain de golf et l'aire de base-bail rencontres tripartites- avec les cessé d'élargir son périmètre d'in¬ placer la base parmi les cibles de semblent abandonnés au soleil chefs d'Etat afghan et pakistanais : tervention. C'est d'ici qu'est venu son organisation, Al-Qaida. triomphant. A l'abri des hauts les Turcs, après les années de ten¬ le soutien aérien pour le déploie¬ L'invasion irakienne, lancée par grillages, parmi les allées pavillon¬ sions liées à l'administration Bush, ment militaire américain au Liban l'administration Bush, ternira naires bien entretenues, seuls un avancent sur la scène internationa¬ lors de la crise de l'été 1958. Ici que durablement les relations entre café Starbucks fraîchement instal¬ le munis d'un feu vert des Améri¬ les fameux avions espions U-2 ont Washington et Ankara. En lé et le bâtiment central de com¬ cains. Surtout, l'allié de l'OTAN longtemps été camouflés. Ici enco¬ mars 2003, les députés turcs refu¬ mandement renvoient l'image re que l'armée américaine stocke, pourrait être appelé à jouer une sent aux soldats américains de fou¬ d'une certaine activité. selon différentes organisations, plus grande partition en Irak et en ler le sol du pays. Six mois d'âpres « Cela fait quelque temps que Afghanistan. « Des enjeuxpour les¬ non gouvernementales (ONG), des négociations sont nécessaires mon téléphone ne sonne plus », quels nouspartageons des objectifs ogives nucléaires -"go bombes pour que le gouvernement reconnaît Philip McDaniel, la cin¬ communs », assure-t-on à l'ambas¬ B 61, d'après les dernières estima¬ contourne le vote du Parlement et quantaine robuste et décontractée. sade américaine à Ankara. tions. « Sujetsurlèquelje ne mepro¬ autorise les Etats-Unis « en tant Colonel en charge des opérations Le retrait programmé des trou¬ noncerai pas », coupe court, avec qu'alliés » à utiliser Incirlik pour américaines de la base, il s'empres¬ pes d'Irak a été unanimement son sourire immuable, le colonel . faciliter l'approvisionnement des se d'ajouter dans un sourire qui en salué par les dirigeants turcs. Et le McDaniel.

20 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basiji Ôzeti

troupes.

11 n'empêche, la base devient, selon l'expression de Frank Hyland, ancien agent de la CIA et aujourd'hui expert à la Jamestown jCellîonde Foundation, r« otage » d'Ankara. 13 mai 2009 Tracasseries administratives,

autorisations de survol du territoi¬

re accordées au compte-gouttes... En 2007, les Turcs menacent de reti¬ Le livi du jour ^ rer leur soutien logistique si Je Congrès américain adopte un tex¬ Le Kurdistan après les Américains te qualifiant de génocide les massa¬ cres d'Arméniens perpétrés sous l'Empire ottoman, au début du

XX' siècle. Robert Gates, l'actuel LE KURDISTAN est-il sorti du deux options se présentent pour secrétaire d'Etat à la défense, qui XX" siècle ? Hamit Bozarslan, spé¬ le Kurdistan : soit le contingent occupait ce poste durant cette cialiste de la question kurde en américain se maintient durable¬ période, s'oppose alors à la résolu¬ France, en doute. D'après ce direc¬ ment en Irak et risque de transfor¬ tion, invoquant « les implications teur d'études à l'Ecole des hautes mer le Kurdistan en « second considérables » pour les opéra¬ études en sciences sociales Israël » ; soit le retrait américain

tions militaires américaines en cas (EHESS), les Kurdes ne sortent pas est complet et compromet l'excep¬ de représailles. de leur vieille contradiction ; la tion kurde irakienne contre les Le vote est repoussé. La même question du Kurdistan, à cheval puissances turque et iranienne, année, suite à de nouvelles pres¬ sur quatre Etats (Syrie, Turquie, contrariées par la proximité de ce sions, le président George Bush Irak et Iran), reste une question « presque Etat kurde » en Irak.

accepte de fournir des informa¬ périphérique au Moyen-Orient, L'auteur croit en la complémenta¬ tions en temps réel sur la localisa¬ tout en étant incontournable rité des imaginaires politiques, tion des rebelles kurdes du Parti quant à l'adaptation de la région à pour peu que les Etats dérangés

des travailleurs du Kurdistan la mondialisation. par la question kurde optent en . (PKK) obtenue grâce aux vols de Docteur en science politique, spé¬ faveur d'une démocratisation des surveillance dans le nord de l'Irak. cialiste de la violence politique, systèmes et des mentalités en

« Ce jeu-là est désormais termi¬ Hamit Bozarslan tente d'ouvrir échange d'une déradicalisation de né », assurent les experts militai¬ avec pédagogie et conviction de l'espace kurde. Mais ce spécialiste res américains rencontrés à Incir¬ nouvelles pistes pourtrouver des n'en est pas moins réaliste : l'envi¬ lik et Ankara. « la lune de miel ronnement géopolitique est dan¬

entre les Etats-Unis et la Turquie Conflit kurde gereux, le modèle de l'Etat-nation pourraitfaire d'Incirlik un des sym¬ Le brasier oublié reste hégémonique et le nationa¬ boles de ce renouveau, poursuit du Moyen-Orient lisme kurde demeure incapable dans la même veine Laie Sariibrahi- Hamit Bozarslan de surmonter le poids des tradi¬ moglu, spécialiste des questions Autrement, 172 p., 16,15 tions, son clanisme et la violence de défense au quotidien Taraf. endémique. issues à cette cause si complexe et Et pourtant, conclut Hamit Bozars¬ « Les autres sites en pleine révolution depuis la lan, la question kurde, parent pau¬ guerre en Irak et l'ouverture des vre de la vieille question d'Orient,

n'ont ni son potentiel négociations entre la Turquie et n'a pas d'autre choix que de ni sa fiabilité» l'Union européenne. s'ouvrir sur le monde et inviter En effet, jamais le problème ses « Etats-surveillants » à en faire SelImBëlme n'avait autant occupé le devant de autant, suffisamment pour universitaire turque la scène internationale que secouer leurs mentalités, sans depuis l'irruption de ces deux aller trop loin toutefois pour ne Même si le transport d'armes et de dynamiques, l'une meurtrière, pas menacer leur intégrité. Un

soldats américains passe toujours l'autre pacifique. Au point que l'ac¬ savant dosage à concocter dans aussi mal aux yeux de l'opinion célération du développement poli¬ cet espace à mi-chemin entre les publique turque, qui verra le charge- tique kurde semble à l'ordre du civilisations arabe, turque, perse , ment des avions en dehors des mili¬ jour, notamment dans sa sphère et... kurde.

taires turcs ? » irakienne. Pour Hamit Bozarslan, Gaïdz Minassian Pour Selin Bôlme, doctorante sur Incirlik à l'université d'Ankara, l'importance de la base devrait éga¬ lement se vérifier dès le retrait du gros des troupes américaines d'Irak, en aoiît 2010. « En cas d'une dégradation de la situation ou d'un ' imprévu dans la région, elle offre la réponse la plus rapide et la moins Pour l'heure, 50 % des avions par le colonel McDaniel. « C'est un

coûteuse, affirme-t-elle. Les bases cargos militaires destinés à l'Irak peu moins pour l'Irak qu 'ily a quel¬ allemandes sont éloignées et chè¬ passent par Incirlik. Chaque jour, que temps, glisse-t-il, et un peu plus res. Les sites américains alternatifs six à huit imposants C-17 décollent pour le terrain afghan. » Comme comme ceux d'Irak ou du Caucase des longues pistes de la base. Deux en écho d'une tendance qui s'an¬ ne possèdent, eux, ni son potentiel d'entre eux partent pour l'Afgha¬ nonce. Nicolas Bourcier ni safiabilité. » nistan, selon les chiffres avancés

21 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

MANIFESTATION À MOSSOUL DE CENTAINES D'IRAKIENS POUR LE DÉPART DES KURDES

MOSSOUL (Irak), 12 mai 2009 (AFP) - libération des personnes détenues dans les prisons kurdes.

La province de Ninive, dont Mossoul est la capitale, est frontalière du Kurdistan PLUSIEURS centaines d'Irakiens ont manifesté mardi à Mossoul, dans le nord irakien. Après l'invasion du pays en mars 2(X)3 par une Coalition menée par les de l'Irak, pour demander le retrait des forces kurdes irakiennes déployées dans troupes américaines, les peshmergas ont été déployés en grand nombre dans la province de Ninive depuis plusieurs années. cette province pour assurer la sécurité.

Les manifestants se sont rassemblés à l'initiative de dix grandes tribus arabes Kurdes, chrétiens, arabes sunnites et chiites y vivent et jusqu'aux élections pro¬ de la région devant le Conseil de la province pour montrer leur soutien au gou¬ vinciales du 31 janvier dernier, les partis kurdes dominaient le Conseil de cette verneur, empêché récemment par les peshmergas (les soldats de l'anmée kurde province majoritairement sunnite, les partis arabes ayant boycotté le scrutin pré¬ irakienne, ndlr) de se rendre dans des villages de cette province du nord du cédent.

pays. La victoire de la liste d'Athil al-Nu]eifi a marqué le retour des sunnites dans le "Cette manifestation vise à soutenir le gouverneur et à faire respecter la loi dans jeu politique avec un mot d'ordre des plus sommaires: mettre fin à l'emprise la ville", a déclaré Mohammed al-Joubouri, le porte-parole de la tribu Joubouri kurde. au conseil des tribus. La "question kurde" à Mossoul cristallise un affrontement entre le gouvernement "Nous demandons aux forces (kurdes, ndlr) de partir et de fermer tous les sites central du Premier ministre Nouri al-Maliki et le président du Kurdistan irakien, illégaux où elles sont déployées à Mossoul", a ajouté M. Joubouri. Massoud Barzani.

Outre le départ des forces kurdes de sécurité, les manifestants demandaient la

Irak: un attentat suicide fait six TURQUIE: UN SOLDAT TUÉ, UN BLESSE DANS morts Kirkouk L'EXPLOSION D'UNE MINE

DIYARBAKIR (Turquie), 12 mai 2009 (AFP) Associated Press 12 mai 2009 (AP)

UN ATTENTAT suicide a fait six morts mardi, dont cinq poli¬ UN SOLDAT turc a été tué et un autre blessé mardi par une explosion, due à ciers et un civil, à Kirkouk, dans le nord de l'Irak, a annoncé la une mine posée par des rebelles kurdes, dans le sud-est de la Turquie, une police. région oiJ les séparatistes sont présents, a-t-on indiqué de source de sécurité L'attentat a eu lieu dans un quartier commerçant bondé du cen¬ locale. tre-ville de Kirkouk, où le kamikaze a foncé en voiture dans un L'incident s'est produit à Cukurca, dans la province de Hakkari, juste à la fron¬ camion de police. tière avec l'Irak, lors d'une mission de patrouille d'un groupe de soldats, a-t-on L'explosion a fait six morts et onze blessés, dont des enfants et précisé de même source. d'autres civils, a expliqué le porte-parole de la police, Sarhat Selon les autorités, la mine avait été posée les rebelles du Parti des travailleurs Qadir. du Kurdistan (PKK). La province de Kirkouk est très riche en pétrole et en gaz natu¬ Le PKK, qui mène une lutte armée pour l'autonomie de cette région à majorité rel. Les dirigeants kurdes irakiens cherchent à l'incorporer dans kurde, a souvent recours aux mines. la région semi-autonome du nord du pays, ce qui rend la zone

particulièrement sensible, avant le retrait des troupes américai¬ Il est considéré comme une organisation terroriste par la Turquie, l'Union euro¬ nes prévues d'ici la fin 201 1 péenne et les Etats-Unis.

IRAN: 8 MORTS DANS DES AFFRONTEMENTS TURQUIE: 7 REBELLES KURDES TUÉS DANS AVEC DES REBELLES KURDES DES COMBATS AVEC L'ARMÉE (OFFICIEL)

TEHERAN, 13 mai 2009 (AFP) - . ANKARA, 16 mai 2009 (AFP) -

Cinq rebelles et trois miliciens "bassidjis" ont été tués lors d'accrochages Sept rebelles séparatistes kurdes, dont deux femmes, ont été tués samedi au dans l'ouest de l'Iran, à proximité de la frontière avec la Turquie et l'Irak, a cours de combats avec l'armée dans l'est de la Turquie, a indiqué le gouverno¬ indiqué mercredi un quotidien iranien. rat local. "Cinq rebelles et trois bassidjis ont été tués dans les derniers affrontements en Les affrontements se sont produits dans une zone njrale d'Eruh, une localité de date entre rebelles armés et forces bassidjes, dans la province d'Azerbaïdjan la province de Siirt, indique un communiqué du gouvernorat de cette province. occidental", a rapporté le quotidien Kayhan, sans autre précision.

Deux soldats ont été blessés dans les accrochages, ajoute le document. La milice islamiste Bassidj est un bras armé des Gardiens de la Révolution.

Un précédent bilan fourni également de source officielle faisait état de trois La région frontalière de la Turquie et de l'Iran est le théâtre d'affrontements rebelles abattus. périodiques entre les forces armées iraniennes et le groupe séparatiste kurde

Pejak, basé dans le nord-est de l'Irak. L'armée a lancé une opération dans ce secteur après la mort d'un milicien kurde pro-gouvernemental, membre des "gardiens de village, tué dans l'explosion Le Pejak, acronyme du Parti pour une vie libre au Kurdistan, est lié au Parti des d'une mine activée à distance, selon le gouverneur. travailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK), qui lutte depuis 1984 contre le gouvemement

turc dans le sud-est anatolien. Le PKK, qui mène une lutte année pour l'autonomie de cette région à majorité kurde, a souvent recours aux mines et engins piégés. Il est considéré comme L'Iran accuse les Etats-Unis de soutenir le Pejak, ainsi que d'autres organisa¬ une organisation terroriste par la Turquie, l'Union européenne et les Etats-Unis. tions ethniques aux frontières de l'Iran, ce que Washington a toujours démenti.

Le 24 avril, 18 policiers et huit membres du Pejak ont été tués dans la province de Kermanshah, à la suite de l'attaque d'un commissariat.

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Xelltonde

12 mai 2009 M. Ah adinej veulent le changement et barrer la route dès lepremiertouràM. Ahma¬ dinejad. »

Dans cet exercice d'infinie incer¬ sere r 'sente en Iran titude que sont les élections ira¬ niennes, certains se sont précipi¬

tés pour noter les signes qui, selon

Les listes pour l'élection présidentielle du 12 juin eux, montrent que M. Ahmadine¬ sont closes, la bataille électorale est lancée jad n'est plus si en cour auprès du Guide suprême. Ce dernier vient de le désavouer publiquement en

A la surprise générale, celui avec l'Occident, semble un sérieux refusant de fusionner deux organi¬ qui n'était alors que le mai¬ adversaire pour M. Ahmadinejad. sations, celle qui s'occupe du had),

re de Téhéran, le fondamen¬ Le dernier entré en lice, avec fra¬ le coûteux et rentable pèlerinage à

taliste Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, cas, il y a quelques jours, est Moh- La Mecque, et l'office du tourisme, avait remporté l'élection présiden¬ sen Rezaie, 56 ans, le chef histori¬ que M. Ahmadinejad voulait cha¬

tielle de 2005. Quatre ans après, à que des pasdarans, ces gardiens de peauter 52 ans, M. Ahmadinejad brigue un la révolution, devenus l'armée idéo¬ De même, le président est désa¬

nouveau mandat. logique du régime avant, pour cer¬ voué par une assez grande partie Et plus encore que la situation tains, de diriger des pans entiers de des députés du Majlis (Parlement).

économique préoccupante du l'économie nationale. M. Rezaie, un Enfin, sa dernière sortie sur Israël à pays, due à la mauvaise gestion de conservateur bon teint, qui affiche Genève, à la conférence de l'ONU l'argent du pétrole et au poids de une certaine « indépendance » et sur le racisme, le 22 avril, lui a valu

trois séries de sanctions du Conseil critique la présidence sortante, a un regain de popularité dans la rue

de sécurité des Nations unies, en déclaré : « La voie suivie parAhma¬ arabe mais de vives critiques à Téhé¬

réponse à la non-coopération de dinejad mène à un précipice. » Met¬ ran, où de plus en plus de voix l'ac¬

Téhéran sur son programme cusent d'isoler l'Iran. tant aussi en cause r« immobilisme , nucléaire controversé, c'est le Est-ce suffisant pour le donner diplomatique » du président, il a bilan de ce président à la fois très battu ? Certainement pas. Il a à sa ajouté qu'il fallait répondre aux critiqué et encore populaire qui disposition la télévision nationale, ouvertures des Américains, car domine les débats. le soutien des bassidjs, les milices «l'Occident et les Etats-Unis ont Le premiertour du scrutin prési¬ islamiques qui quadrillent les quar¬ besoin de nous. Ufautexploiterleurs dentiel a lieu le 12 juin, mais, depuis tiers, et celui des couches défavori¬ besoins pour servir nos intérêts ». samedi 9 mai, les inscriptions sont sées en province, oîi ses tournées Paroles d'une rare dureté qui en closes. Les listes comptent 475 can¬ populistes assorties d'aides direc¬ fait, bien que la campagne ne com¬ didats, qui seront « sélectionnés », tes ont été appréciées. Aussi bien mence que le 22 mai, s'inscrivaient d'ici le 21 mai, par le Conseil des Gar¬ que l'image d'homme pieux, sobre dans l'âpre bataille pour le pouvoir diens, rouage essentiel du pouvoir, et simple qu'il affiche. Et puis, en engagée depuis des semaines. Le aux mains des fondamentalistes. campagne, c'est une « bête de scè¬ coup d'envoi de cette lutte avait été Parmi ceux qui devraient rester ne » qui sait travailler l'auditoire. donné il y a plus d'un mois, lorsque en lice, figure, dans le camp réfor¬ Le sobre et discret Moussavi, qui l'ex-président de la République isla¬ mateur, l'ex-président du Parle¬ s'est retiré vingt ans de la vie publi¬ mique (1997-2005), le réformateur ment Mehdi Karoubi, 72 ans, un que, fera-t-il lepoids ? « Ilapourlui Mohammad Khatami, d'abord can¬ religieux atypique, populiste à sa d'avoir géré au mieux le pays dans didat, s'était brusquement retiré. manière avec son franc-parler du la tourmente et la pénurie de la Dans un editorial, le journal guerre, au contraire de ceux qui ont Keyhan, bastion tout-puissant de gaspillél'argentdupétroleàisodol- Le président iranien la pensée fondamentaliste proche lars le baril », commente le sociolo¬ du Guide suprême, l'ayatollah Kha¬ est désavoué par gue Essan Naraghi. Quant au Gui¬ menei, avait écrit que « M. Khatami de, il affecte de ne soutenir person¬ une assez grande ferait bien de se souvenir de ce qui ne à ce stade. Mais, nous a confié était arrivé à Benazir Bhutto partie des députés partéléphone l'analyste Seyed Ley- [assassinée en campagne électora¬ laz, « depuis le retrait de M. Khata¬ le en 2007] au Pakistan »... D'autres Lorestan (sa province d'origine), mi, considérécomme leplus dange¬ « mises en garde » avaient suivi. Et qui s'est attiré la faveur des étu¬ reux candidatpour l'équipe en pla¬ même si ce n'était pas cela la seule diants en signant avec le Prix ce, le Guide ne s'inquiètepas. Il esti¬ raison, M. Khatami s'était retiré offi¬ Nobel Chirin Ebadi une pétition me qu'aucun de ceux qui sont en ciellement pour ne pas « disperser demandant la fin de l'exécution lice ne représente un dangerpour la l'électorat réformateur ». des délinquants mineurs au pérennité du régime et des institu¬ Depuis, selon les confidences moment des faits. tions ». d'un proche de M. Khatami, un Classé proche des réformateurs, Marie-Claude Decamps « front » informel s'est constitué mais plutôt candidat de « liaison » entre MM. Moussavi et Karoubi, à entre ces derniers et les fondamen¬ qui M. Khatami a prêté ses stratè¬ talistes, se trouve l'ancien premier ges de campagne. Avec, dit-il, ministre Mir Hossein Moussavi. « dans l'ombre, le soutien tacite de Un homme du sérail, ancien archi¬ cet autre ancien président de la tecte amateur d'art. A 68 ans, ce tra¬ République, le'pragmatique Alki ditionaliste modéré, qui a dirigé le Akbar Hachemi Rafsandjani ». Un pays (1980-1989) durant la guerre front pour quoi faire ? « Pour ras¬ Iran-Irak et qui parle de « détente » sembler, précisait-il, tous ceux qui

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Turkey favors UNAMI report on Kurdistan

May 8, 2009 (UPI) region.

Turkish Foreign Ministr/ spokesman Burak Ozugergin said the 500-page UNAMI report, which has not been made public, would The latest report from the United Nations on the so-called dispu¬ contribute to political reconciliation in the region, the Turkish ted territories in Iraq falls in line with Turkish regional objectives, Hurriyet news service reports. ministers said.

"We believe the report could contribute to a solution to the pro¬ The U.N. Assistance Mission for Iraq submitted a report on the blems on this issue," he said. disputed northern territories to Iraqi officials in April.

In its announcement of the report, UNAMI offered few specifics The Kurdish government in Iraq claims administrative authority beyond calling for local measures to address issues In Erbil, over the provinces of Erbil, Dahuk and Sulaimaniya, as well as Dahuk, Sulaimaniya, Diyala and Ninawa. portions of Diyala and Ninawa.

On Kirkuk province, UNAMI reviewed several options for adminis¬ The issue has been the focal point of tensions between the cen¬ tration there as a starting point for negotiations but noted all of tral government in Baghdad and the Kurdish government, with those options consider Kirkuk as a single entity. possible spillover effects on Kurdish separatist activity in the

Suicide Bomber Kills Five Iraqi Policemen ^P Associated Press in Kirkuk

May 12, 2009 Associated Press Firefighters hosed down the street, and police carried off the charred bodies of their colleagues after the attack. BAGHDAD ~ A suicide bomber rammed

his car into an Iraqi police tmck Tuesday, kil¬ A roadside bomb exploded near an army ling five f)olicemen and a civilian in Kirkuk, patrol on the other side of the city at the same police said. time as the suicide attack, but there were no casualties, said Gen. Qadir The attack, which took place in a crowded

downtown commercial area packed with Kirkuk is the center of Iraq's oil production people preparing for work, also wounded at in the nortli and is contested between its least 1 1 others, including children and otlier Kurdish and Arab populations. civilians, said Brig. Gen. Sarhat Qadir, the Kurdish leaders are seeking to incorporate it police spokesman in Kirkuk. into their semiautonomous region in the Gen. Qadir originally reported that tliree north, making it one of the most sensitive civilians had died in tlie blast, which left a areas for Iraqi leaders and U.S. military com¬ Iraqi police officers pull a body from the scene of devastation around tlie market of manders preparing to withdraw their troops scene of a suicide bombing in Kirkuk. burnt cars and smoldering shops. from Uie country by the end of 201 1 .

Iran urges Iraqi action on Kurdish rebels REUTERS :#

TEHRAN (Reuters) - May 11, 2009 Like neighbouring Iraq and Turkey, Iran has a large Kurdish mino¬ rity, mainly living in the country's northwest and west.

Iran sees PJAK, wliich seeks autonomy for Kurdish areas in Iran, as Iran urged neighbouring Iraq on Monday to "pay special attention" a terrorist group. Tlie United States, Iran's arch foe, also branded to armed groups operating in its border areas, a week after PJAK as a terrorist organisation in February. Baghdad condemned Iranian shelling of villages in Iraq's northern

Kurdistan region. Iraqi border police last week said Iran shelled a Kurdish village in a remote area of Iraq's largely autonomous Kurdistan region on Iraq said last week it had summoned Iran's ambassador to Baghdad May 4, causing damage to buildings but no casualties. and warned of "negative consequences" if such attacks continued.

That followed Iranian shelling two days earlier of Kurdish rebel Iran, whose forces often clash with guerrillas in its own Kurdish- positions in another part of Iraqi Kurdistan. Helicopters were also populated areas close to the Iraqi border, has neither confirmed nor used to fire from the Iranian side of the border. denied reports its forces had shelled targets inside Iraqi territory.

The Turkish military conducted a major incursion last year against Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Hassan Qashqavi told a news PKK militants in northern Iraq and Turkish warplanes have since conference that Iran respected and supported Iraq's territorial inte¬ carried out regular cross-border bombing raids against targets in grity. the mountainous region. Iran "expects that Iraqi officials pay special attention to movements Iran and Iraq fought a war in the 1980s, but since the ouster of of small groups which are officially known as terrorist groups even Sunni Arab Saddam Hussein in 2003, relations between majority by Western governments," he said. Shi'ite Muslim Iraq and Iran have improved. He appeared to be referring to the Party of Free Life of Kurdistan "During the govemment of Saddam, this border was not safe (PJAK), an offshoot of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) which because of the nature of Saddam's govemment," Qashqavi said. took up arms in 1984 for an ethnic homeland in southeast Turkey.

"Now we expect that this border will become safe ... on both sides," Both PJAK and the PKK are present in Iraq in the remote mountai¬ he said. nous area close to the borders with Turkey and Iran.

24 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

I INTERVIEW-Iraqi Kurds hoped for more from REUTERS US, leader says

SALAHUDDIN, Iraq, May 13 , 2009 (Reuters)

By Missy Ryan and Shamal Aqrawi

IRAQI KURDS, who had grand hopes to expand their northern enclave after the fall of Saddam Hussein, have been let down by insufficient support from long-fime ally the United States, the Kurdish president said.

Masoud Barzani, who heads the largely autonomous Kurdistan region, said Washington had failed to give strong support to a i ..' Kurdish-backed plan in Iraq's 2005 constitution for settling the '^I'ft*. fate of Kirkuk, a disputed northern region with vast oil wealth. "We have had a historic and friendly relationship, but frankly 0^ speaking, we were expecting more," Barzani said in an interview on Wednesday.

"They could have played a much larger role in solving this pro¬ blem than they did," he said, speaking from his palatial head¬ quarters on a hilltop outside the Kurdish capital, Arbil.

Barzani's reproach is a striking shift for a minority that has seen Massoud Barzani, president of the Kurdish regional govem¬ itself as a close ally of the United States, which for more than a ment, speaks during an interview with Reuters in Arbil, 310 km decade enforced a safe zone in northern Iraq which kept at bay an (190 miles) north of Baghdad May 13, 2009. REUTERS/Azad Arab leader who slaughtered Kurds en masse. Lashkari (IRAQ POLITICS ENERGY) Kurds are increasingly estranged from the Shi'ite Arab-led government in Baghdad, a worrisome trend as Iraq seeks to put CHEMICAL ATTACKS end to stubborn violence and to shore up a fragile democracy.

Last month, the United Nations proposed four options, which are Against that backdrop is the struggle for control of ethnically not yet public, for settling the Kirkuk impasse. mixed Kirkuk, a Gordian knot tied to ethnic passions, decades of

conflict, and as much as 4 percent of world oil. The United States, eager as it prepares to withdraw to avoid doing anything that might plunge Iraq back into all-out civil war, Arabs and Turkmen are dead-set against allowing Kurds, who has strived to be seen as impartial on Kirkuk. were forced out of Kirkuk by Saddam but who have returned in

droves since then, to absorb it into their northern enclave. U.S. officials also know that Turkey, Syria and Iran are watching carefully for a shift for Iraq's Kurds, which they fear could lead to Kurds, who dream of their own homeland and fear the growing similar demands from their own Kurdish minorities. assertiveness of Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, see plans for

a gradual withdrawal of U.S. troops by 2012 with alarm. For Kurds, another trouble point in ties with Washington relates to chemical attacks on Kurdish villages in the 1980s. Yet some Western and Arab officials say Kurds, who occupy

Iraq's presidency and are a powerful voice in parliament, have Thousands of Kurds were killed by gas attacks in the village of overreached as they angle for ever-greater land and influence. Halabja in March 1988, part of Saddam's 'Anfal,' or spoils of war, campaign against Kurds he accused of secretly aiding Iran. Kurds demand implementation of Article 140, the clause in the

constitution that lays out a plan for determining who will control The U.S. government, then aligned with Saddam against Iran, Kirkuk. The plan includes a census and a referendum. was aware western and U.S. firms may have been selling Iraq chemical weapons technology used against Iran and Kurds. The deadline for such steps has long since passed, and Turkmen

and Arabs, who accuse Arbil of sending hundreds of thousands "Neither America nor Europe has moved very quickly or of Kurds to Kirkuk to tip the ethnic scale, say that blueprint is seriously to reveal and expose companies and people who had a now obsolete. Kurds deny those charges. role, or in compensating the people of Kurdistan," Barzani said.

THE TIMES May 12, 2009

Iraqi deal opens way for Kurdish oil to go on sale

Carl Mortished, World Business Editor explorers active in the area, including Ministry issued licences yesterday for the Addax Petroleum, tlie London-quoted oil export of oil from fields operated by two

Oil Irom the Kurdish region of Iraq will explorer, and DNO, the Norwegian com¬ foreign companies. From June I, oil from DNO's Tawke field will flow at a rate of begin to flow into world markets pany. Kurdish oil exports will increase the within a matter of weeks after a landmark pressure on Baghdad to agree deals with 60,000 barrels per day into Iraq's northern export pipeline into Turkey. A further agreement between Baghdad and the regio¬ multinationals such as BP, Shell and ExxonMobil that have been held up in dis¬ 40,000 barrels a day is expected to flow nal govemment. putes over the profit share between the later in June from Taq Taq, operated by The prospect yesterday of profits from Addax. Kurdish oil export volumes will new oil discoveries in Kurdish Iraq pushed Iraqi State and foreign investors. After years of wrangling, tlie Iraqi Oil increase later to as much as 250,000 bar- up the share prices of independent oil

25 Revue de Presse-Press Revieiv-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

rels a day when a pipeline spur links the country, according to a formula agreed in Excitement over Kurdish exports was Taq Taq field to tlie main export line to the Iraqi Constitution. heightened last week when Heritage Oil, a Turkey. While tlie big oil companies waited for Canadian company listed in London, said Political feuding between Kurdish Baghdad to agree mles for foreign invest¬ tliat a well drilled close to Kirkuk indica¬ nationalists in Arbil and Iraqi Arabs in ment, smaller independent companies ted a field with potential recoverable Baghdad have dogged efforts by foreign flocked to tlie Kurdish region, attracted by reserves of more than one billion bartels.

investors to bring tlie region's oil to tlie die local autliorities' willingness to do world market. Latterly, the dispute exploration deals on profit-sharing tenns. appears to have centred on the manage¬ Yesterday's approval of oil exports by ment of oil revenues. Baghdad will highlight tlie slow pace of The Kurdish regional govemment said development in southern Iraq, where yesterday tliat revenues would be held foreign investors have been offered "ser¬ centrally and distributed tliroughout tlie vice contracts" to extract oil.

C RudaW.Net ay 13 , 2009

Barzani is so far the only candidate for the presidential elections

Rudaw- Hawler

The parliamentary and the presidential elections are sche¬ duled to be held on July 25 in Kurdistan, The president of the four joint parties told Rudaw that he will not candidate himself for the said position. Moreover, a source from Change List, said that Nawshirwan Mustafa also, is not going to candidate him¬ self.

Massoud Barzani, President of Kurdistan, in a speech in Kurdistan Parliament on May 5 tied his candidacy for presi¬ V dency to a direct election in which voters can elect the presi¬ dent.

The president will be directly elected. \ Three major lists compete during the parliamentary elec¬ tions. Kurdistani List consists of the Kurdistan Democratic parties. The PUK has the right to claim this post for the four Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan. The Service and coming years. This means that we both are committed to the Reform List, a coalition of four parties; Kurdistan Islamic agreement." Union, The Islamic League, the Social Democratic Party, and "Some believe the list should have a candidate for the Independent Tailors Party. The Change List, presided by Presidency of Kurdistan but some reject the idea. Those who Nawshirwan Mustafa. advocate the idea believe that an impartial person be nomina¬ So far only the Kurdistani List has a candidate for the presi¬ ted, some prefer to candidate Mustafa, as he wins more votes", dency of Kurdistan. a close source to Wusha Company (Mustafa's Company) told The Iraqi High Electoral Commission (IHEC) has set five Rudaw. days timeframe for candidates to register for the Presidency The same source said that it is likely that Mustafa's list post, starting from May 17. The law requires candidates to be might not have any nominees for the post. at least 40 years old and citizen of the country. In a former inteniew with Rudaw, Salar Aziz, a leader in As for the election of Kurdistan's Vice President, Sherwan Change List, said that Mustafa does not want to become the Haydari, the head of Legal Committee in the parliament said, President of Kurdistan or the Prime Minister rather he wants "The Vice President will not be elected by the elections but by for an active parliament. tlie political factions." Nevertheless, Muhammad Tufiq Rahim, a member of the This time PUK and KDP, unlike the 2005 elections in which management board of Wusha Company, in an interview told the coalition was broader, will run for the election in a joint list Rudaw "So far we have not decided on nominating a candidate in which they are the only allies. They have also agreed to have for the post". an equal share in parliament. "I will not candidate myself for Presidency of Kurdistan Sa'di Ahmad Pira, a member of PUK politburo, told Rudaw Region", Salahaddin Muhammad Baha'addin, secretary general the equality of shares is based on the strategic agreement bet¬ of the Kurdistan Islamic Union who also heads the Service and ween PUK and KDP. Refonii List, told Rudaw, rejecting the rumor about his candi¬ "Both parties will have an equal quota in parliament and dacy. government", said Pira. Abdulstar Majid, the spokesman of the Islamic League, said Although Pira didn't say how PUK and KDP distributed the that the four joint parties have not discussed the subject. share of power in the next govemment, but he said, "Barzani is "Neither the politburos of the four parties nor the Islamic PUK and KDP's candidate for the Presidency of Kurdistan. KDP League have discussed tlie possibility of nominating a candidate appointed the Prime Minister of the government for the last for the Presidency of Kurdistan Region", Majid said. four years by the terms of the strategic agreement between both

26 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

^ht^m^OrkBmtS May 13, 2009

Violence Rises in Iraq's Tense North

By CAMPBELL ROBERTSON

BAGHDAD Tensions flared in

Iraq's volatile nordi on Tuesday witli

demonstrations in Mosul and a car

bomb tliat killed 7 and wounded 18 in -f Kirkuk.

The bomber in Kirkuk rammed a car ^y

into a police patrol near the headquar¬

ters of tlie main Turkmen political party,

said Lt. Col. Ghazi Mohammed

Rasheed of the Iraqi police. The road

where tlie attack occurred was the site

of frequent attacks in 2006 and 2007.

"Lots of people remember this road

bitterly," said Yusuf Mahmoud, who

owns a small market nearby.

The attack occurred a day after a car An Iraqi police officer pulled a body from the scene of a car bombing in Kirkuk

bomb left tliree dead and eight wounded on Tuesday. The blast killed seven people.

outside a Kirkuk mosque.

Kirkuk is tlie most contentious point

on a tense etlinic fault line between towns around Nineveh ever since the whetlier he exists at all. The insurgent

Kurds and Arabs tliat stretches east Americans brought tliem in to pacify group first released a statement that

from Syria and souUi along tlie Iranian the north in 2003, a presence that enra¬ appeared on extremist Web sites

border Kurds stake a historical claim to ges Nineveh's Arab population and its denying the arrest, and then put out the

a number of territories along the line new government. recording, in which the man claiming to

where Saddam Hussein expelled Kurds On Tuesday, more than a thousand be Mr. Baghdadi condemned the Iraqi

and moved in Arabs. They say that tlie people, most of them from Arab tribes govemment.

areas should belong to tlie semiautono¬ in Nineveh, gatliered in front of tlie pro¬

mous province of Kurdistan, and they vincial govemment building in Mosul Sam Dagher and Atheer Kakan

have been pressing for a constitutio¬ and in downtown Bashiqa demanding contributed reporting from Baghdad,

nally mandated referendum to decide Uiat Kurdish forces leave the province. and Iraqi employees of The New York

Uieir fate. Khasro Goran, the leader of tlie Tunesfrom Mosul and Kirkuk.

Kirkuk Province, which is home to Kurdistan Democratic Party branch in

Kurds, Arabs, Turkmens and Christians, Mosul, said that Bashiqa and other pro-

contains substantial oil reserves. The Kurd towns did not recognize the

United Nations recently released a authority of the current provincial

report laying out several options for tlie govemment, and tliat tlie pesh merga

province, including making it semiauto¬ had intervened to prevent Uie situation

nomous. from turning violent.

But conflict has tlireatened to boil "The jiesh merga will not leave," he

over all across the nortli, particularly in said. "They are in Kurdish areas to pro¬

Nineveh Province, where a Sunni Arab tect Uie citizens."

political bloc has recently come to Also on Tuesday, tlie Islamic State

power and frozen Uie once dominant of Iraq, an umbrella group tliat includes

Kurds out of political positions. Al Qaeda in Mesopotamia, the home¬

On Friday, Atlieel al-Nujaifi, tlie grown group that American intelligence

newly installed Arab governor of officials say is led by foreigners, relea¬

Nineveh, was prevented by Kurdish sed a recording said to be from Abu

security forces from attending a hot-air Omar al-Baghdadi, tlie group's top lea¬

balloon festival in Bashiqa, a town in der

Nineveh tliat tlie Kurds claim as theirs. The Iraqi govemment said in April

The pesli merga, as tlie Kurdish for¬ that it had arrested Mr. Baghdad!,

ces are called, have been stationed in though Americans have questioned

27 Revue de Presse-Press Revieiv-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

PP Foreign PoKcy Kurdish crude bails out Baghdad

May 13 , 2009

By Joost Hiltermann

When Iraqi Kurdistan's oil minister, Ashti Hawrami, buoyantly announced last week that the Kurds and the federal govern¬ ment in Baghdad had agreed to start pumping Kurdish crude tlirough the Iraqi network for export to Turkey, the global oil indus- tiy cheered. Up to tliat point, a long-mnning tussle between Baghdad and the Kurdistan regional govemment (KRG) had all but dashed Kurdish export hopes. After years of stalemate over how to divide power, land, and resources, the oil deal looked like nothing short of a breakthrough. Perhaps not surprisingly, Baghdad's response was more guarded. At first, the government denied that any such deal exis¬ ted, only to reluctantly concede later that there was an agreement after all. Baghdad dampened expectations by refusing to say

when the oil would start flowing and reiterating its longstanding Tough economic times are turning willful enemies into position that the KRG's some 25 deals with foreign oil companies reluctant partners. are illegal. The central govemment disputes both the principle and the design of the contracts. First, Kurdistan lacks the juris¬ $18 billion deficit this year that could grow further if oil exports diction to sign away extraction rights, the government argues. don't pick up. And even if projected oil revenues of $36.5 billion Second, Kurdistan has signed production-sharing contracts are realized, these won't cover even the government's day-to-day (PSCs) by which companies are paid partly in oil, allowing them expenses, mostly salaries for the huge public sector. to book higher holdings and thus drive up the value of their sha¬ Kurdish exports would be a boon for an ailing Iraq since the res. Paying in oil is seen as an abomination in Iraq, provoking a KRG and Baghdad long ago agreed to share revenues. The KRG nationalist backlash against what many perceive as a sellout of gets 17 percent of the federal budget. However, in an important the country's natural resources to foreigners. concession that was sure to make the deal more palatable to The KRG has long been seeking to develop the Kurdish Baghdad, Kurdistan's Hav«rami indicated that proceeds from the region's own resources, despite Baghdad's opposition. It argues new sales would be deposited into the federally managed that a history of neglect, discrimination and outright destruction Development Fund for Iraq rather than an independent offshore at the hands of the central state has given the Kurds ample justi¬ escrow account from which both Baghdad and the KRG could fication for autonomy in all things, including oil. The export- draw. ready oil comes from exploration begun several years ago by The pragmatism that bred this unlikely compromise will pre¬ companies working in two fields: Tawke on the Turkish border, vail as long as the economic outlook remains dire. If the export developed by DNO, a small Norwegian company, and TaqTaq, a deal could form the basis for a much bigger bargain on the divi¬ large field in central Kurdistan that is co-operated by Addax of sion of powers between center and regions, the status of disputed Switzerland and Genel Eneiji of Turkey. Jointly, the two fields territories such as oil-rich Kirkuk, and a federal hydrocarbons could produce 250,000 barrels per day. This would boost Iraqi law, then we would truly be looking at a breakthrough. Such a exports, which have lagged at 1.8 million bpd, far below potential task will require a proactive mediation effort from the Obama and much less than what Iraq was producing before Saddam administration, which will surely want to leave behind a sustai- Hussein dragged the country into a series of disastrous wars. nably stable Iraq when its troops withdraw by the end of 2011. As much as Baghdad might like to object, economy reality Economically speaking, the time couldn't be more fortuitous to necessitates that it go along with the Kurds - for now. The give KRG-Baghdad talks a serious go. government drafted its 2009 budget last year as oil was peaking at $147 per barrel. It conservatively based revenue projections on a price of $80 a barrel not conservative enough, it turns out. By Joost Hiltermann is deputy program directorfor the Middle year's end, the price had plummeted to $40, and today it hovers East and North Africa at the International Crisis Group. around $60. Despite budget amendments, Iraq is expecting an

Iraq government to get revenue from yip Associated Press Kurdish oil

May 15 , 2009 JAMAL HALABY "The Iraqi government has no relations whatsoever with the

The Associated Press contracts which have already been signed between Iraqi Kurdistan and the companies working in those areas," al- Shahristani said.

SOUTHERN SHUNEH, Jordan - Iraq's central government will get However, the minister added that the Kurds have acceded to revenue from the deals struck by the country's semiautono¬ a central government request that the proceeds from these mous Kurdish region even as it continues to reject those deals "go to the central treasury and be distributed to all the regions of Iraq." accords, the oil minister said Friday.

Iraqi Oil Minster Hussain al-Shahristani spoke to The The agreement could help resolve the long-standing dispute Associated Press at the three-day World Economic Forum between the central government in Baghdad and the Iraqi in Jordan, where business and political leaders were draf¬ Kurds, concentrated in the oil-rich north. The two sides ting the Mideast's response to the global recession. have been at loggerheads over deals signed by the semiau-

28 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

tonomous Kurdish authority and foreign companies, with the end of 2009. the Baghdad government maintaining those deals were Tawke is being developed by independent Norwegian oil illegal since a national oil law had yet to be passed. company DNO, while Turkey's Genel Enerji and Canada's

Still, Shahristani added that any party involved in oil Addax Petroleum Corp. are jointly operating Taq Taq. deals with the Kurds needed to present them officially to Iraq, which holds the world's third-largest known oil the Iraqi government to have them endorsed "if we find reserves of at least 115 billion barrels, is suffering a them to be in Iraq's interest." financial squeeze as crude prices fall on the back of a glo¬ On May 8, Kurdish Natural Resources Minister Ashti bal recession-fueled erosion in demand. Hawrami said the region's first crude oil initial exports The government is looking to increase revenues by would start on June 1, with about 60,000 barrels a day signing new oil deals with international companies, but from Tawke field and another 40,000 barrels per day to they have been hampered by the ongoing failure of parlia¬ follow from the Taq Taq field later that month. ment to pass an oil investment law. The Kurds hope to export 250,000 bpd from both fields by

IRAQI KURDISTAN TO EXPORT GAS

REUTERS # TO EUROPE, TURKEY

May 17, 2009 - By Simon Webb - Reuters) gas needs and remove a potential obstacle to Nabucco. Around 1 billion cubic feet per day (cfd) could go to the Turkish market from the consortium project in Kurdistan. That is more than the DUBAI - A consortium of companies from the United Arab 15 percent of Nabucco's 3 billion cfd that Turkey wanted for its

Emirates and Europe plan to export enough gas from the own market. Kurdish region of northern Iraq to supply the first phase of the IRAQ'S KURDISTAN REGION, NABUCCO Nabucco pipeline to Europe.

* Gas exports would thrust the semi-autonomous Kurdistan The exports would help Europe in its quest to diversify energy region of Iraq onto the international energy supply stage. Tlie supplies away from Russia. region plans to make its first foray into the world energy market Following are some of the potential consequences of the plan: with exports of crude through Iraq's northern oil export pipeline

EUROPE, RUSSIA AND ENERGY SECURITY to Turkey in June.

* Iraqi Kurdistan gas would give Europe a source from Iraq The project could pave the way to future, larger exports from through Turkey, away from Russia and its immediate sphere of northern Iraq to Europe, Turkey and other nearby states with influence. Europe relies on Russia for a quarter of its natural gas gas needs.

supplies. A cut-off in Russian supplies to Europe last winter due '* The region's oil and gas reserves were little explored under to a dispute with Ukraine left thousands without heating and Saddam Hussein and are potentially larger than estimated. The added urgency to Europe's search for more sources. UAE's Crescent Petroleum is confident it can pump over 3 bil¬

* Russia opposes the Nabucco pipeline plan and is developing lion cfd for many years. Around half of that would be available the rival South Stream project. It signed deals with partners on for the Nabucco project, enough to fill the first phase of the pipe¬ Friday to accelerate the scheme, Moscow has rebuked the line.

United States and former Soviet satellite nations for backing the BAGHDAD, OIL FIRMS rival Nabucco plan. Baghdad's oil ministty declined to comment on the Kurdistan * Russia is Turkey's largest trade parmer Turkey is Russia's gas plan on Sunday. Iraq's oil ministry has clashed repeatedly third-largest gas consumer. A 26-year gas supply deal between with the Kurdish Regional Government over control of the the two expires in 2012 and both agreed to work on extending counfry's oil and gas reserves and could oppose the deal, which the deal on Saturday. has no federal approval. The oil ministry has criticized oil and

TURKEY, EUROPE AND IRAQ'S KURDISTAN REGION gas contracts the KRG has signed with international oil compa¬ nies, calling them illegal. The disagreement goes to the heart of * Turkey would gain bargaining power in its quest to become a political differences in Iraq over central versus regional control member of the European Union as a fransit counfry and facilita¬ over the world's third largest oil reserves. tor of gas exports from Iraq. Due to its geographical position straddling the Middle East, Central Asia and Europe, Turkey * Baghdad has blacklisted firms that have signed deals with the sees its potential for being a strategic energy partner as one of its KRG. This has kept the world's biggest energy firms away from strongest arguments for accession to Europe. the Kurdistan region but left opportunities for those less concer¬ ned about Baghdad's opprobrium. * The pipeline would increase interdependence between the Iraqi Kurdistan region and Turkey. This may have implications IRAN

for the 25-year Kurdish separatist conflict in the largely Kurdish * Iran has long expressed its desire to become a major player in area of southeastern Turkey, long a source of regional instability the world gas export market and has said it wanted to be a sup¬ and a hindrance to Ankara's EU membership quest. plier to the Nabucco project. The pipeline would still need more

As the transit country for gas supplies to Europe, Turkey gas, so Iran could join the Kurdistan region in the future.

would also gain leverage over Iraq's Kurdistan region. * But European buyers do not see Iran as a reliable potential

* Gas exports from the Kurdish Regional Government in Iraq to source of gas. European companies have halted investment

the Turkish market would make Turkey dependent on energy plans there due to political pressure and sanctions from the supplied by the Iraqi Kurds. United States and the United Nations over Iran's nuclear pro¬

gramme. Exports from Iraq's Kurdistan region could help meet Turkey's

29 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

Voice of America

14 May 2009

Former Iraqi Oil Minister Plays Down Dispute With Kurdistan Production

By Greg Flakus only to Saudi Arabia in terms of the oil

Houston it holds underground.

IRAQ'S OIL Minister Hussain al- 4 Oil bill may have to wait until after Shahristani says deals made by election Kurdistan with foreign private oil com¬ panies to develop petioleum produc¬ The former oil minister, Al-Oloum, says tion in new fields for export starting next month are illegal. But a former Iraqi oil minister taking part in the Second Iraq Oil and Gas Summit in Houston on Wednesday expressed confidence that such disputes will be resolved and that the country's oil Qubad Talabany, Kurdistan wealth will increase in the years ahead. representative

Former Iraqi Oil Minister Ibrahim al- very badly and also Kurdistan, what are Oloum says he is confident political dif¬ they going to do with the oil? They ferences in his country can be resolved need to export it and there is no way so that its oil wealth can be fully exploi¬ except through the traditional pipeline. ted. He hailed the Kurdistan Regional So both parties have to get together and Houston conference participants Government's plan to sell oil from its talk about this." new fields and downplayed the dispute over direct deals made by the regional Kurdistan confident about oil agree¬ government with two foreign compa¬ ments Iraq's output could reach four million

nies. barrels a day by 2014 and seven million The Kurdistan Regional Government barrels a day by 2019 if lawmakers pass representative to the United States, a hydrocarbon bill by sometime next Qubad Talabany spoke with confidence year. The proposed bill has been stalled about the oil export agreements and in the Iraqi parliament for three years what the new production means not and the former minister predicts it will ^ only for his region, but for the country not be approved until sometime after a as a whole. new parliament is elected at the end of this year. "At an initial rate of 60,000 barrels a day, this will be the first new oil to be expor¬ The conference in Houston brought ted from Iraq since Operation Iraqi together around 100 Iraqis and repre¬ Freedom," Talabany said. "It is also the sentatives of US and international first of Kurdistan's newly discovered oil energy companies. Some companies set fields to produce and begin flowing up displays to show their services and Ibrahim al-OIoum, former Iraqi through the pipeline to Turkey and out expertise, while others relied on perso¬ Oil Minister on to the market while returning dollars nal discussions with Iraqis attending to the federal treasury in Iraq." the conference to develop contacts and

"These differences, these political diffe¬ business leads. The event continues rences, really deprive the Iraqi people This is the first time oil fields have been through Thursday. of development. We need to resolve developed in Kurdistan and Talabany them," he said. and other participants familiar with Iraq's energy sector say it is only the

Dialogue necessary to resolve dispute beginning. They note that 90 percent of the country's potential oil-producing

He said the Iraqi federal government areas remain unexplored. Iraq produces and Kurdish regional leaders need to just under two million barrels of oil a engage in dialogue over this issue. day now, down from the three and a half million barrels a day it produced in

"Both sides need that," he said. "Iraq the 1980's. Iraq's estimated reserves top needs the production at this moment 112 billion barrels, making it second

30 Revue de Presse-Press Revieiv-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de In Prensa-Basin Ozeti

liE FIGARO 15 mai 2009

çailles, ainsi qu'une partie des vic¬ tions des droits de l'homme récla¬ times, sont ' des korucu. « Tant ment le désarmement des milices. qu'on leur donnera des armes com¬ Depuis sa mise en place en 1985, me celles-ci, ça pourra recommen¬ Le Kurdistan turc cette force paramilitaire, dirigée par cer», dit Veysi Tekin, lui-même des chefs de guerre kurdes, a été victime de gardiens de village il y a régulièrement accusée de commettre plusieurs années. Le récent massa¬ des exactions, profitant souvent de la sous l'emprise cre, dont les causes restent obscu¬ bienveillance des autorités, au pire res, a relancé la polémique sur la de leur complicité, comme aux heu¬ présence de ces 70000 miliciens res les plus sombres du conflit. Mais dans le sud-est de la Turquie. . l'état-major a réaffirmé son soutien à son bras armé dans la région kurde. des « gardiens « Le bien-être du pays » Et le vice-premier ministte, Cemil La mère de Veysi Tekin tangue Ciçek, sans écarter une éventuelle en marchant, comme si elle se réforme, a exclu une dissolution de tiouvait sur le pont d'un bateau ceux qui «travaillent pourl'unité et le de village » pris dans la houle. «Deux balles bien-être du pays», c'est-à-dire ceux de kalachnikov sont restées dans qui combattent le PKK. ma hanche », explique cette pay- «Dans la région, c'est l'État qui saime kurde. Veysi, lui, n'a guère TURQUIE vous évacuez le village". Nous par¬ donne le prestige: devenir gardien, d'espoir de trouver un emploi Ces miliciens payés tons parfois avec les soldats en opé¬ c'est le moyen d'obtenir le jnuvoir plus rémunérateur que celui qu'il par Ankara pour lutter ration dans la montagne, en pre¬ économique et social, les marchés a décroché comme agent de contre la guérilla du PKK mière ligne, car nous connaissons pour la construction des hôpitaux sont suspectés d'exactions la région. » Pour ce travail, Siraç et sécurité. A cause de sa prothèse ou des routes, défaire du trafic à la en métal dans le bras, il ne peut et de crimes d'honneur. ses deux acolytes reçoivent une frontière», explique Inan Keser, plus soulever de poids. solde mensuelle de 630 livres sociologue à l'université de Diyar¬ La famille Tekin porte toujours De notre envoyée spéciale (300 ont droit à- la Carte ver¬ bakir. Selon lui, cet opportunisme dans sa chair cette funeste journée à Diyarbakir te pour les soins médicaux gratuits n'est pas du tout incompatible avec de 2002: le gouvernement turc et à une retraite à 65 ans. Ce sont un soutien au PKK: aux municipa¬ venait d'autoriser le retour dans les UN DRAPEAU turc flotte sur une surtout ces avantages qui les moti¬ les, en mars, le parti du DTP, la vitri¬ villages des populations évacuées guérite à l'entrée d'Ahmetli. Dans vent, car la région est sinistrée. ne politique des rebelles kurdes, l'a de force au milieu de la guerre civile une odeur acre de sueur, emmi¬ Leur chef, qui arrive sur un trac¬ d'aUleurs emporté dans certeiins vil¬ avec les rebelles kurdes du PKK, touflés dans des couvertures à teur mtilant, n'est pas de cet avis. lages de korucu. Selon un rapport fleurs, la kalachnikov en bandou¬ «Nous n 'avonsfait et nefaisons que dans les années 1990. Réfugiée du ministère de l'Intérieur publié dans la giande ville de Diyarbakir, lière sur le treillis, trois hommes notre devoir», émcte-t-il, les mains en 2006, près d'un supplétif sur dix elle avait donc décidé de rentrer à laissent passer l'orage. Ce sont des crispées sur le volant avant de sor¬ avait fait l'objet d'une enquête pour Urak. Mais des gardiens de villa¬ korucu, des «gardiens de village», tir une liasse de billets de son ves¬ crimes, trafics de drogue, spoliation ge s'y étaient installés, accaparant miliciens kurdes payés par l'Etat ton. «Je ne lefais pas pour l'argent, de terrains... 853 avaient été arrê¬ turc pour lutter contre la guérilla je suis riche. » les terres fertiles. «Ils nous ont atta¬ tés. «Des gardiensfaisaient pousser qués, raconte Veysi Tekin. Mon Parti des travailleurs du Kurdis¬ Voilà une semaine, un conflit du catmabis dans mes champs, avec père, un cousin et un neveu.de 9 ans tan (PKK). entre deux clans a fait 44 morts la complicité de la caserne militaire «Nous n'avons pas eu le choix, dans le hameau de Bilge, à 50 km. ont été tués. Sur les onze assaillants, voisine», raconte un réfugié, anony¬ expliquent-ils. L'armée noids a dit : Les suspects de ce massacre à la deux seulement ont été condam¬ mement par peur de représailles. "soit vous devenez gardiens, soit kalachnikov en pleine fête de fian nés.» L'opposition et les associa- Pour les habitants des 3000 vil¬

-î : ' lages détruits ou évacués pendant la guerre, cette force paramilitaire reste sjTionyme de terreur. Birsen avait 14 ans quand Kocakôy a été pris d'assaut: «Il ne restait que les femmes et les enfants. J'ai vu la cer¬ velle de mon petitfrère e.xploser, ma mère a aussi été tuée. » Depuis, elle n'y est retournée qu'en cachette, ^>**- . «*fc* «>^-* ' t:,:;/ >r pour se rendre au cimetière. «M'y f, ... « *' réinstaller ?J'ai trop peur, leskonicu -^. sont toujours dans le coin », glisse-t¬ elle entre deux pleurs.

Laure Marchand

/ iir- ï»

^ '

Une femme turque près de la tombe d'un membre de sa famille assassiné pendant la tuerie qui avait fait 44 morts lors d'une cérémonie de fiançailles, le 6 mai à Bilge, dans l'est de la Turquie. Les suspects de ce massacre sont des gardiens de village appelés aussi koniciL Cem OksuzJAA./Sipa

31 Revue de Presse-Press Revieiv-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prevsa-Basin Ôzeti

Xeilionde 16 mai 2009

Ghobadi:«En La voix de la minorité kurde d'Iran

Bahman Ghobadi est né le (2002), puis Les Tortues volent

1" février 1966 à Baneh, près de aussi (2004), Ghobadi est deve¬ quittant l'Iran, je dis la frontière Iran-Irak, dans la pro¬ nu le fer de lance d'un cinéma kur¬ vince du Kurdistan iranien. Un de qui restart à Inventer. « Etre

temps pour l'ivresse des chevaux kurde m'a mis à l'écart en Iran », adieu aux dingues » (2000) se déroule d'ailleurs au assure un réalisateur devenu la Kurdistan, dans cette région voix d'une minorité en difficulté

montagneuse qui sépare l'Iran de - dans cette république islamique. Le réalisateur des « Chats persans », présenté son voisin Irakien, et suit le des¬ Le Kurdistan induit une notion de tin de cinq orphelins. Les dialo¬ frontière très forte dans le ciné¬

à Un certain regard, dénonce la censure gues du film sont en kurde et non ma de Ghobadi, expression d'un

en persan. Depuis, avec Les cinéaste à part dans son pays,

. Chants dupays de ma mère car kurde, artiiste et homme libre. Rencontre

Là, à quelques heures de la pré¬

sentation des Chats persans au Festival de Cannes, en ouverture de la section Un certain

regard, jeudi 14 mai, Bahman Gho- mentjamais obtenir l'autorisation le en Iran. « Je.ne saispas ce qui s'est

badi ne souhaite qu'une chose : la . de tourner, je suis alors tombé dans passépour Roxana en prison, mais

« disparition » des officiels du gou¬ une dépression profonde. Puis j'ai moi, j'ai évolué dans ujie prison

vemement de la République islami¬ ; décidé de ne plus jamais dépendre mentale durant son incarcération,

que d'Iran venus découvrir son de la censure pour réaliser mes explique Bahman Ghobadi. J'ai

nouveau film. C'est-à-dire un éloi- films. Si le cinéma iranien est deve¬ vieilli de quatre ans en quelques nu répétitif, c'est parce que les gnement entre lui, cinéaste, et DR semaines, mon regard sur le ciné¬ ceux qui l'ont plongé dans une cinéastes sont contraints à cette ma a changé, j'arrêterai peut-être

dépression de trois ans dont il cher¬ répétition, dans l'interdiction défaire desfilms. Je voudrais vous che encore à sortir d'aborder des sujets plus auda¬ dire queje suisfou dejoie deprésen¬

Le ton est violent, les mots sont cieux. Je veux réaliser lesfilms qui ter mon film à Cannes, mais là, je Chats persans a tout, en effet, pour assurés, fruit d'une réflexion enga¬ meplaisent, pas ceuxque legouver¬ vois une chose : Roxana estla per¬ être détesté par le pouvoir reli¬ gée il y a longtemps et menée nement iranien souhaite quejefas¬ sonne la plus équilibrée que je gieux. aujourd'hui à son terme. Bahman se. Je ne retournerai donc plus connaisse et ils sont arrivés à la ren¬ Ce film, tiré d'une histoire vraie, Ghobadi divorce avec son pays. jamais chez moi » dre malade. » est le portrîfit d'une jeunesse de Plus précisément, il se dissocie du Les Chats persans a été produit Demain, à New York, à Paris ou à Téhéran qui se terre dans des caves, régime qui le gouverne. Demain, il en contrebande, en dix-sept jours, Berlin, le cinéaste se lancera en quê¬ monte sur les toits, ou se réfugie partira s'installer aux Etats-Unis, pour éviter de se faire repérer par te d'un producteur pour son pre¬ dans une ferme isolée pour jouer ou en Allemagne, à Berlin, oîi vit les autorités, sans autorisation, et mier disque. « Je chante pas mal », de la musique. La caméra suit en une importante communauté de après des repérages en moto. assure-t-il - il chante dans son film. priorité deux musiciens, un garçon Kurdes iraniens, comme lui. « Le Quand la police est intervenue, à Il a déjà composé sept morceaux, et une fille, qui mettent tout en Moyen-Orient, jure le cinéaste, est deux reprises, sur ce tournage dont les airs sont d'inspiration kur¬ oeuvre pour se procurer un faux un asile defous. En quittantl'Iran, je impromptu, le réalisateur a réglé de, « cette région où la musique est passeport et un visa afin de quitter dis adieu aux dingues. » l'affaire en offrant des DVD de ses siprésente ». Et où il ne retournera ce pays devenu prison. L'événement n'est pas anodin. films, ou en mentant. Ce film sur peut-être jamais. En Iran, celui qui écoute de la Bahman Ghobadi est le seul cinéas¬ une jeunesse éprise de musique et Samuel Blumenfeld musique occidentale est passible te iranien en vue - Caméra d'or à de liberté était alors présenté aux d'une peine de prison accompa¬ Cannes, en 2000, pour Un temps forces de l'ordre comme un docu¬ gnée de plusieurs dizaines de pourrivressedeschevaux-kdénon- mentaire sur la drogue. coups de fouet. Celle qui est omni¬ cer frontalement le régime. Les Bahman Ghobadi a coécrit son présente dans Les Chatspersans est film avec sa compagne, Roxana jugée impure car procurant, selon Saberi, la journaliste américano-ira¬ «Je mesure les mollahs, joie et gaieté. On y nienne libérée lundi 11 mai de la pri¬ les conséquences découvre aussi les paroles d'un rap- son d'Evine, à Téhéran, après avoir peur qui clament que « Dieu se liées à la présentation été accusée d'espionnage au profit moque du monde ». des Etats-Unis. Le réalisateur avait de monfilm. J'ai très Bahman Ghobadi prend-il des publié, le 21 avril, une lettre ouver¬ risques avec ce brûlot ? « /e mesure te appelant à ce que soit reconsidé¬ peur, pour moi, pour les conséquences liées à la présenta¬ ré le verdict touchant sa fiancée, les comédiens aussi, tion de monfilm, estime le cinéas¬ qui a quitté l'Iran, jeudi 14 mai. te, j'ai très peur, pour moi, pour les Le Festival de Cannes et l'écho qui sont des comédiens aussi, quisontdes musi¬ probable rencontré par le fihn lors musiciens à la base » ciens àla base. Avantcejîlm,j'aipas¬ de sa présentation ont joué dans la sé deux ans sur unprojet, 60 secon¬ Bahman Ghobadi libération de Roxana Sabari, à trois des à propos de nous,pour nefinale- semaines de l'élection présidentiel

32 Revue de Presse-Press Revieiv-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti rciHonde Lcs élections européennes

16 mai 2009 Turquie mobilise ses

partisans en Eu ope

Le premier ministre turc reproche à M. Sarkozy et à M""" Merkel de

« changer les règles à la mi-temps du match »

Ankara, Bruxelles ment en difficulté vis-à-vis de l'opi¬ toujours pas. Correspondants nion publique », estime-M. Aktar Pour contrebalancer l'opposi¬ Au sein de TUE et eri Turquie, tion franco-allemande, le gouveme¬ La Turquie ne veut pas devenir converge, selon lui, « une coalition ment turc multiplie les rencontres l'otage des échéances électora¬ des non-enthousiastes ». avec les dirigeants européens favo- ' les en Europe. Le premier Entamées en 2005, les négocia¬ râbles à l'adhésion. Sur les 27, 22 ministre turc, Recep Tayyip Erdo¬ tions sont déjà sérieusement ralen¬ sont plutôt en faveur de son entrée gan, est revenu, jeudi 14 mai, à Var¬ ties. Dix chapitres sur trente-cinq dans l'UE ou restent discrets, deux sovie, sur les récentes déclarations ont été ouverts, un seul refermé. hésitent (le Danemark et les Pays- de Nicolas Sarkozy et d'Angela Mer¬ Sous la présidence tchèque, aucun Bas). Deux sont ouvertement kel. Des propos « très regrettables », chapitre ne devrait être débloqué : contre (France et Autriche), tandis a-t-il déclaré. « Ne changez pas les les volets « fiscalité » et « politique que l'Allemagne est partagée. La règles à la mi-temps du match », sociale » risquent de ne pas être chancelière et les chrétiens-démo¬ a-t-il ajouté. prêts d'ici à la fin juin. Ils pour¬ crates plaident en faveur d'un par¬ Dans un meeting commun, raient l'être au second semestre, tenariat privilégié, tandis que son dimanche soir à Berlin, les diri¬ pendant la présidence suédoise., rival pour les élections législatives geants français et allemand ont l'un des plus fidèles soutiens de la de septembre, Frank-Walter Stein- plaidé en faveur de l'ouverture Turquie, qui veut ouvrir au moins meier, et les sociaux-démocrates, « dès maintenant » de négocia¬ deux nouveaux chapitres. restent favorables à l'entrée de la tions en vue d'un « partenariatpri¬ Les relations entre Paris, Berlin Turquie dans l'UE. vilégié » avec la Turquie. Un peu et Ankara se sont tendues dans la La Pologne et le Portugal ont réaf¬ plus tôt à Nîmes, M. Sarkozy avait foulée du sommet de l'OTAN, firmé, ces derniers jours, leur sou- répété que l'Europe devait avoir début avril, à Strasbourg. M. Sarko¬ tienà « une adhésiotipleine etentiè¬ des «frontières », et que la Turquie zy et M"" Merkel n'ont pas apprécié re de la Turquie ». Tout comme l'Es¬ n'avait pas « vocation » à rejoindre que la Turquie résiste, avant de pagne, oil se trouvait cette semaine l'Union européenne (UE). céder sous pression américaine, à Egemen Bagis, le ministre chargé En Turquie, ces prises de posi¬ la nomination du Danois Anders des affaires européennes et négo¬ tion « malheureuses » selon Fogh Rasmussen à la tête de l'orga¬ ciateur en chfef Le nouveau minis¬ M. Erdogan, sont perçues comme nisation. Ils ont aussitôt répliqué à tre turc des affaires étrangères, dictées par des intérêts électoraux Barack Obama lorsque celui-ci a Ahmet Davutoglu, était, lui, en Sue- à court terme. Mardi, le président apporté son soutien à l'adhésion de. Il a rappelé jeudi l'objectif d'An¬ Abdullah Giil a vivement critiqué turque. « Le ditnat actuel tKfavori¬ kara : « Devenir membre à part les propos de dirigeants « sans se pas les réformes, et rogne notre entière ou pas membre du tout. » A visionpolitique », après une rencon¬ influencesurlaclassedirigeaiitetur- ses côtés, le chef de la diplomatie tre avec son homologue portugais que, car la perspective d'adhésion suédoise, Çarl Bildt, a assuré que le à Ankara. En pleine campagne pour est de moins en moins crédible », projet européen de la Turquie res¬ les élections européennes, « la Fran-, regrette un diplomate d'un pays tait « une priorité stratégique de ce et l'Allemagne s'accrochent à la favorable à l'intégration turque l'Union ». Une manière de rejeter, à

bouée de sauvetage turque » pour dansl'UE. moins de deux mois du début de la détourner l'attention de la crise éco¬ Stockholm espère que les négo¬ présidence suédoise de l'Union, les

nomique, estime Cengiz Aktar, ciations en cours en vue d'une réu¬ appels franco-allemands en faveur directeur du département d'études nification de Chypre, dont la Tur¬ d'« un partenariatprivilégié ».

européennes de l'université Bahçe- quie occupe la partie nord, pour¬ Guillaume Perrier

sehir d'Istanbul. et Philippe Ricard ront détendre l'atmosphère, en par¬

ticulier au moment d'évaluer, fin « Coalition » 2099, la mise en uvre du « proto¬ De quoi irriter un peu plus une cole d'Ankara ». Signé en opinion turque déjà passablement juillet 2005, ce document prévoit lassée parcette opposition systéma¬ l'extension de l'union douanière tique. « Au moment où il est ques¬ en vigueur entre l'UE et la.Turquie, tion d'un redémarrage des affaires aux nouveaux membres, dont Chy¬ européennes, cela met le gouveme pre, que la Turquie ne reconnaît

33 Revue de Presse-Press Revieiv-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

MP^ PARTENARIAT EURO-ÉMIRATI SUR UN PROJET GAZIER AU KURDISTAN IRAKIEN

DUBAI, 17 mai 2009 (AFP) A Vienne, OMV, le plus grand groupe pétrolier et gazier d'Europe centrale, a égale¬

ment rapporté la signature de l'accord.

Deux firmes énergétiques des Emirats arabes unis ont annoncé dimanche avoir "OMV a maintenant l'occasion rare de participer à l'évaluation, au développement et conclu un accord de partenariat avec les groupes autrichien OMV et hongrois MOL à la production de très grandes réserves de gaz à proximité du marché européen,

pour développer des gisements de gaz au Kurdistan irakien, qui pourraient alimenter dont le potentiel significatif peut servir de matières premières au gazoduc Nabucco', plus tard le futur gazoduc Nabucco. a indiqué Helmut Langanger, vice-président du groupe chargé de l'exploration et de

la production dans un communiqué. Dans un communiqué mis en ligne, Dana Gas et Crescent Petroleum, deux compa¬

gnies privées émiraties, précisent qu'en vertu de l'accord, OMV a acquis 10% de "Cette transaction va renforcer de manière significative la position d'OMV au Moyen-

Pearl Petroleum Company, qui développe deux grands champs gaziers dans le Orient, d'autant plus qu'OMV voit le Kurdistan irakien comme une importante zone de

Kurdistan irakien: Khor Mor et Chemchemal. croissance", a-t-il ajouté.

MOL va également acquérir 10% dans Pearl Petroleum, compagnie qui détient les La société autrichienne a jusqu'à présent investi 350 millions de dollars (259 millions

intérêts de Dana Gas et Crescent Petroleum au Kurdistan irakien. En retour, les deux d'euros). firmes émiraties doivent obtenir chacune 3% de parts dans la compagnie hongroise, OMV est, comme MOL, l'un des actionnaires du gazoduc Nabucco, dont l'objectif est ajoute le communiqué. de fournir du gaz en provenance de la mer Caspienne à l'Europe en contournant la Les quatre partenaires devront investir dans les prochains années quelque 8 milliards Russie, dans le but de réduire la dépendance énergétique de l'Union européenne vis-

de dollars pour développer leurs activités au Kurdistan irakien, répondre aux besoins à-vis du gaz russe. en gaz et en électricité de cette région, et dégager un excédent gazier à exporter vers Mais Nabucco a eu des difficultés pour trouver des fournisseurs afin d'approvisionner les pays voisins et l'Europe, selon le texte. le gazoduc, trois pays clefs riches en gaz de la Caspienne -le Kazakhstan, le

Les deux compagnies émiraties précisent encore avoir investi ces deux dernières Turi

années 605 millions de dollars dans le projet, y compris la construction d'un gazoduc Nabucco lors d'une réunion à Prague début mai. alimentant des centrales électriques au Kurdistan.

IRAK: DES CENTAINES DE CORPS, PROBABLEMENT DE KURDES, DECOUVERTS DANS LE SUD

NAJAF (Irak), 16 mai 2009 (AFP) \ 7 ^^^ \ T 4' DES CENTAINES de corps, vraisemblablement de Kurdes irakiens, ont été décou¬ Vi ' i verts dans un charnier près de Qadissiyah, dans le sud de l'Irak, a annoncé samedi r» un responsable local du ministère irakien des Droits de l'Homme.

La macabre découverte a été faite par des habitants de la localité de Qadissiyah, à ^

environ 200 kilomètres au sud de Bagdad, dans la province de Najaf, a indiqué à

l'AFP Fadel al-Garaoui. i "Nous avons trouvé trois fosses communes où il y a des centaines de victimes", a dit le responsable du Bureau des Droits de l'Homme de Najaf 'Il s'agit probablement de -^ Kurdes exécutés par l'ancien régime." f

"C'est le 49e charnier recensé dans la province de Najar, a-t-il ajouté, sans préciser quand la découverte avait été faite. Un charnier contenant plusieurs dizaines de corps a près de

Diwaniyah, dans la province éponyme située au sud de Bagdad. La zone a été bouclée en attendant les experts du ministère des Droits de l'Homme, a-t-il indiqué. Cinq anciens responsables du régime de Saddam Hussein ont été jugés à Bagdad pour leur responsabilité dans ces opérations, dont le cousin de l'ancien président ira¬ Plus de 180.000 Kurdes ont été tués lors des campagnes militaires Anfal, au kien, Ali Hassan al-Majid, dit "Ali le chimique", accusé de génocide. Kurdistan (nord), en 1987 et 1988, au cours desquelles des milliers de villages ont

été détruits. Le 23 juin 2007, trois d'entre eux, dont Ali Hassan al-Majid, avaient été reconnus cou¬ pables de génocide et condamnés à mort par pendaison. Deux autres avaient été Les corps de milliers de victimes ont ensuite été enterrés par les autorités irakiennes condamnés à la prison à vie. loin du Kurdistan, dans le but de faire disparaître les preuves.

IRAN: KHAMENEI ACCUSE LES USA DE FORMER DES TERRORISTES AU KURDISTAN IRAKIEN

TEHERAN, 19 mai 2009 (AFP) M. Khamenei faisait allusion aux combattants du groupe séparatiste kurde PJAK, basés dans le nord-est de l'Irak, qui s'infiltrent régulièrement en Iran pour des opérations armées. Le guide suprême iranien, l'ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a accusé mardi les Etats- Le Trésor américain a pourtant désigné ce groupe comme étant "terroriste" le Unis de "former des terroristes" au Kurdistan irakien pour lutter contre la 4 février damier, et annoncé le gel de ses avoirs. Cette décision avait été inter¬ République islamique d'Iran, lors d'un discours à Saghez (Kurdistan) diffusé en prétée alors comme un geste de bonne volonté de Washington envers direct par la télévision d'Etat. Téhéran. 'Au-delà de nos frontières occidentales, les Américains sont en train de former "Nos amis kurdes de l'autre côté de la frontière nous ont informés que des offi¬ des teiïoristes', a déclaré la plus haute autorité de l'Etat devant une foule qui ciers américains se rendent dans les hauteurs de Qandil pour distribuer de l'ar¬ a répondu en criant "mort à l'Amérique". gent aux jeunes kurdes pour leur acheter des informations et en faire des mer¬ "Ils distribuent de l'argent et des armes pour combattre le régime de la cenaires. Ce n'est pas digne des jeunes kurdes", a ajouté M. Khamenei. République islamique", a-t-il ajouté, en affirmant que "les Américains ont des Selon les estimations, près de 3.000 combattants kurdes, principalement du plans dangereux pour le Kurdistan" et que "leur objectif n'est pas d'aider les PKK mais aussi du PJAK, sont réfugiés dans les montagnes du nord de l'Irak, Kurdes mais de les dominer". en particulier dans la région de Qandil aux confins du kurdistan irakien à la fron-

34 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

tière avec l'Iran et la Turquie. L'Iran accuse régulièrement les Etats-Unis de soutenir le PJAK, ainsi que d'au¬ tres organisations ethniques aux fronfières de l'Iran, ce que Washington a tou¬ Le PJAK, acronyme du Parti pour une vie libre au Kurdistan, est lié au Parti des jours démenti. travailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK), qui lutte depuis 1984 contre le gouvernement turc dans le sud-est anatolien.

IRAK:Un kamikaze de 16 ans arrêté in extremis

16 mai 2009

LES GARDIENS de la mosquée chiite Al-Zahra de Kirkouk, dans le nord de l'Irak, ont réussi à neutraliser in extremis un jeune homme qui s'apprêtait, le ler y mai dernier, à faire exploser sa ceinture piégée lors de la prière du vendredi. Les photos de leur inter\'ention sont publiées sur Internet.

Le kamikaze, Ammar Afif Hamada, un Syrien âgé de 16 ans, aurait été mis- sionné par Abou Omar al-Baghdadi, chef d'Al-Qaïda en Irak (Al-Qaïda est un réseau terroriste sunnite salafiste). Il a ouvert le feu en direction d'un gardien de la mosquée, le blessant à l'épaule, alors qu'il p)énétrait dans la mosquée en criant "Allah est grand !" Les autres gardiens, des Turkmènes chiites, sont parvenus à le 'V neutraliser et à le livrer à la police, qui a désamorcé sa ceinture d'explosifs. Aux policiers, le jeune kamikaze a avoué avoir reçu un entraînement militaire dans la \'ille syrienne de Homs.

La pro\'ince de Kirkouk compte plusieurs communautés : une majorité de Kurdes, des Turkmènes, qui se considèrent comme les habitants historiques de la .^ région, des Assyro-chaldéens (chrétiens) et des Arabes, souvent arrivés lors de la politique d'arabisation forcée décrétée par Saddam Hussein. Toutes ces commu¬ nautés se disputent le pouvoir. /^ Des élections provinciales avaient eu lieu le 31 janvier dernier dans 14 provin¬ \ ces irakiennes, mais pas dans les trois pro\'inces kurdes du nord du pays, ni dans celle, voisine, de Kirkouk. Les élections prévues le 25 juillet prochain dans ces pro- \inces pourraient être précédées d'une vague de violences.

WASHINGTON DEMENT FINANCER DES OPERATIONS DE DÉSTABILISATION CONTRE L'IRAN

WASHINGTON, 19 mai 2009 (AFP) - L'Iran accuse régulièrement les Etats-Unis de soutenir le PJAK, ainsi que d'au¬ tres organisations ethniques aux frontières de l'Iran, ce que Washington a tou¬ jours démenti. Le Pentagone a démenfi mardi financer des opérations visant à déstabiliser le régime de Téhéran, en réaction à des accusafions en ce sens du guide suprême De son côté, Washington accuse Téhéran de financer et d'armer les insurgés iranien, l'ayatollah Ali Khamenei. combattus en Irak par les forces armées américaines.

"Je ne suis au courant d'aucune inifiative de la sorte", a affirmé Geoff Worrell "Je trouve ironique que les Iraniens nous accusent d'ingérence, alors que lors d'une conférence de presse. depuis six ou sept ans en Irak, ils cherchent constamment à miner les efforts de paix et de stabilité que nous avons entrepris", a réagi M. Morrell. L'ayatollah Ali Khamenei a accusé mardi les Etals-Unis de "former des terroris¬ tes" au Kurdistan irakien et d'y distribuer "de l'argent et des annes" pour lutter 'Nous continuons de trouver, particulièrement en Irak, des caches d'armes four¬ contre la République islamique d'Iran, lors d'un discours à Saghez (Kurdistan) nies par les Iraniens. Des engins explosifs artisanaux EFP (de facture iranienne diffusé en direct par la télévision d'Etat. selon les Américains, ndlr) de différentes tailles ont encore été découverts la semaine dernière en Irak, et en grand nombre, et nous continuons d'observer M. Khamenei faisait allusion aux combattants du groupe séparatiste kurde que des groupes ten'oristes en Irak ont été entraînés en Iran", a-t-il poursuivi. PJAK, basés dans le nord-est de l'Irak, qui s'infiltrent régulièrement en Iran pour des opérations années.

ERBIL DEMENT QUE LE PJAK SOIT ENTRAÎNÉ PAR L'ARMÉE AMÉRICAINE CONTRE L'IRAN

ERBIL (Irak), 20 mai 2009 (AFP) - L'ayatollah Ali Khamenei a accusé mardi les Etats-Unis de "former des terroris¬ tes" au Kurdistan irakien et d'y distribuer "de l'argent et des armes" pour lutter contre la République islamique d'Iran. Les autorités kurdes irakiennes ont démenti mercredi que l'année américaine entraînait sur leur territoire des séparatistes kurdes du PJAK pour des opérations Il faisait allusion aux combattants du groupe séparatiste kurde PJAK, basés dans d'infiltration en Iran, après les accusations de l'ayatollah Ali Khamenei. le nord-est de l'Irak, qui s'infiltrent régulièrement en Iran pour des opérations amiées. "Avec tout le respect que l'on doit à M. Khamenei, il semble qu'il ait reçu des informations erronées parce que les Etats-Unis n'ont pas de base militaire au Le Pentagone a immédiatement démenti financer des opérations.

Kurdistan pour entraîner le PJAK", a déclaré à l'AFP le porte-parole du ministère L'Iran accuse régulièrement les Etats-Unis de soutenir le PJAK, ainsi que d'au¬ des peshmergas, l'équivalent kurde irakien du ministère de la Défense, Jabbar tres organisations ethniques aux frontières de l'Iran, ce que Washington a tou¬ Yaor. jours démenti.

'Les Etats-Unis ont mis le PJAK et le PKK (parti des travailleurs du Kurdistan, De son côté, Washington accuse Téhéran de financer et d'armer les "groupes ndlr) sur leur liste des groupes terroristes, donc comment pourraient-ils soutenir spéciaux". Le terme désigne les extrémistes chiites entraînés, armés et financés ces groupes qu'ils considèrent comme terroristes ?', a ajouté M. Yaor par des groupes iraniens.

35 Revue de Presse-Press Reviezv-Berhevoka Çnpê-Rivistn Stnmpn-Denlro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

ïïcralo^ Cinbunc may 18,2009

Arabs, Persians, Jews

and Arabs make common cause, surely having no communication with Iran,

the danger is real. the rising Mideast power; nor by the

Obama should be skeptical, for rea¬ uncritical support of Israel that has al¬

sons I will explain. But first those Arab lowed West Bank settlements to grow 4 fears. and peace to fade; nor by relationships The Saudis have been incensed by with Arab states that comfort stasis.

how U.S. policy has favored "the Per¬ The Arab arguments over Iran are Roger sians" as they refer to them by re¬ weak. It is precisely U.S. non-engage¬ moving Iran's Sunni Taliban enemy in ment that has led to Tehran's rising Cohen Afghanistan and ending Sunni domi¬ power. So it meikes sense to change

nance of Iraq. Despite U.S. prodding, the policy. Only within an American "grand

Saudis have not named an ambassador bargain" with Iran to Iraq and view the prime minister, Nuri Obama w'" «* solution to the GLOBALIST Kamal al-Maliki, as an Iranian pawn. should tell ""Clear issue be pos- Their strategic goal remains an "Iraq Netanyahu " Given that a RIYADH A story is doing the rounds in . that comes back to be a solid Arab coun¬

Washington about an Arab ambassador try," as one Saudi official put it to me. the status quo Mideast peace is in- whose view of Barack Obama's over¬ They also express frustration at the is not in any- conceivable without

tures to Iran is: "We don't mind you U.S. failure to rein in Israel, whose wars one's interest. Iran because of its in¬

seeking engagement, but please, no against Hezbollah in 2006 and Hamas in fluence over Hamas

marriage!" Gaza have stirred growing support for and Hezbollah, it is in

It's sometimes hard to know if the these Iran-backed movements. Anger the Arab interest that the United States

Arabs or Israelis are more alarmed on the Arab street is easily exploited by attempt to bring Iran "inside the tent." .

or cdarmist about Iran's nuclear pro¬ Iranian leaders using insurgent rhetoric. Outside it will make trouble.

gram and regional ambitions. With a significant Shia minority, Saudi Moreover, the Arabs themselves have

A comment a few months back from Arabia like Kuwciit and Bcihrain be¬ engaged. The Saudis have normal if

an Iranian official to the effect that the lieves Iran is inciting these communities strained diplomatic relations with Iran.

smcill desert kingdom of Bahrain was to rebellion. It's not uncommon to see So hereîs what Obama should say to . historically a province of Iran sent posters of Hassan Nasrallah, the leader Netanyahu when he says Arab states

fears of exportable Shia revolution into of Iran-backed Hezbollah, in Shia have identical fears over Iran :

overdrive in Sunni Arab capitals. Iran homes. Shiites, in turn, say Iran's rising "We're aware of this, Mr. Prime Min¬

apologized, but the damage was done. influence is used to justify oppression. ister, which is why we sent Defense After Iran's American-aided push in¬ When popular rage rises, the region's Secretary Robert Gates and others to

to Iraq through the establishment of a Arab autocrats look in the mirror and reassure Arab allies. But the U.S. in¬

Shia-dominated government there, the see the Shah. They don't want a rerun terest is not served by the Mideast

Bahrain talk set frayed Arab nerves on of Tehran 1979. status quo. Our interest lies in new re¬ edge. Prince Saud al-Faisal, the Saudi "The Arabs are very worried that, for gion-wide security arrangements that foreign minister, called on Ai^ab states expediency's sake in Iraq or Afghanis¬ promote a two-state peace, end 30

to "deal with the Iranian challenge." tan, we'll cut some deal with Iran that years of non-communication with Iran,

The mistrust has a long history. will leave Tehran as the regional hege- and ultimately afford Israel a brighter

Arabs ana Persians enjoy cordial mon," one U.S. official told me. future. You can't build settlements and

enmity; the cultural rivalry between It's not going to happen. Washington expect Iran's influence to diminish."

the Sunni and Shia universes dates and Tehran are a long way from even When Netanyahu demurs, Obama back a mere 1.5 millennia or so, to the starting bilateral talks. Differences are should add: "And you know what the

battle of Karbala in 680 and beyond. such that any deal would take time. Arabs tell me in private? That Israeli

But recent developments have en¬ What's really at issue here is that use of force against Iran would be a dis¬

venomed things to the point that Arab neither Israel nor the Arabs want a aster. And that it's impossible to tell diplomats troop daily into the State De¬ change in a status quo that locks in Is¬ Iran it can't have nukes when Israel

partment to warn that the U.S. quest for raeli regional military dominance and has them. They say that's a double

détente with Tehran is dangerous. the cozy relationships arms deals, standard. And you know what? They

That point will be made with vigor by aid and all that U.S. allies from the may have a point."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Net¬ Gulf to Cairo enjoy.

anyahu when he meets with President American interests are, howevei; an¬ COMMENT Readers are invited to com¬

Obama Monday. After all, when Israelis other story. They are not served by ment at global.nytimes.com/opinion

36 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

Sbc JîicUr jjork ^\mt$ Tensions Stoked Between May 18, 2009 Iraqi Kurds and Sunnis

- By SAM DAGHER TURKEY DAHOH BASHIQA, Iraq Tensions bet¬ ween Sunni Arabs and Kurds are ^ Bashiqa « ,- 'tf^ boiling over in Nineveh, the northern Iraqi province that includes Mosul, as SYRIA Mosul '' ER8!L Kurds fight the result of a provincial election in January that shifted power NINEVBH ^ \ to Arabs. > \ o Though strains between the IRAQ "

groups are not new, in recent days *-^ i" ~ ~

Kurdish forces have blocked Arab

officials from carrying out their (o "^ duties, in a sign that the Kurds refuse V--. to recognize the regional govern¬ 1 ment's sovereignty over all of Nineveh. The Kurds have also pres¬ forces fanned out on the road to the expense of the Kurds. sured districts under their control to Zumar, an area northwest of Mosul, "We do not trust these people, we boycott the new Arab governor, and following a rumor that the governor know their intentions," said Khasro they said they might even resort to might visit, according to a local tri¬ Goran, the Nineveh leader of the military force unless they were given bal leader. And on Sunday, a car Kurdistan Democratic Party, the most several positions in the government. bomb went off near the governor's powerful Kurdish force on the American officials have long fea¬ residence in Mosul, killing a police ground. red a military conflict in the north, officer, though it was unclear who Mr. Nujaifi recently called for where Arabs and Kurds have compe¬ was behind the bombing. Sunni insurgents to curtail attacks ting claims to territory and have For almost five years, Kurds against American soldiers as they legions of trained men under arms. dominated the provincial government pull out from joint Iraqi-American The struggle for power has also fue¬ in Nineveh despite the fact that Arabs garrisons in Mosul to Marez, their led the insurgency in the north, make up a majority of the population. big base on the outskirts of town. He giving groups like Al Qaeda in The Kurds' grip on power was aided said that the insurgents "seemed to Mesopotamia an opening to appear to by the thousands of Kurdish forces have responded" to his call, but that back an Arab cause. And it comes as that were sent to the province with controlling Sunni Arab anger against American combat troops are schedu¬ American approval to shore up secu¬ Kurds might be more difficult. led to withdraw from Iraqi cities by rity in what remains one of the most Joost Hiltermann, an analyst who the end of June. violent spots in Iraq. is advising the United Nations on ter¬ It is unclear whether the tensions Last month Mr. Nujaifi, a wealthy ritorial disputes in northern Iraq, said will escalate, but several episodes in businessman with ties to powerful the Kurds had more of an interest in recent weeks have raised concerns. Arab tribes, members of Saddam escalating the conflict. "It could be On May 8, the newly elected Hussein's Baath Party and possibly of Kurdish interest to provoke Sunni Arab governor, Atheel al- insurgents, was chosen as the new confrontation in order to persuade Nujaifi, was prevented by Kurdish governor. His predominantly Sunni the Americans that if they abandon forces from entering Bashiqa, a Arab coalition, AI Hadba, which won the Kurds, the consequences would Kurdish-controlled town northeast of 19 of the 37 seats on the provincial be dire," said Mr. Hiltermann, a Mosul. The governor said he received council, froze out the second-place senior Iraq analyst at the a call from an Iraqi officer in the Kurdish coalition from all senior International Crisis Group. joint Iraqi-American command cen¬ positions in the new government. The American military has played ter in Mosul informing him that the The Kurds responded by boycot¬ down the significance of the recent Kurds had issued a "shoot to kill" ting the government, and they are Kurdish actions. order against him if he went to now threatening to escalate the Meanwhile, residents here on the Bashiqa. The episode ended when the conflict unless they are given the Nineveh Plain, a mix of ethnic and governor turned back to Mosul. posts of deputy governor and provin¬ religious groups, are bracing for the The Kurds denied they had issued cial council chairman. worst. the order but said they were under Mr. Nujaifi says there will be no A checkpoint staffed by Kurdish instructions from the leadership in talks with the Kurds unless they military forces on the highway bet¬ the semiautonomous Kurdistan recognize Nineveh's administrative ween Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan's capital, region to halt Mr. Nujaifi's advance. borders and pull their forces back to and Mosul was recently moved closer Last Wednesday, hundreds of behind the so-called Green Line, to Mosul. Kurdish observation posts armed Kurds stopped the Nineveh Iraqi Kurdistan's boundary before the along the plain's roads and hilltops police chief, a Sunni Arab, from American-led invasion in 2003. have also been fortified. Near crossing a bridge into a disputed area The Kurds reject that request and Bashiqa, dirt shields several roadside of the province under Kurdish say they will not budge before the military outposts. Machine guns control. His convoy included Iraqi fate of disputed territories north of could be seen on the roofs of some soldiers and police officers. A wit¬ Mosul is settled. They say they trust buildings. ness described the standoff, which neither Mr. Nujaifi nor the central Mr. Goran said that no new forces lasted almost three hours before the government in Baghdad, led by were brought in, but that those "on police chief's retreat, as "frighte¬ Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al- vacation" inside Kurdistan were told ning." Maliki, which has been seeking to to come back because of the heighte¬ On Saturday, Kurdish military assert its authority in northern Iraq at ned alert.

37 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

"We are a small sect, we do not In the towns of Tal Keif and anonymously because he was not want trouble," said Khodr Elias, 49, a Qaraqosh, municipal officials who authorized to speak with reporters. resident of Bashiqa, which is domina¬ want to cooperate with the govern¬ "God willing, there will be confronta¬

ted by Yazidis, an ancient Kurdish- ment in Mosul say they are impotent tion; otherwise there will be no solu¬ speaking sect. "We are squeezed bet¬ in the face of a heavy Kurdish secu¬ tion." ween Arabs and Kurds, and we cannot rity presence. open our mouths." Comments by a senior Kurdish Mohamed Hussein contributed Kurds also appear to be pressing police officer in Qaraqosh illustrated reporting from Baghdad. people in Christian enclaves of the the problem. "We have terrorists in plain to not recognize the governor. power," said the officer, who spoke

l\iesday May 19, 2009

Iraq's cash needs may drive agreement on revenues, analysts said. Both sides need to see more income as Baghdad has been forced to cut the energy deal with Kurds federal budget for this year three times due to oil's slump to around $60 a barrel * Baghdad desperate for income after oil pricefall from a peak over $147 last year. Iraq * Cash need may drive deal on oil exports ivith relies on oil for about 95 percent of Kurdistan

SLUGGISH PRODUCTION are illegal. The oil ministry says only it Shahristani is under pressure to com¬ has authority to validate contracts; the pensate for a decline of around 250,000 By Ahmed Rasheed and Simon Webb KRG says its deals are constitutional. bpd in output from a post-war peak hit If Baghdad agreed to pay the compa¬ last May. Kurdish output could plug the BAGHDAD/DUBAI, May 19 nies from oil and gas revenues according gap more quickly than any other source (Reuters) - Baghdad's desperation for to the contract terms, it would effectively available to the minister. more cash to rebuild after years of sanc¬ validate the deals and concede ground to Iraq has the world's third-largest oil tions and war could provide a long- Kurdish and other regional claims to and tenth-largest gas reserves, but needs avi^aited catalyst for a deal with minority control over resources. billions to overhaul energy infrastruc¬ Kurds on oil and gas exports. The oil ministry says income should ture. Iraq's Oil Ministry on Monday rejec¬ go to a central pot and then be distribu¬ Even a deal on revenues from these ted an $8 billion Kurdish plan to fill the ted as for the budget, of which the KRG exports may be insufficient to point the Nabucco pipeline with gas for Europe, gets 17 percent. The KRG, if it could, way for future deals and for any gas sup¬ the latest spat in a long feud with the lar¬ might use that to pay the firms. plies to Nabucco, analysts said. gely autonomous Kurdistan region over 'That would be the death of all other The deals with DNO and Addax control of massive oil and gas reserves. exploration agreements in the Kurdish were signed before the draft oil legisla¬ But it has made a concession on oil region," Ciszuk said. tion was agreed, so Baghdad may be exports from the region, after two years KRG contracts with oil firms call for more inclined to allow them to go ahead of deadlock. them to be paid 18-20 percent of total than those signed later, analysts said. "Iraq is desperate for oil export revenues. It would be short if forced to "I think that the oil ministry is quite money and hard currency, a potential pay with its share after the pot is divi¬ careful not to set a precedent that will driver for a deal with the Kurdish region ded. encourage firms to continue signing that is much stronger than anything "It's unfair to even suggest that deals with the KRG," said Valerie Marcel, we've seen previously," said Samuel Kurdistan repay the oil firms using its 17 associate fellow at international affairs Ciszuk, analyst at IHS Global Insight in percent share," Ali Hussain Balou, a institute Chatham House. London. Kurd who heads the Iraqi parliamentary Baghdad has its own plans to supply Facing domestic pressure to boost oil and gas committee, told Reuters. gas to Europe from other fields, another income hit by the oil price slump and to "Any (Iraqi government) support for reason it would resist the Kurdistan increase sluggish output. Oil Minister that idea would only complicate the pro¬ plan. Hussain al-Shahristani gave permission blem and push things into a deadlock." The firms hoping to export gas to earlier this month for the Kurdish north The committee's Arab deputy, Europe may go ahead with plans to to start modest oil exports of 60,000 bar¬ Abdul-Hadi al-Hasani, said the firms build a pipeline to Turkey under KRG rels per day from June L The Kurdish involved, Norway's DNO Internattonal auspices and with no federal approval. region said the flow could quickly reach and Toronto-listed Addax Petroleum, But buyers and especially transit country 100,000 bpd. should be paid their drilling costs rather Turkey, itself combating Kurdish separa¬ But the two sides have yet to agree than their contract entitlement. That tist aspirations, would be reluctant to the key issue of how revenues would be would be a compromise until an oil law purchase without Baghdad's nod. shared. How that is resolved has impli¬ was passed, he added. 'That would be encouraging Kurdish cations for the Kurdish region's plan to Iraq's cabinet approved an oil and separatism," said Al Trôner, Managing export gas to Europe, as well as for gas law in 2007 that would help resolve Director of Asia Pacific Energy future oil and gas contracts throughout deep disputes casting a shadow on the Consulting. 'That would be a very hard the country. future of a country struggling to emerge sell in Turkey." from six years of violence. WHO GETS WHAT? But disagreement behveen Baghdad (Additional reporting by Shamal The exports stem from production and the KRG has delayed the legisla¬ Aqrawi in Arbil and Missy Ryan in sharing contracts the Kurdistan Regional tion's passage to parliament. Baghdad; Editing by Anthony Barker) Government (KRG) has signed with Once exports flow, the two sides foreign firms, which Baghdad maintains were likely to come to some pragmatic

38 Revue de Presse-Press Revieiv-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

The ^ ,.^,^.^_j;^^:^ Economist

TURKEY'S REBELLIOUS KURDS

f 4 Mf- Stone-throwers in glass houses

ADANA /Turkish promises to improve the treatment of Kurds ring hollow

a party."

INSIDE a concrete shack in the It also flies in the face of recent

predominantly Kurdish slum of efforts by the ruling Justice and

Daglioglu, in south-east Turkey, 17- Development Party to improve the lot

year-old "Mehmet" (he cannot give his of Turkey's 14m Kurds. After laun¬

real name) rolls up his trousers and ching the country's first state-run

points to a deep scar. "They beat me, (and predictably tame) Kurdish-lan¬

i kicked me repeatedly, called me a guage television station in January, % 'dirty Kurd', forced me to do push-ups the government hinted that it might

and demanded I become an infor¬ let thousands of Turkified villages

mant." In another neighbourhood a revert to their original Kurdish names.

16-year-old girl suffered worse hor¬ The army chief, General llker Basbug,

rors. "Confess or I'll fuck you and your recently conceded that, even though

mother," she was told as she was dri¬ 40,000 rebels had been killed since

ven to police headquarters. She and the PKK launched its insurgency in

other female detainees were, she 1984, "social and economic measu¬

says, clubbed and dragged by the res" were required. Murat Karayilan,

hair. In jail they were stripped naked the PKK's commander in northern and forced to kneel as wardens "sear¬ Iraq, says the PKK no longer demands :5l«i?' ched our crevices". independence and is happy to let third

Both teenagers are among hun¬ parties negotiate a deal on its behalf.

dreds of Kurdish minors who face pro¬ All of this prompted Turkey's presi¬ directed at the PKK. Despite Mr secution around the country for alle¬ dent, Abdullah Gul, to declare recently Karayilan's doveish talk, his men gedly taking part in illegal street pro¬ that there was now "an historic oppor¬ continue to blow up Turkish soldiers. tests in support of the separatist tunity" to fix the Kurdish problem. The Danish-based, PKK-leaning chan¬ Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). In Perhaps so. In Adana Mr Acikalin is nel, ROJ TV, "certainly plays a part in Adana alone, some 155 children are "still in shock" after an unprecedented inciting teenagers," says Guven Boga, facing trial, 67 have been convicted meeting with security bigwigs. "They who represents Egitim Sen, a leftist and five have begun to serve their listened with patience, offered us tea teachers' union. One big worry, he sentences, says Ethem Acikalin, head and promised to stop the abuse," he adds, is ethnic tensions between of the local branch of Turkey's Human says. Yet Mr Acikalin, who is himself Kurdish and non-Kurdish students Rights Association. All were charged facing eight separate charges under that flare up with each PKK attack. under article 220/6 of the penal code, article 220/6 for a series of public sta¬ The other is the lack of opportunity for which criminalises "acting on behalf of tements that he has made, Insists he many Kurdish youths. "They are angry a terrorist organisation". The cases will not be swayed unless and until the and have no hope for the future," Mr are tried in adult courts. Most of the law is changed. Boga says. Their experience in jail crimes consist of no more than chan¬ His scepticism is shared by Ali only hardens them. And this makes ting pro-PKK slogans and throwing Kulter, who ekes out $12 a day as a them perfect recruits for the PKK. stones at police. But some have also farmworker in Tuzluca, just south of

been charged with damaging public Adana. Home is a reed shack without

property, resisting arrest, spreading running water, the toilet is a hole dug

terrorist propaganda or endangering in the ground that serves Mr Kulter

public security. and scores of Kurdish families. They

Mr Acikalin reckons that, even migrated here in the early 1990s after

after benefiting from reductions being forced out of their villages in the

because of his age, "Mehmet" will south-eastern province of Sirnak for

spend at least four years in jail. refusing to join a state-run Kurdish

"When it comes to children, the courts militia to fight the PKK. "Our village

have frequently chosen to place them was an Eden, this is hell," Mr Kulter

in pre-trial prison detention for many sighs. "If there were peace I wouldn't

months," comments Emma Sinclair- spend another second here." But, as

Webb, of Human Rights Watch, a New the 55-year-old explains, "my sto¬

York-based watchdog. "This flies in mach is full with unfulfilled promises

the face of the Convention on the [by the state]."

Rights of the Child, to which Turkey is Some of his scorn ought to be

39 Revue de Presse-Press Revieiv-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

C Rudaw.Net I -ii^î^i^20L_

David Romano: PDK and PUK alliance may strengthen the Islamic parties

Hawar Abdulrazaq elections are conducted well and the results respected, this will serve as one

RUDAW EXCLUSIVE: more indicator of Kurdish successful self- government. Dr. David Romano is an Assistant \ Professor of International Studies - "«;' Rudaw: the Kurdish Islamic party, i.e. Rhodes College and has expertise in Islamic union and Kurdistan Islamic the fields of Nationalism, social move¬ Komal, and along with two other ments, theories of peace and conflict, Kurdish party who are close to Iran, is non-stale actors (particularly move¬ participating in the next election on one ments employing guerrilla and terrorist list. The Islamic party didn't want to the tactics), politicized Islam, Middle-East Model of RAFA party in Turkey and the and model of Algeria happens in Kurdistan Mediterranean politics (with a special kicked out all the kurds and Turkmen and was afraid that the west will be emphasis on Turkey, Iraq, the Kurds from those region and replaced them the against them. How do you see the Islamic and other Middle Eastern minorities), Arabs, and it's allowed by Iraqis constttu- parties' chances in Kurdistan region, if forced migration (refugees, internally tion? they respect west's view? displaced persons), and globalization

and development issues. David Romano: The United States is a David Romano: If the KDP and PUK relatively centralized federal political maintain an electoral alliance, even in system. Many Americans do not unders¬ Kurdistan parliamentary elections, this Rudaw: How the people of U.S and its tand why in many multi-ethnic states, may have a tendency to strengthen the institutes look at KRG? minorities need their own power base Islamic parties, who will claim that they separate from the federal government. represent the only real possibility for David Romano: Many average people in They also do not always understand that change or reform. However, the U.S. do not know much about the the current borders of the Kurdish Nawshirwan Mustafa's List of Change KRG. Last year, 1 invited Qubad Autonomous Region are just an accident may help this situation, as another signi¬ Talabani to my university to speak about of 1991 - where Saddam happened to ficant option for voters. Obviously, the "the other Iraq," and many of the stu¬ withdraw his forces to after Operation KDP and PUK need to work hard to dents and people from the community Provide Comfort. At the same time, improve their image amongst the voters, were very surprised to learn about the some Americans who do know this sim¬ and show that they are committed to Kurdistan Regional Government, ply look at the issues from the U.S. point fighting corruption and delivering servi¬ Kurdish autonomy, and the different of view, which wants Iraq to be stable and ces to the people. This is what elections points of view of Kurds in Iraq. He gave peaceful as soon as possible so that the are for - to make political leaders per¬ an excellent talk which affected many United States can withdraw its forces. form in the service of their people. people's opinions. Elites in Baghdad tell them that a referen¬ dum on Kirkuk and other disputed terri¬ I myself would be concerned if the Some institutes in the United States do tories will cause problems and maybe Islamic Kurdish parties close to Iran do not understand why the KRG must be violence, so they prefer to avoid this. well in the elections. Iran does not have careful in its relations with Baghdad, why Iraqi Kurdistan's interests at heart, of it needs to keep the peshmarga and insist Also, some U.S. academics, whom we course. I also do not believe in paying on much security and political guaran¬ might call "Arabists" (they studied poor women to wear the hijab, or condo¬ tees vis-à-vis Baghdad. It is as if they Arabic language and culture, and so ning female circumcision, and these par¬ have already forgotten Iraqi history, or speak more with Arabs and are more ties do these things. I am a liberal from they think the problems that Kurds in familiar and sympathetic with the the West, of course, so naturally I do not Iraq suffered were only because of "Arab" point of view), also internalize have the same values as Komal or Ali Saddam rather than a deeper problem Arab nationalist ideologies or resent the Bapir The only thing I can probably relating to the repression of Kurds in a Iraqi Kurds for cooperating with the agree with them about is that democracy majority Arab authoritarian state. They American government. These acade¬ means they be allowed to compete in therefore make policy recommendations mics, for instance, believe strongly in elections for political power that Iraq's central government be given Palestinian rights and the return of more power, full control over all military Palestinian refugees and lands, but injus¬ Rudaw: Duo to your knowledge and and police (even in Kurdistan), full tices suffered by the Kurds and Kurdish expiates about Kurdistan Islamic union, control of oil revenues, inclusion of self-determination are of little interest to if in the future they take control of KRG, Kirkuk, etc... Those of us who have them. how they will administrate the region been to Kurdistan (my first visit was in and what will their policy will be? the summer of 1994) work hard to Rudaw: In 25th of July this your, explain why such recommendations are Kurdistan parliament will hold its elec¬ David Romano: I am pessimistic. dangerous. tion, how will global leaders and media When I met leaders of the KTU, they were look at this election? very nice people of course, and I like Rudaw: Why some U.S politicians and them fine on an individual level. Their media think that kurds wants too much David Romano: I'm not certain. The clo¬ politics are not liberal, however, and 1 and believe their demands are crossed sed party list system is often criticized, as simply do not believe that mixing reli¬ the line, when the kurds requests the is the alliance of the KDP and PUK into gion with politics is ever a good thing. reattachments of some cities and town to one hegemonic electoral alliance - lea¬ Religion is a deeply personal, important the KRG, which the Saddam regime ving less room for choice. Still, if the

40 Revue de Presse-Press Revieiv-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

part of people's identity, while politics is ding all the opinions and feedbacks, I relations. KRG leaders have wisely often a dirty game of competition, found out that there aren't any appro¬ tried to reassure Ankara that they do not power, and Machiavellian strategies. priate reason from Baghdad for not allo¬ wish to get involved in conflicts inside Why would we want to mix these two, wing the exploration of Kurdistan's oil. Turkey, but they need to make sure especially when not everyone is of the How do you see this problem? groups like the PKK do not force same religion? Many people of the Hawler into a conflict with Ankara. same religion do not even practice or see David Romano: Luckily for the KRG,

their religion in the same way. the rest of Iraq decided that it needed Rudaw: until now, Turkey has rejected money more than control (over ban¬ calls from PKK and its political wing Rudaw: The relation between Al-maliki kruptcy?), especially with oil prices low. DTP, to solve Kurdish problem peace¬ government and KRG, which has many The problem has been resolved for now, fully, what has been U.S's reaction problems, in your view what's the as Kurdish oil exports are permitted. toward this stands from turkey? future, holds for this relation? Kurdistan will always need Baghdad's cooperation on oil issues, however, as David Romano: The United States

David Romano: Al-Maliki will do the pipelines go through Arab Iraq, supports Turkey in this. From the U.S. what he feels he needs to do to streng¬ Turkey or Syria. Kurdistan is not an point of view, the PKK is Marxist and

then his political power. This means island. terrorist, so it understands Ankara's avoiding concessions to the KRG, if he perspective. The DTP, however, has can, and strengthening the Prime Rudaw: Right now, the relation bet¬ greater chances of getting U.S. sympa¬ Minister's power in Baghdad. Kurdish ween KRG and Turkey is getting better, thy, especially if it can show that the leaders need to play the Baghdadi poli¬ do you think there will be a string rela¬ party is independent of the PKK. tical game in a way that forces people tion between this two in the future? like al-Maliki to seek their support, and Rudaw: despite this position, a few hence make deals with the KRG. I David Romano: A very good question. times turkey has send those journalist think they are doing this. The potential I hope so, as Turkey and the KRG very who are close to the state leaders, to the for difficult relations became clear last much need each other. When Turkey Qandil mountains to interview PKK lea¬ summer in Khanaqin, I think. KRG lea¬ truly realizes that it can have good rela¬ ders, how do you evaluate this matter? ders face difficult challenges in the tions with Iraqi Kurds, this may also

future. They will have to make com¬ help Ankara have a more progressive David Romano: I can only guess. 1 promises, and everyone in Kurdistan policy towards Kurdish language and think any government, any intelligence will be happy with these compromises culture in Turkey. I'm not sure the establishment, tries to keep lines of

or understand that they were necessary. Kemalist establishment in Ankara really communication open even with its believes that they can have good rela¬ enemies. As Sun 'Tzu said, we need to

Rudaw: Last week in an interview with tions with Hawler, or fully understand know our enemy as well as ourselves...

our paper, Tariq Hashmi the Iraqi Vice how much economic and political bene¬ president said that after carefully rea fit Turkey may derive from such good

Kurds are immune to Iranian influence TiieNatkNial

May 21. 2009 / UAE Kerry's statement only reconfirms what Iraqis and the world already know: Iran has significant control over Iraq, especially after the accession of its Shiite allies to power. It was the first time a US senior official unequivocally decla¬ "However, a crucial portion of the Iraqi social fabric resists red that the substitution of the Iraqi regime led to Iran's Iranian influence - the Kurds." empowerment, and the US invasion has given rise to even grea¬ They will never relinquish the federal status and rights they ter problems than those it had intended to solve, wrote Hassan have gained and paid for in blood, so they keep a tight grip on Haidar in the opinion pages of the pan-Arab daily Al Hayat. oil-rich Kirkuk, in anticipation of Baghdad's moodiness. "The head of tlie US Senate foreign affairs committee, John Perhaps, this is why the spiritual guide of Iran, Ali Kerry, who is in favour of US-Iran dialogue, expressed in a Khamenei, has launched his gratuitous attack on the Kurds, recent interview widi Al Hayat something like regret over the claiming tliat tlie US trains and arms Kurdish groups to attack deposition of Saddam Hussein as it has paved the way for Iran. mounting Iranian influence," Haidar wrote.

Cabinet positions. Kurds in Ninawa The Kurdish Ninawa Brotherhood list, which came in second with threaten secession 12 council seats, has threatened to annex parts of the province to the Kurdistan Regional Government unless Hadbaa allows Kurds into the government, the Iraqi analytical Web site Niqash May 25 , 2009 United Press International reports.

"The Brotherhood list represents one million people in the pro¬ KURDISH LAWMAKERS in the northern Iraqi province of vince, but Hadbaa decided not to respect the voice of one mil¬ Ninawa threaten to join the Kurdistan Regional Government as lion people," said Barzan Sa'eed Kaka, the mayor of the predo¬ conflicts with Sunni officials intensify. minately Kurdish district of Makhmour

The Sunni-led Hadbaa list won a surprising victory in Ninawa in Many of the Kurds in Makhmour say they do not consider them¬ the January provincial elections, trouncing their Kurdish counter¬ selves citizens of Ninawa province, instead looking to the KRG as

parts by taking 19 of the 37 council seats and effective control their government. over the government. The sentiments follow skirmishes between Hadbaa leaders and The Hadbaa victory provoked a Kurdish boycott of the provincial members of the Kurdish paramilitary force, Asayish, prompting government when it refused to allow Kurds to take any of the concerns over provincial stability.

41 Revue de Presse-Press Revieiv-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

Guardian 21 May 2009

Does Turkey have an answer to the Kurdish question?

President Gul has spoken of a 'historic opportunity' and a 'new consensus',

but elsewhere in the country, scepticism remains

to live under the Republic of Turkey equally and freely ... This is not a tactic. Our direction has changed." This lat¬ ter proposition will be tested when the PKK's current

'Simon Tisdall ceasefire expires on June i.

Turkish opposition politicians are sceptical about the Speculation is rife in Turkey that a settlement of the prospects of a breakthrough, possibly for partisan rea¬ Kurdish question may finally be within reach after 25 sons, and are resisting Gul's call for all parties to work years of violence and confrontation that has claimed together. Deniz Baykal of the Republican People's party 40,000 lives. But while politicians and commentators in said the government, having failed to defeat the PKK, Ankara and Istanbul focus on a new beginning, Kurds in was bowing to European and US pressure following the south-east of the country complain old-style, dead¬ Barack Obama's recent visit. Other parties accused end repression is only getting worse. Erdogan and Gul ofjeopardising the national interest.

President Abdullah Gul, a close associate ofthe prime Scepticism also extends to Kurdish groups in the minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is the cause of much of south-east who complain of increasing repression and the excitement. Amid reports the government is working continuing curbs on cultural and linguistic expression. up a new peace plan, Gul declared tantalisingly last week Speaking at the House of Lords in London last week, that a "historic opportunity" to solve the Kurdish issue Muharrem Erbey, president of the Diyarbakir Human had arisen. Rights Association, said over 300 people had been detai¬

Speaking during a subsequent visit to Syria, Gul went ned since Kurdish Democratic Society party (DTP) over¬ came a determined AKP campaign to make big gains in further: "There is a common understanding among the state's agencies. I am very hopeful ... Whatever you call last March's municipal elections. it, the south-eastern question, the Kurdish issue, or the "We oppose violence. We don't want loss of life. We terrorism problem, we have to find a solution... The best want the armed fighters to join the political process. But way to do this is to raise democratic standards in we support people's right to be outspoken in pursuit of Turkey." their democratic rights ... Instead of having human rights and democracy in Turkey, it's completely the other way Gul's talk of a "new consensus" seemed to imply the secularist military, frequently at odds with Erdogan's round," Erbey said. Islamist-minded Justice and Development party (AKP), Wherever it's made, such public criticism is hazar¬ was on board. Little more than a year ago, amid a major dous as the leading Kurdish activist and former MP, cross-border offensive against Kurdish insurgents in Leyla Zana, can testify. On 2 June a court in Diyarbakir northern Iraq and rumoured coup plots against the AKP, will rule on Zana's appeal against a 10-year jail sentence such a conclusion would have seemed implausible. imposed for allegedly subversive comments made in public speeches, including one she delivered at the But after a remarkable speech last month by the army School of African and Oriental Studies in London. She chief, General llker Basbug, perceptions have changed. was previously jailed for 10 years for the "crime" of spea¬ Basbug recast the Kurdish problem as a matter of natio¬ king in Kurdish in the Turkish parliament. nal security and equally as a test of Turkish modernisa¬ tion and integration as it aspires to join the EU. He allu¬ The Zana case is being watched closely across Europe ded to the need to address the social and economic roots and the US. Its outcome will be an indicator of whether of the violence espoused by the PKK, the Kurdistan Gul's "historic opportunity" is anything more than Workers party. His empathetic statement that "even a steam-bath hot air. terrorist is a human being" was seen as extraordinary given past enmities.

Basbug's broader theme - the fitness of Turkey to meet the challenges of the 21st century and how to balance secularism, security, democracy and faith - fit¬ ted neatly with Gul's talk of raising democratic standards and breaking with the past. Writing in Today's Zaman newspaper, columnist Ibrahim Kalin called the speech unprecedented. "If Basbug can change the 'militarist cul¬ ture' within the Turkish army and anchor (it) firmly in democracy and the rule of law, then he vnl\ certainly be ushering in a new era."

Gul's idea of a "historic opportunity" has been rein¬ forced by a conciliatory interview given to Milliyet news¬ paper by Murat Karayilan, a top PKK leader. "The PKK used to demand an independent Kurdish state but that's been left in the past now," he said. "We solely want Kurds

42 Revue de Presse-Press Revieiv-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

, , 23 May 2009

Kurdistan seizes initiative over oil Baghdad's decision to allow Kurdish oil through the national

pipeline and into international markets is a victory for Erbil

ther the recipients are Sunni or Shia. This gives the KRG 17% Ranj Alaaldin of revenues while the rest of Iraq gets 83%.

A haphazard oil ministry in Baghdad has not helped either. Contradictory oil policies, poor oil output, corruption and Last week the tug-of war between the Kurdistan Regional smuggling of Iraqi oil have marred Hussain al-Shahristani's Government (KRG) and the federal govemment in Baghdad tenure as oil minister. Nor is it only a Kurd-Arab affair: the took a major twist when after years of heated tit-for-tat exchan¬ Shahristani camp has come under fire from Baghdad's oil and ges Baghdad finally agreed to allow Kurdish oil exports gas committee for signing contracts never made available to through the national pipeline and into international markets. competitors and devoid of transparency. Senior Shia officials including vice president Adil Mahdi have criticised Shahristani The dispute over Iraq's oil is of long standing and centres who, remarkably, has been summoned by parliament to on disagreements over laws that provide for revenue sharing in explain his ministry's failings. the production and exploration of Iraq's oil. Failure to pass the hydrocarbons law has hindered foreign participation in the Iraqi civilians are the ones who ultimately bear the brunt of energy sector and therefore the development of Iraq's dilapida¬ sub-standard decision-making. Iraq is producing only 1.8m ted oil infrastructure. bpd, far below potential and not enough to meet its reconstruc¬ tion needs. Kurdish crude oil in the two aforementioned fields The stalled law is opposed by the KRG on the grounds that has been export-ready for two years now. Even with today's low it gives too much control to Baghdad, contrary to the intentions oil prices at about $50 per barrel, and without accounting for of the Iraqi constitution. Kurdish concerns stem from more the $150 peak in oil prices, the two fields, with a joint 250,000 than 70 years of financial dependence on Baghdad, tainted by bpd capacity, could have generated an extra $9bn in revenue. deprivation ofboth people and land. The KRG, during the two- year impasse over the proposed law, has enacted its own oil As ever, talk of oil and the Kurds cannot pass without refe¬ law, developed Kurdistan's resources (Kurdistan holds an esti¬ rence to oil-rich Kirkuk - though this should not be the case. mated 45bn barrels of reserves) and independently signed Those who oppose the annexation of Kirkuk to Kurdistan more than 20 exploration and development deals. The federal maintain tlie province's vast oil reserves wall give the Kurds an government deems these illegal and void, arguing that all economic engine for an independent state. But this misguided contracts must be submitted through Baghdad. and confrontational hyperbole fails to take into account Article 112(1) of the constitution which stipulates that Kirkuk oil must The tussle therefore becomes a legal and constitutional one. be federally managed in conjunction with either the KRG or Looking at the constitution. Article 111 states that "oil and gas Kirkuk province, or both. There is, in other words, no room for are owned by all the people of Iraq in all the regions and pro¬ a KRG monopoly over Kirkuk's oil. vinces". Oil and gas ownership, however, are not within tlie exclusive powers of Baghdad. Moreover, Articles 115 and 121(2) On the unresolved status of Kirkuk, the UN only last month give regions like Kurdistan legal supremacy on matters outside submitted a yet-to-be-made-public proposal to Baghdad and the exclusive powers of Baghdad. In the absence of any provi¬ the KRG which outlined suggestions for remedying the pro¬ sion explicitly suggesting otherwise, Article 111, or federal blem. Some might look at this latest development on Kurdish government control over oil, is therefore subject to the laws of oil exports as preparation for a compromise that ensures both the Kurdistan region. Baghdad's decision to allow the export of sides do not lose face, a case of Baghdad offering the KRG oil in oil derived from exploration by Norwegian and Turkish firms return for a deferral oftheir demands over Kirkuk or an accep¬ that started in the Tawke and TaqTaq oilfields in 2004 means tance of one of the UN-submitted solutions (including turning 60,000 barrels per day (bpd) will initially be exported from Kirkuk into a stand-alone regional entity like Kurdistan). Time Tawke and 40,000 bpd from "TaqTaq - a total that will bring a will tell. revenue stream of $5111 per day (at $50 per barrel). Proceeds It may of course only be economic realities that have forced will be deposited into a federally managed account. The two Baghdad's hand in this instance - a victory for pragmatism fields jointly could produce 250,000 bpd. over ideology. Kurdish oil exports are unlikely at this stage to The decision also constitutes an implicit validation of the stimulate negotiations on Iraq's outstanding issues, including KRG's production-sharing contracts with foreign oil compa¬ the oil law itself which stays silent on contentious issues such nies, whereby these companies get a stake in the crude they as how to deal with unexplored oil fields. produce. The oil ministry has previously rejected this, prefer¬ What Baghdad's retraction does constitute is a political and ring instead to give a fee to companies. This ensures oil compa¬ public relations victory for the KRG. Iraq's Kurdish leaders nies stay away since it gives no incentive to maximise output or could maintain, particularly in the run-up to Kurdistan's par¬ compensation for the risks taken, hence the Iraqi parliament's liamentary elections in July, that they went eyeball to eyeball dissatisfaction with what it considers an unproductive model. but in the end it was Baghdad that blinked first. Beneath the legal and constitutional surface, and harsh eco¬ nomic reality (Iraq has slashed its 2009 budget three times because of falling oil prices), the clash over resources conies from great distrust between Erbil and Baghdad. It is a question of how Iraq will be governed and who will govern - see prime minister Nouri al-Maliki here - a battle between the centrists and federalists. Observers might suggest Kurdish ambitions for greater autonomy over resources originate from a desire for complete independence, but the reality is far from this. Any revenue from currently exploited fields will be allocated across Iraq as a whole on a per capita basis, and irrespective of whe-

43 Revue de Presse-Press Revieiv-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

TODAYS ZAMAN 20 May 2009

Why is it the right time to solve the Kurdish question?

ficult. Furthermore, these two powerful blocks are increasingly rediscovering Turkey's importance in the region as an ally. Without

Columnists Turkey, it is hard to make and maintain peace in the IVIiddle East and the Caucasus. Turkey's role as a democratic and secular

IHSAN DAGI state is extremely valuable for the West in efforts to avoid a clash of civilizations. Securing energy transfer from Eurasia to Europe in a diversified way requires Turkey's cooperation. Above all, the EU

IT HAS BECOME increasingly clear that the Kurdish question is conducting full membership negotiations with Turkey. Thus it can neither be solved through the use offeree by the Turkish state looks for a stabilized Turkey that can develop peaceful relations nor by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). This has been unders¬ with neighboring countries to the west, the east and the south. The US also attributes great value to Turkish cooperation In tood by all sides. The current state of affairs does not benefit anyone. The only light of its experiences in Afghanistan and Iraq. As Turi^ey's politi¬

viray out of this "lose-lose" situation is a solution that is a joint set¬ cal weight increases, as has been the case in recent years, tlement by the fighting sides, the PKK and the Turkish state. Turkey's ability to use it as leverage over the PKK increases as Many agree that domestic, regional and international develop¬ well. Thus Turkey's Western allies are evemiore inclined to buy ments are forcing the sides to contemplate new moves in addres¬ Turkey's arguments, which are accompanied by a series of sing the question. I think the state and the PKK have exhausted reforms on the domestic front toward the Kurds. What is also important is the attitude of the Iraqi Kurds. After all options apart from goodwill in order to achieve peace. establishing their position in northem Iraq, they began viewing the The PKK understands it cannot win a war with the Turkish PKK as an imtant for the consolidation of their power there. The state. There is no justification for using violence for political objec¬ tives in this age of a "global war on terror" in which no political end presence of PKK camps in northem Iraq turns this region into a can justify the use of force as a strategy to get it. Besides, the target for Turkey. But Turkey's goodwill is necessary for the eco¬ nomic and political viability of the regional authority. The Kurds in domestic and international ground on which the PKK took root has Iraq also see the PKK as a source of tension for their wori

"deep state" in southeastern Turkey in the 1990s are being inves¬ tigated as part of the Ergenekon investigation. Under these circumstances, it is impossible to justify the use of force in the name of "Kurdish rights." I think this is the sense shared by most Kurds in the region. Political means developed so far are capable of bringing about a peaceful solution. The rise of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) in the region and among Kurds in general also indicates that the Kurds demand not only a recognition of their identity but also welfare and peace. People are tired of the downward spiral of violence. Moreover, international circumstances force Kurdish politics and the PKK to search for accommodation. The PKK has been lis¬ ted as a terrorist organization by the European Union and the US, making its political and economic activities in these areas very dif

44^ Revue de Presse-Press Revieiv-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

May 23, 2009 REAL CLEAR POLITICS A Legacy of Stability in Northern Iraq?

Administration called on Iraqis to given confidence in the integrity of

oust Saddam and left the Kurds to the US, let alone its ability to deli¬ By Tom Hardie-Forsyth their fate when they did. ver the secure and democratic Iraq

that it promised. The fear of being sold out for a The narrative in western media third time is fully understandable In practical terms, the KRG is and opinion-making circles about and the Obama Administration will light years ahead of the rest of Iraq the Kurdish autonomous region in do well to review previous US in many areas of development and northern Iraq is changing. The treatment of Iraq's Kurds. US governance- particularly in human region is no longer depicted as a policy makers should also focus on rights, women's rights and the pro¬ beacon of stability that is more the enormous progress made in nor¬ tection of ethnic and religious democratically and institutionally thern Iraq since the dark days of minorities. In partnership with a developed than the rest of Iraq. 1991 after which the Western number of key governmental and Instead, the focus is on its alle¬ power set up two no-fly zones to non-governmental agencies, the gedly limited political progress, protect the fleeing populations, KRG has single-mindedly embar¬ lack of transparency and poor per¬ both in the north and south of the ked on an ambitious programme to formance by its government. country. promote démocratisation and trans¬ This is a worrying sign as the parency, including working with I first arrived in the 'northern new US Administration embarks on foreign partners. no-fly zone' as a British army offi¬ the detailed planning that will lead cer in the early spring of 1991. It Having advised the KRG for the to the withdrawal of US forces was a moonscape of rubble and past five years on governance from Iraq by the end of 2011. The destroyed villages. I witnessed issues, I am convinced that provi¬ progress of recent years in Kurdish first-hand the effects of the full, ded the region is given the opportu¬ northern Iraq and its importance for terrifying and brutally efficient nity, it will continue to develop sta¬ the rest of the country is being for¬ fury of Al-Anfal, Saddam's .cam¬ ble structures of government and gotten. As a result, there is a dan¬ paign against the Kurds. promote security in Iraq and its ger that in its haste to find an exit Communities ripped apart, an neighbourhood beyond. It will also strategy, the new Administration entire infrastructure in total ruin, continue to act as an important could again sell the Kurds short - the remaining villages populated laboratory of change for the rest of with disastrous effects for the pro¬ almost entirely by traumatised Iraq. ject to stabilise Iraq. 'Anfal widows' clutching photo¬ Yet if the US fails to take ade¬ US support since 2003 has been graphs of missing husbands and quate precautions before withdra¬ key to ensuring stability in the sons. wing troops from Iraq, the KRG north of the country, allowing it to For the next twelve years, under could again be left facing another develop peacefully on the basis of a "no-fly zone" protection but with centralised and potentially destruc¬ federal constitution that has ceded very little other assistance, the tive and dictatorial regime in significant power to Iraq's regions. 'Kurdish entity' set about not only Baghdad that is a threat both to its The central authorities in Baghdad restoring its infrastructure, but own people as well as its neigh¬ have recently signalled that they planting the seeds of democracy bours. wish to re-assert central authority and justice. By the time of the inva¬ It is time to look objectively at in the Kurdish region. The prospect sion by coalition forces in 2003, what Iraq's Kurds have achieved in of Erbil again being on a collision the political and security landscape recent years and what will happen course Baghdad in the absence of in the region now controlled by the in the KRG and beyond if the US adequate US support is profoundly de-facto Kurdistan Regional fails to protect these gains. disturbing, particularly given the Government (KRG) had altered dispute over the status of Kirkuk, beyond recognition, and coalition the centre of the oil industry in nor¬ The author is a retired British forces were able to land safely and thern Iraq. Cabinet Office official and NATO securely in the region, creating a specialist in civil emergency plan¬ The Kurds are acutely sensitive vital bridgehead in the North, from ning. He was deployed as an army to the fact that they have been let where they were able to support the officer to northern Iraq in 1 99 1 and down on two previous occasions by much more difficult operations in was actively involved in recons¬ the US; first in 1975 when the the South. Nixon Administration tried to truction efforts in the region. For It is often wrongly believed that influence a border dispute between the past four years, he has been a in the build up top the 2003 inva¬ Iraq and Iran by secretly channel¬ senior adviser to the Prime sion, the Kurds seized US-backed ling military aid to Kurdish free¬ Minister's office in Erbil. The autonomy with open arms. This is dom fighters and then unceremo¬ views expressed in this article do very far from the truth. The niously dumped them after an not necessarily reflect an official Kurdish leadership took a great agreement was reached; and again KRG position. deal of convincing. Nothing in in 1991 when the US their experience up until then had

45 Revue de Presse-Press Revieiv-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

iiiiiiiiiriiiiiiiiiiiiimiiiNiiiiiitiiiii

Les possibilités Jeudi 21 mai 2009 Israël-Iran de ripostes de l'Iran Les risques et périls L'Iran a développé des missiles de type Scud avec l'assistance de la Corée du Nord. Ce sont

les Shahab-1 et Shahab-2. Leur

portée est respectivement de 300 et d'une 500 kilomètres. Le Shahab-3 est un Patrice Claude missile balistique à carburant liquide

dérivé du missile nord-coréen e bombardement par Israël des Nodong. Sa portée est de 1 300 à installations nucléaires iranien¬ attaque 1 500 kilomètres. Il pourrait atteindre nes n'est pas à l'ordre du jour. En Ankara. Karachi, Riyad et Tel-Aviv. tout cas, certainement pas avec

un feu yert. américain. La pre- giques et internationales (CSIS) de Washing¬ L . miçre rencontre officielle, lundi ton, deux des meilleurs experts mondiaux ]8 mai à Washington, entre le premier des questions stratégiques et de défense, KAZAKHSTAN ministre israélien, Benyamin Nétanyahou, Abdullah Toukan et Anthony Cordesman, Shalub-3 et le président américain, Barack Obama, estiment que oui, c'est techniquement (1300 km) aura permis d'établir avec certitude que les «possible » (www.csis.org). deux alliés, s'ils restent proches, ne sont Mais, ajoutent les auteui'5 qui passent plus tout à fait sur la même longueur d'on¬ en revue tous les scénarios possibles d'une de. Ni à l'endroit des Palestiniens, que la

droite israélienne au pouvoirentend main¬ attaque sur les installations nucléaires ira¬ niennes, « l'opération serait complexe, tenir aussi longtemps que possible sans , \ ..-.- -, PAXISIAN ï Etat ni indépendance ; ni à l'égard de l'Iran, hautement risquée et rien n'en oarantit le succès ». Correspondant militaire du quoti¬ avec lequel Israël pourrait vouloir en dien israélien de centre gauche Haaretz, découdre tandis qu'Obama veut le dialo¬ SSftElV* Reuven Pedatzur, ancien pilote de chasse, gue - au moins jusqu'en janvier... %. SAGUCITE s'est livré, le 15 mai, dans son journal, à une SOUDAN \ ^^ 11 y a au moins deux ans que, de diverses analyse complète du rapport des deux sources américaines et israéliennes, on sait experts. C'est ce texte que Le Monde a déci¬ que certains, à lérusalem et Washington, 700 km OCEAK dé de publier Pedatzur s'y range sur la plaident ouvertement pour « la destruc¬ INDIEN même ligne de « prudence » que les tion militairepréventive » des installations Le Shahab-3 auteurs. Il va plus loin et souligne « l'er¬ nucléaires que Téhéran présente comme reur qu'a commise Israël en agitant la Poids 16 000 kg « pacifiques ». En septembre 2008, dans les Longueur 16 m derniers mois de l'administration Bush, le menace iranienne ». Contrairement à ce que répète premier ministre Ehud Olmert avait M. Nétanyahou sur tous les tons, et avant demandé à Washington la livraison de nou¬ Il est capable d'emporter lui M. Olmert, « le régime de Téhéran, velles bombes sophistiquées et d'avions une charge de 760 à 1 000 kg. selon lui, est certes un adversaire acharné ravitailleurs destinés à réapprovisionner Potentiellement, sa tête et inflexible, mais il est loin de représenter en fuel ses bombardiers en vol. Au grand pourrait être chimique, une menace vitale pour Israël ». Et soulagement de beaucoup, George biologique, voire nucléaire. Pedatzur d'apostropher le leadership de W. Bush, concentré sur « sa » guerre en Irak Selon l'Institut international son pays : « Cessons de brandir l'épouvan- et refusant à son allié « l'ouverture d'un des études stratégiques (IISS) taild'unemenaceexistentielle.écnt-il.Car- riouveaufront », avait rejeté la demande. de Londres, l'Iran posséderait dons-nous de toute déclaration belliqueuse Largement plus ouvert que son prédé¬ un bataillon de missiles susceptible d'enclencher une escaladefata- cesseur au dialogue avec Téhéran, Barack Shahab-3, c'est-à-dire 6 le. » Quand on sait qu'être « correspon¬ Obama, par ailleurs engagé dans la guerre - dant défense » d'un grand journal en lanceurs et 24 missiles: d'Afghanistan, paraît encore moins dispo¬ Israël implique un rapport de confiance sé à se lancer dans un nouveau conflit. La avec l'establishment militaire et sécuritai¬ nouvelle administration est tout aussi déci¬ re du pays, on prend la mesure de ces for¬ aspects du problème. dée que l'ancienne à empêcher l'arme¬ Les services de renseignements améri¬ ment nucléaire de l'Iran, mais elle veut don¬ tes paroles... Pour le journaliste à'.Haaretz, l'intérêt cains et israéliens ne sont pas tout à fait ner sa chance à la diplomatie. « L'impor¬ des 114 pages de Cordesman et Toukan res¬ sur la même ligne en ce qui concerne l'ur¬ tant, a dit M. Nétanyahou, qui réclamait te cependant entier en ce qu'elles « expo¬ gence d'une éventuelle intervention. une date limite pour ce dialogue américa¬ sent l'ensemble des informations disponi¬ L'Etat juif affirme que la bombe iranienne no-iranien, ce qu'il n'a pas obtenu, est que bles sur les capacités militaires d'Israël et sera prête à l'emploi « entre 2009 et2012 ». l'on s'engage à ce que l'Iran ne développe son programme nucléaire, ainsi que les La CIA pense 2013. pas sa capacité nucléaire militaire. J'espère, développements nucléaires et les défenses Autre problème, « on ignore si l'Iran dis¬ a-t-il ajouté, que le plan du président pose d'installations secrètes d'enrichisse¬ [Obama] réussira. (...) Israël, en tout cas, se aériennes de l'Iran ». Pedatzur relève notamment la livrai¬ mentd'uranium », notent les experts amé¬ réserve le droit de se défendre. » son par Washington, en 2008, à Israël, d'au ricains. Si elles existent, le programme se Dans le cas improbable où il déciderait moins « 600 bombes surnommées poursuivrait alors même qu'Israël bom¬ « d'y aller » seul, l'Etat juif, première puis¬ "bunkers busters "(briseuses de bunkers) » barderait les quatre sites nucléaires sance nucléaire du Proche et Moyen-Orient, qui pourraient être utilisées avec succès connus (Ispahan, Natanz, Arak et Bouche-* a-t-il aujourd'hui la capacité de mener, jus¬ contre les installations' souterraines, à hr), au risque de tuer « des milliers, voire qu'en Iran, une opération de destruction condition que les pilotes israéliens visent des centaines de milliers de civils en Iran et d'envergure ? Dans une étude approfondie leurs cibles « avec une précision absolue et dans la région ». Pour Reuven Pedatzur, il de 114 pages, publiée en mars par le presti¬ à un angle optimal ». Ce n'est là qu'un des est urgent d'attendre. gieux ettrès influent Centre d'études strate-

46 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

Au moins 66 morts en moins de 24 heures dans une vague d'attentats en Irak LE JOUR

mai 22, 2009 sont perpétrées la majorité des attaques - d'ici à fin juin, et l'Irak d'ici à fin 2011. % Après une baisse graduelle des violen¬ ces amorcée fin 2007, l'Irak connaît Aquelques semaines du début du ih depuis mars un regain d'attentats et d'as¬ retrait de l'armée US, la multiplica¬ sassinats, notamment contre la commu¬ tion des attaques suscite l'inquiétude à nauté chiite. Avril a ainsi été le mois le Bagdad. x^, plus sanglant en Irak depuis septembre Au moins 66 personnes, dont trois sol¬ 2008, avec 355 personnes tuées, selon des dats américains, ont été tuées en 24 heu¬ chiffres officiels. Bagdad et les provinces res dans une vague d'attentats en Irak, de Ninive et Diyala sont les principaux confirmant un regain de violences à quel¬ foyers de violences. Le 29 avril, trois voi¬ ques semaines du retrait de l'armée US tures piégées avaient explosé presque des villes irakiennes. cains ont péri en Irak. Au total, 4 299 sol¬ simultanément sur des marchés de Sadr Hier, trois attaques ont coûté la vie à dats américains sont morts depuis l'inva¬ City, bastion du chef radical chiite 26 personnes, au lendemain d'un attentat sion de mars 2003, d'après un bilan établi Moqtada Sadr, tuant au moins 51 person¬ qui a fait 40 morts dans un quartier majo¬ par l'AFP à partir du site indépendant ica- nes. ritairement chiite de Bagdad, le plus sualties.org. Également à Bagdad, une Ces attentats avaient rappelé les atta¬ meurtrier en Irak depuis un mois. bombe placée par un éboueur dans une ques coordonnées perpétrées dans des poubelle d'un poste de police a tué trois Au moins 12 personnes ont été tuées et zones chiites en 2006, au plus fort des vio¬ policiers et blessé 12 autres et huit civils. 25 blessées dans un attentat-suicide lences confessionnelles et auxquelles Enfin, à Kirkouk, un kamikaze a actionné visant une patrouille de l'armée US dans répondaient les miliciens chiites par l'en¬ sa ceinture d'explosifs au milieu d'un un marché chrétien très fréquenté de lèvement et le meurtre de sunnites. Ils groupe de miliciens luttant contre el- Dora, dans le sud de Bagdad, selon les ser¬ font craindre une escalade des violences si Qaëda, tuant huit personnes et en blessant vices irakiens de sécurité. Le kamikaze qui les milices chiites, notamment l'Armée du quatre autres. a actionné sa ceinture d'explosifs visait mahdi, la puissante milice de Moqtada une unité américaine patrouillant à pied. Ces violences suscitent l'inquiétude à Sadr, sortaient de leur relative discrétion L'armée US a confirmé la mort de trois quelques semaines du désengagement des et répondaient aux attaques imputées aux soldats dans le même quartier lors de l'ex¬ soldats américains des villes d'Irak et rap¬ groupes insurgés et à el-Qaëda. plosion d'une mine artisanale, sans lier pellent la difficulté pour les autorités ira¬ Le mouvement sadriste a accusé les l'incident à l'attentat du marché. Un kiennes à contrôler une situation dont services de sécurité « d'avoir abandonné porte-parole militaire a également elles ont hérité le 1er janvier. Aux termes leurs efforts contre el-Qaëda pour se confirmé que l'explosion avait fait des d'un accord de sécurité conclu en novem¬ concentrer sur les fils de l'Armée du blessés, sans préciser leur nombre. Depuis bre entre les deux pays, les forces améri¬ mahdi ». le début du mois de mai, 17 soldats améri- caines doivent avoir quitté les villes - où

TURQUIE: DEUX REBELLES KURDES TUÉS DANS UN AFFRONTEMENT

ANKARA, 24 mai 2009 (AFP) Selon lui, les forces de sécurité cherchaient à savoir si l'un des militants tués était impliqué dans une attaque à la roquette commise l'année dernière contre un poste de police à Malazgirt. Un policier avait alors été tué et trois blessés. Deux rebelles kurdes de Turquie ont été tués dans un affrontement dimanche Par ailleurs, un policier a été blessé dimanche dans une explosion à Yuksekova avec les forces de sécurité turques dans l'est du pays, a annoncé le gouverneur dans la province de Hakkari (sud-est), a indiqué l'agence. de la province de Mus cité par l'agence Anatolie. Le PKK, une organisation classée comme terroriste par la Turquie, l'Union euro¬ Les combats ont eu lieu au cours d'une opération des forces de sécurité contre péenne et les Etats-Unis, a engagé en 1984 une campagne armée pour obte¬ les rebelles séparatistes du Parti des travailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK) près de la nir l'autonomie du sud-est turc. Le conflit a fait 45.000 morts, selon l'année. ville de Malazgirt située dans cette province, a déclaré à l'agence le gouverneur Erdogan Bektas.

KURDISTAN IRAKIEN: SIX CANDIDATS POUR LA COURSE À LA PRÉSIDENCE

ERBIL (Irak), 24 mai 2009 (AFP) La date limite pour la présentation des candidats avait été fixée à lundi.

Les élections législatives et présidentielle kurdes seront organisées le 25 juillet, sept mois après des élections provinciales qui ont eu lieu dans la majeure par¬ Six candidats ont déposé leur candidature pour la présidence de la région auto¬ tie de l'Irak. nome du Kurdistan, dans le nord de l'Irak, qui sera disputée le 25 juillet, a annoncé mercredi la haute commission électorale indépendante de l'Irak. C'est la première fois que le président du Kurdistan est élu au suffrage univer¬ sel. En 2005, Massoud Barzani avait été élu par les députés du Parlement local. "Il y aura finalement six candidats aux élections du Kurdistan. Leurs noms seront

envoyés au ministère de l'Intérieur de la région autonome pour qu'il vérifie s'ils Selon la commission électorale du Kurdistan, environ 2,5 millions de personnes remplissent les conditions requises, puis à la commission électorale à Bagdad sont appelées à voter pour 41 listes électorales. Le Parlement régional kurde

pour approbation", a déclaré à la presse Hamdiya al-Husseini, chargée pour la compte 111 sièges. haute commission électorale irakienne de s'occuper du scrutin au Kurdistan. L'Union patriotique du Kurdistan (UPK) de Jalal Talabani et le Parti démocratique Les candidats sont Massoud Barzani, le président sortant, Halo Ibrahim Ahmed, du Kurdistan (PDK) de M. Barzani - qui dominent la vie politique du Kurdistan beau-frère du président irakien Jalal Talabani, Kamal Miraw/dly, un universitaire depuis des décennies - ont reconduit leur alliance pour ces élections. basé à Londres, Hussein Karmiani, un homme d'affaires, Safin Cheikh Mais ils doivent affronter cette année de nouveaux rivaux, dont certains issus de Mohammad, un commerçant et Ahmad Kourdeh, un politicien indépendant. leurs rangs, ce qui pourrait donner lieu à une campagne musclée.

47 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-RivisUt Stampa-Dentro de la Preiisn-Bnsin Ôzeti

£tMondt

23 mai 2009

% ' : t

1 Je;,- t * .

^ f / > i

L'enterrement, en présence de leaders du DTP, d'un jeune Kurde tué lors des affrontements d'Amara, en avril, julien goldstein/m.y.o.p. A Diyarbakir, l'armée turque accentue sa pression sur les militants kurdes

Dans cette ville proche de la frontière syrienne, les arrestations se multiplient contre les membres du principal parti politique kurde, le DTP, accusé de collusion avec la guérilla du PKK

Reportage pour nous affaiblir, ajoute Ali Sim¬ tue d'Ugur Kaymaz, un enfant tué DTPet le PKK, ce serait comme divi¬ sek. Mais leurs pressions n'ont pas de 12 balles par la police en 2005. Le ser unefamille. »

Diyarbakir fonctionné. Maintenant, le gouver¬ dernier, le 7 mai, pour avoir donné Le gouvernement a lâché un peu Envoyé spécial nement et l'amiée tetitent de saper une interview sur Roj TV, la chaine de lest sur les droits culturels, en

notrepouvoir local. » proche du PKK, diffusée depuis le lançant, en janvier, une chaîne dé

Le bureau d'Ali Simsek, le diri¬ Dès les premiers jours d'avril, le Danemark. Pour y avoir fait l'éloge télévision publique en langue kur¬ geant local du Parti pour une ton s'est durci avec une vague d'ar¬ du leader emprisonné Abdullah de. Il étudierait aussi la possibilité

société démocratique (DTP), restations lancée dans les milieux Ôcalan, il risque deux ans de prison d'ouvrir des instituts universitai¬

le parti kurde, dans son fiefde Diyar¬ réputés proches du PKK (Parti des pour apologie du terrorisme. res de kurdologie et de redonner bakir, porte encore les stigmates de travailleurs du Kurdistan), la gué¬ « M. Ôcalan est dans mon cqur », aux villes de la région leurs noms

l'attaque. Une bombe lacrymogène rilla kurde qui sévit depuis 1984. surenchérit-il pourtant dans son kurdes, a déclaré récemment, le

tirée par la police a traversé la vitre Plus de 250 militants du DTP ont été bureau de maire. ministre de l'intérieur, BesirAtalay. eta atterri surles fauteuils. « C'estla pris dans ce coup de filet qui, officiel¬ Mais la répression, parfois brutale, nouvelle politique de l'AKP (le parti lement, visait les réseaux de sou¬ des manifestations et les arresta¬ de la justice et du développement, tien civils à la rébellion armée. «Dès le ventre tions de centaines de jeunes contre¬ au pouvoir à Ankara), soupire Ali Pour protester, les députés du de leur mère, disent ce discours fait pourconvain¬ Simsek, en haussant les épaules. parti kurde ont organisé un sit-in cre la population de Diyarbakir

Depuis les élections municipales, ily nocturne dans l'enceinte du Parle¬ les enfants connaissent Dans plusieurs villes, des a une volontédepunirDiyarbakir. » ment à Ankara. Et, la semaine der¬ la difficulté mineurs ont été condamnés à de Le scrutin du 29 mars a vu la nière, dans un parc de Diyarbakir, lourdes peines, coupables d'avoir

population de la région, majoritaire¬ environ 10 000 personnes, réunies d'être kurde» participé à des rassemblements

ment kurde, soutenir massivement autour du maire de la ville, Osman Un père de famille « interdits » et d'avoir lancé des

le DTP et infliger- une défaite cin¬ Baydemir, ont suivi une grève de la pierres sur la police. Dijwar, 16 ans,

glante aux candidats de l'AKP, pro¬ faim symbolique de quarante- AAnkara, chacune de ces incarta¬ vient d'écoper de six ans et onze

voquant la fureurdu premier minis¬ huit heures pour réclamer « une des crispe un peu plus les généraux. mois de prison pour avoir caillasse tre Recep Tayyip Erdogan. « Ils ont solution démocratique auproblème DeJDuis 2007, l'armée turque boy¬ les véhicules blindés aux abords du empêché nos militants de travailler kurde ».« C'est une réponseforte des cotte officiellement les réceptions parc de Diyarbakir, en 2008, après pendant la campagne électorale Kurdes à l'AKP, tonne le maire de au Parlement, oîi siègent 21 députés une manifestation du DTP.

quartier Abdullah Demirbas qui y du DTP. Le parti demeure, depuis « Ici, personne n'aime la police,

CD Zone de peuplement kurde participait. le gouvernement dit deux ans, sous la menace d'une dis¬ justifie Dijwar d'une voix iîuette.

qu'il a ntis l'accent sur la santé et solution par la Cour constitution¬ Ils nousfrappent, ils nous arrêtent, GÉORGIE l'éducation. Mais il a surtout nelle. Et Recep Tayyip Erdogan, ils nous tuent... Dès l'âge de 6 ou

construit des casernes, et des routes inflexible, refuse toujours de serrer 7 ans. C'est notre condition de Kur¬

pour meneraux casernes. » la main du leader du parti, Ahmet des. » L'adolescent, qui a déjà purgé Erzurum < M. Demirbas est cerné parles pro¬ TiJrk, pourtant reçu avec égards par dix mois, assure que si sa peine est

cédures judiciaires. « Je vais devoir M. Obama, en avril. confirmée en cassation, il prendra

ouvrir un atelier de menuiserie », L'armée fait également la sour¬ le chemin de la « montagne » pour plaisante-t-il. Volontiers provoca¬ de oreille au cessez-le-feu décrété rejoindre le PKK. « Je préfère être

teur, il énumère fièrement les jusqu'au f juin par le chef militai¬ libre que retourner en prison. » Son 23 procès qui l'ont visé depuis cinq re du PKK, Murat Karayilan. « Le père est désemparé : « On ne peut ans. « Laplupartpour des brochures PKK est une réalité, mais l'Etat veut plus tenir les enfants. Dès le ventre OHYPRr municipales éditées en kurde et en une solution sans le PKK, résume de leur mère, ils connaissent la diffi¬

arménien. » Un autre pour avoir Ali Simsek. Ce ne sera pas une solu¬ culté d'être kurde. »

LIBAN fait ériger, devant sa mairie, une sta tion. Us ne pourront pas séparer le Guillaume Perrier

48 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

THE TIMES

Mav 26, 2009 PKK leader offers Turkey an olive branch to end war

/ / Anthony Loyd, Qandil Mountains

THE KURDISH leader proposing 1. >^ l^ .' ^ to end a 25-year-long conflict with

Turkey that has cost 30,000 lives belie¬ ves his peace offer is a once in a genera¬ tion opportunity that must be giasped by

both sides. In a unilateral gesture that has

prompted a re-examination of strategy in Ankara, Baghdad and Washington, The PKK is popular among Kurdish women because of its views on equality the gueirilla leadership of the Kurdistan

Workers' Party, or PKK, has extended "Britain accepted the will of the have been damaged. Both sides have to an olive branch, offering to drop its aim Scots by giving them a parliament of forgive one another. Everyone should of an independent state in return for a their own, and that's what the Turks participate in that, including Abdullah negotiated settlement to end its war with have to do with us," Mr Karayilan said Ocalan. Forgiveness is necessary for Turkey. at the meeting with The Times in a woo¬ peace. Kurds and Turks must open a "We are at a turning point," said ded valley near the Qandil mountains, new white page." Murad Karayilan, acting head of the an important PKK area. "I've studied The deadline he has set for a res¬ PKK, in an interview with The Times at Irish history and talked with people who ponse from Turkey is less than a week a secret location in the mountains of participated in it. I know the develop¬ away. Nonetheless intense political northern Iraq. ment and stages of that struggle. Turkey debate is under way in Turkey over the "Kurds do not want to continue the needs to solve our problem in the way unsolved Kurdish issue, which war. We believe we can solve the that the British solved that problem." President Giil has called "Turkey's big¬ Kurdish question without spilling more The PKK's overture comes at a key gest problem". blood. We are ready for a peaceful and point in the region's history. President Nationalist parties in Turkey have

Obama knows that it will help to denounced the PKK offer and the Army smooth the withdrawal of US troops has continued operations in southeas¬

from Iraq if Ankara's relations with tern Turkey. The political leadership,

Baghdad and Iraq's Kurdish regional however, has described the overture as a

government in Erbil are stabilised. The "historic opportunity". i'4 PKK, from its position on the Iraq- "We are at a fork in a pathway," said Turkey border, has awoken to the politi¬ Mr Karayilan. "Turkey must choose one ^ cal opportunities afforded by the situa¬ of them. If Turkey doesn't accept our tion. overtures and continues to attack us "-> The PKK took up arms against then of course we will use all means to Turkey in 1 984 under the leadership of defend ourselves, and that includes reta¬

Murad Karayilan, leader of the PKK, at Ocalan, "Apo", who was captured in liation. They can call us 'terrorists' for

a secret location in the Qandil moun¬ 1999 and is in prison on Imrali in the as long as they wish but Turkey has to tains. His organisation has announced Sea of Marmara. Attacks by the PKK, accept that the PKK is part of the reality that it is Milling to enter peace negotia¬ originally a revolutionary Marxist- of the solution to its Kurdish problem." tions with Turkey Leninist group, drew a savage reaction

from the Turkish Army in the late First person: The vtfoman soldier 1980s, when more than 4,000 Kurdish

villages were destroyed. The rebel Dilsha left her home in Syria at 17 democratic solution in Turkey to be group combined conventional guerrilla and killed her first soldier in Turkey at solved within Turkey's borders." tactics with bombing campaigns, and 19. The potential breakthrough in the was listed as a terrorist organisation by "It was an ambush just after mid¬ conflict came this month when Mr the us and European Union in 2004. night," she said. "A column of Turkish Karayilan, 52, deputy to the PKK's Mr Karayilan has ordered his 6,000 soldiers left their base at the start of an imprisoned supremo, Abdullah Ocalan, PKK fighters into a position of "passive operation. They were about 25 meters agreed to meet a Turkish journalist in defence" until June 1 to give Turkey away when we hit them. I gave them northern Laq. During the meeting he time to consider his proposition. some fire from my Kalashnikov and highlighted the PKK's willingness to He approached tlie issue of a Turkish threw grenades among them. We killed drop its central demand for an indepen¬ amnesty for PKK fighters and the about 30 in all. When it was over I dent state for Turkey's 12 million release of Ocalan with carefully chosen scrambled forward and took a dead sol¬ Kurds, and proposed key steps towards words. "There has been a war," he said. dier's weapon. I can't say I was afraid. I peace, including an immediate ceasefire "Both Turkish and Kurdish societies was psychologically prepared and had and negotiations to end the war.

49 Revue de Presse-Press Revieiv-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

already received my ideological trai¬ my body and soul." They cut the metal from her back and

ning. Kill them or they kill you and She estimates that few of the 150 tended her for 15 days until she could

that's what they come to do." Kurdish people with whom she had walk again.

Now 3 1 and deputy commander of a crossed i^om Syria in 1995 are still An end to the war would allow her

platoon of women guerrillas, Dilsha has alive. The assumption seems likely, to contact her family. She has spoken to

total dedication to the PKK, which given the 15,000 guerrillas killed her parents once, during a phone call in

includes an obligatory 40 per cent quota during their 25-year campaign for an 2005, since leaving home 14 years ago.

of women among its 6,000-strong independent Kurdistan.

ranks, and is typical of its members. She has been wounded in action

Fanatically loyal to her imprisoned lea¬ twice. On the first occasion she dug

der, Abdullah Ocalan, she claims shrapnel from her leg using the clea¬

nothing of her own. "My trainers, ning rod of her assault rifle. The second

watch, uniform, whatever you see on time, hit in the back by fragments from

me belongs to the Kurdish people, even a rocket, she was dragged by comrades.

May 26. 2009 TheNational UAE Kurdish answers to Kurdish question

Thomas Seiberl, Foreign Correspondent autonomy and triggered a war that has the state broadcast regulator. killed tens of thousands of people. Mr Gul Other ideas and plans being put for¬ called the Kurdish question Turkey's most ISTANBUL // Only a few years ago, ward involve the possible hiring of pressing problem. He also was quoted as Abdurrahman Yakut would have risked Kurdish-speaking healthcare workers to saying the current year offered a "historic several years in a Turkish prison for sup¬ be sent to the Kurdish region. Last week, chance" to solve the Kurdish question. porting separatism after he demanded Recep Akdag, the health minister, was publicly that Turkish state television Since then, hardly a day has gone by quoted as saying he was thinking about broadcast soccer matches with a Kurdish- without some politician, media outlet or taking on Kurdish-speakers that could language commentary. But today, Mr non-governmental official like Mr Yakut communicate with people who do not Yakut's call is just one in a flood of fresh coming forward with an idea. speak Turkish. Like Mr Yakut, Mr Akdag mentioned women in particular. ideas being discussed as Ankara looks for Mr Yakut is the president of new ways to end the Kurdish conflict. Diyarbakirspor, a football team from Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the prime

From sports to religion, from health Diyarbakir that has just won promotion minister, has suggested allowing Kurdish care to the arts, politicians and the public from the second league to the top group of %'illages in the region to revert to their ori¬ have been discussing ways to broaden the professional football in Turkey, the Super ginal names. rights of the country's 12 million Kurds in Lig. Starting in late summer, Meanwhile, Ertugrul Gunay, the order to end a conflict that has plagued Diyarbakirspor will compete with the minister for culture, said his ministry was the country for decades. country's biggest clubs for the national researching if there were any legal restric¬ championship, and Mr Yakut said he 'The process of solving it has started," tions that would prevent state theatres in thinks many Turkish Kurds who do not Sezgin Tanrikulu, a prominent lawyer and the Kurdish region from staging plays in speak Turkish will want to cheer their former head of the bar association in Kurdish, adding that he himself was in home team on in front of their television Diyarbakir, the main city in the Kurdish favour of that reform, the Sabah newspa¬ sets. region, said in an interview yesterday. "I per reported. am hopeful. The whole development will "Diyarbakirspor is the team of the Sabah also reported that the religious make it easier to solve [the conflict]." region," Mr Yakut told Turkish media. affairs directorate, which runs Turkey's "Therefore, we want our mothers and sis¬ Lowering restrictions on the use of the 80,000 mosques, was looking for ters in their homes and people who do not Kurdish language in public is the central Kurdish-speaking imams. According to speak Turkish to follow our matches as idea in this new debate. For many years, the Hurriyet newspaper, many imams in well." Although Turkish is the official lan¬ Turkey tried to suppress the public use of Kurdish villages have already started to guage of Turkey, many people in the Kurdish out of concern it would fan sepa¬ deliver their sermons in Kurdish. Kurdish region do not speak it, especially ratist tendencies. Speculation that a comprehensive women, who often lack formal education. But more recently, top politicians and plan from Ankara may be in the offing Mr Yakut said broadcasting his team's military officers in Ankara have agreed was strengthened by a government deci¬ matches in full, and wdth Kurdish com¬ that the right way to win over the Kurdish sion to prolong the term of Emre Taner, mentary, would be a good way to improve population and drain support for the the head of the National Intelligence ratings for TRT-6, which is competing Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) the lar¬ Organisation, Turkey's main spy agency. with Roj-TV station, a satellite channel gest rebel group, is to grant more freedom Mr Taner, a 67-year-old public ser¬ broadcasting from Denmark that is seen to the minority in the south-east. vant born in Diyarbakir, is closely invol¬ as a PKK mouthpiece. "Prejudices against the Kurdish lan¬ ved in contacts between Turkey and the "If you want to increase the number of guage have disappeared," Mr Tanrikulu Kurdish administration in northern Iraq viewers for TRT-6 in the region and to said. "This is a positive development." and is said to have excellent contacts in capture the potential audience in the area tlie region. This month, Abdullah Gul, Turkey's of sports, our suggestion should be consi¬ president, opened the debate about what dered." can and should be done to solve the There has been no statement from Kurdish question 25 years after the PKK TRT on the subject yet, nor from the started its armed struggle for Kurdish Radio and Television Supreme Council,

50 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

CTrlenirapU 26 May 2009

Kurdish rebels propose British-style devolution

Kurdish rebels that have waged a thirty year war on TXirkey have offered to drop a demand for

independence in return for British-style devolution.

By Damien McElroy Norway. Foreign Affairs Correspondent Mr Karayilan is officially the PKK's .-, ^y-;*-* acting leader while its figurehead ;v^m- MURAD KARAYILAN, the head Abdullah Ocalan serves life imprison¬ w* jr of the Kurdish Workers Party (PKK), ment in solitary confinement on a prison it^-.r-f. ,S issued a plea for a peace process, a ^ \ island in the Marmaris Sea. concession that Turkey has spumed in Turkey has inflicted punishing los¬ the belief it has attained military deter¬ ses on the group since gaining access to rence against the group. US intelligence on its bases in Iraq in

"We are at a turning point," recent years.

Karayilan said. "Kurds do not want to A PKK fighter Photo: AFP/GETTY continue the war. We believe we can solve the Kurdish question without spil¬ problem in the way that the British sol¬ ling more blood. We are ready for a pea¬ ved that problem." ceful and democratic solution in Turkey But the 1970s-style revolutionary - to be solved within Turkey's borders." socialist movement, which is based in By dropping its demand for full the mountains of northem Iraq, could independence, the PKK is making a not dominate any community-led nego¬ significant explicit concession. Its new tiations. The AK party, which controls goal is formal talks about govemment Turkey's govemment, vies with the DTP structures in tlie Kurdish southern movement for majority support among regions of Turkey. Turkey's Kurds. "Britain accepted the will of the A western-backed diplomatic blue¬ Scots by giving Uiem a parliament of print for solving the Kurdish issue calls their own, and that's what the Turks for enhanced civil and political rights have to do witli us," Karayilan said. for Kurds within Turkey. It also recom¬ "I've studied Irish history and talked mends that a formal amnesty pro¬ with people who participated in it. I gramme for PKK fighters is established. know the development and stages of The group's leaders should be offered that stmggle. Turkey needs to solve our safe passage to exile, perhaps in

21 May 2009

MHP to introduce Kurdish initiative in upcoming

ERCAN YAVUZ / ANKARA issue the 'Southeastern question" and suggests The MHP will also discuss several other that it be handled within a historical perspective. topics during its approaching congress. Among

According to the MHP, the foundations of these topics are global warming and the Alevi The Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) has Turkey's Kurdish question were first laid by riots issue. pondered announcing an initiative to win over by Kurdish clans in the early years of the The MHP rolled up its sleeves in the past to the hearts of Kurdish citizens during its 9th Republic of Turkey, when these groups were pro¬ resolve the long-standing animosity between Ordinary Congress, which is slated for next voked by foreign countries that wished to use Turkey's Alevi community and the party. Bahçeli November. Kurds for their own interests. The party points to made a concession to Alevis last November, MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli hopes to thaw a striking finding, claiming that the deportation of saying Alevism in Turi^ey, just like other religious the ice between his party and Kurdish voters with Kurdish clans by the Turicish state to quash the beliefs, should be rescued from being used as a the initiative, which comes not long after the riots contributed to the aggravation of the political tool by certain groups. In the upcoming March 29 local elections, in which the MHP recei¬ Kurdish question. "Though these deportations party congress, Bahçeli will express his party's ved less than 1 percent of the vote in the were prompted by the necessities of the time, readiness to reach a common understanding Southeast. This failure has prompted MHP offi¬ they brought with them problems that are very with the Alevis to find a solution to the problems cials to question their party's policies regarding difficult to compensate for," the MHP suggests. faced by Turkey's Alevi community. Bahçeli will the Kurdish question. The party has prepared an According to analysts, it is an unusual deve¬ underline that Alevism is a part of the system of initiative to win over the hearts of Kurdish citi¬ lopment for the MHP to point to deportations of values that make up the Turkish nation. zens; the initiative will most likely be announced Kurdish clans as a factor contributing to the by Bahçeli during his party's 9th Ordinary Kurdish problem. Analysts are hopeful that the

Congress next November. MHP will contribute largely to the solution of this As part of the initiative, the MHP calls the problem with its findings.

51 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

REUTERS m Addax set to start Kurdistan crude exports Sunday

May 25, 2009 (Reuters) -By Luke Pachymuthu, are developing the fields.

Its refusal to recognize Kurdish deals, even as it backs Kurdish

Addax to bring crude to Iraq-Turkey pipeline by exports, brings uncertainty to the situafion.

truck Blair said the volume of the exports would be limited partly by the * Company has green lightfrom ministry in Baghdad need to use trucks.

* Kurdistan has allowed 40,000 bpd "We will be doing tliis by truck...that is why you can't go to a very large number by truck, because just the sheer logistics of moving

hundreds of trucks is untenable the higher number you go." ABU DHABI, Oil and gas company Addax Petroleum (AXC.TO:

Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) expects to start crude oil Tlie Kurdish govemment has given Addax the green light to

exports from its facility in Iraq's largely autonomous Kurdistan export 40,000 barrels per day, but the firm had the facilities in

region on Sunday, a senior company executive said. Tlie firm, lis¬ place to supply up to 60,000 bpd by truck. ted in Toronto and London (ÀXC.L: Quote, Profile, Researdi, "(The oil) will go to a pipeline connecfion which is close to the Stock Buzz), expects to get access to an Iraq-Turkey oil export Kirkuk field, to be determined by the ministry, they will actually pipeline wliicli it would then supply with trucks carrying crude determine where we offload the oil." from the Taq Taq field, Leslie Blair, managing director of Addax

Petroleum-Middle East, told Reuters on the sidelines of an indus¬ Developments in the energy standoff between the Kurdistan

try conference. region and Baghdad are keenly watched, not least because Kurdish officials have heralded a new $8 billion plan from foreign He said Iraq's Oil Minister Hussain al-Shaliristani had given his energy firms that could supply natural gas from Kurdistan to agreement. Europe via the Nabucco pipeline [ID:nSP496384].

"Sunday is the date we can access the pipeline...the minister has Tliis pipeline project is a key element in the European Union's agreed and by Sunday we will be ready," Blair said on Monday. plans to free itself from reliance for gas on Russia.

Tlie central govemment in Baghdad has long opposed the signing But Shahristani has rejected the deal because it was done without of contracts with foreign oil firms by the Kurdistan Regional parficipation from the oil ministry. Govemment (KRG) and witliheld use of export pipelines.

Tlie impasse has delayed for years the passing of crucial national

oil and gas legislation, deterring foreign investment.

Earlier tliis month Baghdad said it would begin exporting oil from

Kurdistan's Tawke and Taq Taq fields. But Iraq's oil ministry, out of principle, still opposes production sharing contracts that Kurds

have clinched with firms like Addax and Norway's DNO

Intemafional (DNO.OL: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) that

f\ Candidates register for Iraqi Kurdistan vote REUTERS

May 25,2009 (Reuters) - By Shamal Aqrawi Tlie vote is thought likely to return Barzani to power by a comfor¬

table margin and entrench the powerful Kurdish Democratic Party

(KDP) and Talabani's Patriofic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). July 25 vote seen unlikely to produce dramatic change Tlie two are running together in a joint list along with other, smal¬ * Bitter rows ivith Baghdad over land, resources ler parfies.

Tlie region won de facto independence after the 1991 Gulf War.

ARBIL, Iraq, RegistraHon for a presidendal poll in Iraq's largely Allied powers protected the region from then Iraqi leader Saddam

autonomous Kurdistan region ended on Monday, with incumbent Hussein by imposing a no-fly zone over it.

President Massoud Barzani and five others on tlie list, the region's Diplomats and the region's few small opposifion parfies, such as electoral commission said. the Kurdistan Islamic Union, express concern over this lack of

Tlie balance of power in Kurdistan, which sits on largely untapped choice as a choke on Kurdistan's nascent democracy.

oil and gas reserves, is closely watched given its bitter rows with Although Kurds take pride in the relafively peaceful enclave,

the Baghdad government over land and resources that have threa¬ which remained stable even wliile the rest of Iraq descended into tened to trigger violence. an orgy of sectarian bloodshed in 2006 and 2007, their frustrafion is

Iraqi Kurds will vote on July 25 in concurrent parliamentary and growing at Kurdish officials they see as often corrupt and imper¬

presidential polls that are not expected to bring dramafic changes vious to change.

to an enclave seen as frozen in the grip of two dominant parfies Tlie Kurdish Regional Government's feuds witli Baghdad may yet and as drifting further from Baghdad. turn violent. Barzani and Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki have

Tlie deadline for submissions expired at 6 pm (1500 GMT). exchanged harsh words and accusafions in tlie past year, although both have softened their lines in recent months. "In a few days, we'll draw up the list of nominees," Iraq's top elec¬

toral official Faraj al-Haidari told Reuters.

Halo Ibraliim, brother-in-law of Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, is

seen as the most serious challenger.

52 Revue de Presse-Press Revieiv-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

k^îiMH:^*! May 26, 2009

TURKEY'S DIRTY WAR AGAINST THE KURDS

'We Used to Murder People at Night When

the Soldiers Weren't Around'

not only the soldiers and the people from Jitem, but also members of the By Daniel Steinvorth in Istanbul radical-Islamic Turkish Hezbollah, a militant Kurdish organization unrelated

When members of the special to the Lebanese Hezbollah. The war bet¬

Turkish police unit Jitem arrived at ween the Turkish army and the PKK night, Kurdish inhabitants of southeast raged in the mountains surrounding

Turkey knew there would be another Cizre. But in the city itself, it was this

disappearance. Investigators are now group that held power over life and

looking into the activities of this alle¬ death. A brutal leader of this clan

gedly disbanded secretive organization named Kamil Atak once let himself be

from the 1990s - and the 'death wells' nominated to become mayor. As local This house once held the restau¬ where its victims were hidden. politicians will tell you, the former she¬ rant Sidan. In the 1990s, its Things had been going well for pherd used to take pleasure in "feeding" Kurdish owner was forced to hand Nimet Karaaslan and his new business. his captives to his Hezbollah fighters. But when the Kurd opened up his little it over to Jitem, which allegedly

restaurant in the spring of 1993 in used it as a place to carry out Spreading Fear and Anxiety Cizre, a city right near Turkey's border interrogations, torture and execu¬

with Syria, men wearing dark sunglas¬ tions.

ses and carrying submachine guns paid Even after the state of emergency him a visit. "Give us your restaurant," for the remains of Kurds who have was lifted in 2002, Atak remained under they ordered him. disappeared. But the digging also the protection of state security forces.

The men were part of Jitem, a spe¬ means working through one of the dar¬ Just over two months ago, on March 23,

cial unit of the Turkish gendarmerie kest chapters in this country's history, police arrested Atak as part of a nation¬

charged with "intelligence gathering and when Turkish security forces waged a wide operation after he garnered the

counterterrorism," and they made dirty war against supporters of the PKK attention of investigators working on

themselves at home in Karaaslan's res¬ and its suspected supporters. the "Ergenekon" case. Soon after Atak's

taurant. They practiced with their wea¬ arrest, authorities also arrested Cemal

pons, and they set up a center for Inter¬ Temizoz, a colonel in the military police, Shot 'Like an Animal' rogating and torturing people. The res¬ who also sowed fear and anxiety among

taurant was in a good location. From the the inhabitants of Cizre.

front, you could look out over the snow- Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, "Ergenekon" is the name of a place

covered peaks of the Cudi mountains on thousands of civil rights activists, politi¬ in popular Turkish mythology, but it is the Turkish-Iraqi border, where units of cians and businesspeople suspected of also the name given to a conspiracy of the Kurdistan Workers' Part^ (PKK), a having ties with the PKK were kidnap¬ networked ultra-nationalists. Roughly Kurdish separist group, are still entren¬ ped and murdered. No one knows their 150 of its members are now standing ched today. From the back, you could exact number, and it was only in rare trial in Turkey. The former soldiers, look out over the Tigris River, which cases that the victims were even identi¬ police officers, journalists, professors separates Turkey from Syria. fied. Many corpses were dumped into and everyday Mafiosi stand accused of

The Ipek Yolu Highway, the Turkish wells; others were doused in acid and having planned a coup against the

name for the Silk Road, runs right past thrown into fields. The horror of the government of Turkish Prime Minister

the front of the building heading toward sight was meant to serve as a deterrent. Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The trial has

Iraq. And behind it there is a sea of But the majority disappeared without a been going on for more than six

chest-high, green corn broken by the trace and are still listed as missing. months. It is the most explosive trial in

occasional well. The wells turned out to One of the missing is the Kurdish recent Turkish history. be great places for getting rid of the construction worker Ramazan Solmaz. Among the accused is Veli Kûcùk, bodies of those who were executed. His wife Piroze last saw him on January the retired general who allegedly foun¬

For years, people in the surrounding 15, 1993. "He was on his way to work ded Jitem. Kucuk's arrest in January

villages kept quiet. And then, in 2002, when they caught him," she says. 2008 was the most sensational event of

the army lifted the region's state of "That's all I know. There are no traces, the year. As things have turned out,

emergency, and the men from Jitem no clues. I'd just like to know where his though, the kind-faced grandfather

disappeared. For a long time, people body is. I just want to bury him." Piroze appears to be untouchable. It is still

thought that speaking about Karaaslan's and a friend have put their faith in hard to tell whether the military used

restaurant increased their own chances Cizre's bar association. "My husband, Kucuk as a sacrificial pawn or whether

of disappearing. Selahattin, was shot in broad daylight in the generals in Ankara believed he had

1998 right on the street," say her become too powerful. But, since March, the area has been friend, who is wearing a pitch-black ver¬ home to backhoes and salvaging equip¬ sion of the traditional Kurdish gown. ment. What was once unheard of is now Jitem's Bestial Interrogation "Just like that. Like an animal." happening in southeastern Turkey in Methods Cizre, In Silopi, in Kustepe and wherever At the time, the women didn't even

else local lawyers have filled a petition think about filing a criminal complaint.

to have the "death wells" opened. In Cizre, confronting those in power had For the top brass in Turkey's military

Turkish officials have now started to dig its consequences. The powerful included forces, the issue of Jitem remains

53 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

taboo. The government continues to always came "from the very top." They had been dumped, where fishermen

deny its existence. According to the talk about how the gendarmes would later hid his body and where his uniden¬

semiofficial version, at least, the orga¬ bathe the dead in acid baths and make tified corpse had been buried in an ano¬

nization served as something like a them disappear in wells. And they never nymous grave not far from the lake.

"counterguerrilla" force against the PKK fail to mention the type of cars the "Now we're waiting for the results of a

that completed its mission long ago and Jitem usually used: white models of the DNA test," says Ergul's brother Ata.

has since been disbanded. The last fact Renault 12-based "Toros" manufactured "Then we will finally have some cer¬

seems to have been confirmed by for¬ in Turkey between the 1970s and tainty."

mer Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz, when 1990s. When the angels of death This is a sign of progress but he claimed in a television interview that appeared in their white cars, inhabi¬ there are also contradictory signals Jitem "no longer" existed. tants knew that one of their friends or coming out of Turkey. For the first time, neighbors would be disappearing soon. By far the most comprehensive the country seems prepared to come to

reports of Jitem's activities can be The case of the disappeared Kurd terms with its recent past. But even

found in the memoirs of the organiza¬ Hasan Ergiil exemplifies the vividness of though light is now being thrown on the

tion's former agents. One of them is these Jitem veterans' revelations. On dirty war waged during that period, the

Abdulkadir Aygan, who now lives in May 23, 1993, the farmer from the vil¬ war between the Turkish military and

Sweden. Aygan tells a shocking tale of lage of Cukurca got on his tractor with the PKK continues to rage. In military

having first been a member of the PKK his three-year-old son to drive to the terms, the separatist movement has

before being recruited to work for hospital in a nearby city. But they didn't been significantly weakened, and its

Jitem. "We used to murder people at get far After stopping at a nearby gas leader, Abdullah Ôcalan, has been In

night during the long hours when the station, Ergiil was surrounded by three prison for years. But it Is still capable of

soldiers weren't around," Aygan says, vehicles that blocked his path. The men launching deadly bomb attacks, such as

describing Jitem's activities. "Many of who got out of the car weren't wearing the one in late April, when a remotely

the people we captured had been indic¬ uniforms. They dragged Ergiil off his denoted bomb threw a military vehicle

ted by a court or the gendarmes," he tractor and forced him into the back into the air, killing nine Turkish soldiers.

adds. "But many of them had also been seat of one of the cars. They drove off, The government avoids talks with denounced by their completely normal leaving the crying boy behind. the pro-Kurdish Democratic Society fellow citizens. No one survived an It would be years before Ergul's Interrogation by Jitem people." relatives finally became aware of his

The Fate of Hasan Ergiil ultimate fate. They learned it when they

heard the confession of former Jitem Other former henchmen of the member Abdulkadir Aygan, who spoke state, such as Tuncay Guney and about how Ergiil was strangled to Yildirim Begler, are now talking about death, put in a sack and dumped into a the war against the PKK. From the remote lake. safety of exile in Canada, Sweden and

Norway, men like these recount the Seeking Certainty and Closure

names of the victims and the places In the end, all the searching and where their mass graves can be found. inquiries of Ergul's brothers had been in They describe the bestial interrogation vain. But after Aygan's confession, they methods and the orders to kill that did succeed in figuring out where Ergul

T\irkish air offensive on PKK after six soldiers killed REUTERS # I

DIYARBAKIR, Turkey, May 28,2009 (Reuters) In recent months, Turkish authorities have stepped up a crack- dovm on supporters of the PKK, which has been weakened by Turkish operations against guerrilla bases in northern Iraq. - A REMOTE-controlled mine killed six Turkish soldiers and Turkey's separatist conflict in the impoverished mainly Kurdish wounded 11 more in the mainly Kurdish southeast, security southeast has negatively weighed on the country's economic sources said on Thursday. development and is a hindrance to Ankara's European Union The soldiers were on an operafion when their vehicle struck the membership aspirations. But signs are emerging that the conflict mine in Hakkari province near the Iraqi and Iranian borders late might be nearing an end. on Wednesday. The government of Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan has expan¬ Turkish troops, backed by helicopters, launched an offensive ded cultural and political rights to minority Kurds, who have near the Iraqi border against separatist Kurdish PKK guerrillas long complained of discrimination at the hands of the Turkish after the blast ~ the heaviest toll suffered by Turkish soldiers state. since a bomb killed nine soldiers at the end of April. While rejecting a general amnesty for PKK guerrillas, the conser¬ In a separate operation, Turkish police on Thursday detained 35 vative military has taken a more conciliatory tone and admits people, including teachers and union members, for their suspec¬ military might alone will not end violence. ted ties to separatist Kurdish guerrillas in raids across the coun¬ hi another break from the past, neighbours Iraq and Turkey try, state-run Anatolian news agency said. conduct joint operations against the PKK with U.S. intelligence. The arrests took place in five provinces, including in the cities of Ankara, Istanbul and Izmir, Anatolian said. Suspects were also The PKK's senior commander, Murat Karayilan, has said in recent interviews the group no longer sought an independent taken in Van, in the mainly Kurdish southeast. Kurdish state, but recognition of Kurdish rights and ethnic iden¬ Anatolian said they are suspected of backing the Kurdistan tity. Workers Party (PKK) guerrilla, an armed group which has The PKK, believed to number up to 4,000 fighters, is branded a fought a 25-year campaign for autonomy in the southeast. terrorist organisation by Washington and the European Union. Some 40,000 people have been killed in the conflict.

54 Revue de Presse-Press Revieiv-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

£tMonùt 27 mai 2009

En campagne pour sa réélection, . Ahmadinejad jpue la carte de r« unité nationale »

Le président iranien, très contesté, y compris parmi ses alliés traditionnels, s'est lancé dans une « fuite en avant » verbale pour rassembler son électorat fondamentaliste

pour le régime de toute éventuelle crétions de son entourage, aurait Avant même le début de la lui, parle de «faiblesse ». A Sem- ouverture, sont persuadés qu'avec indiqué la priorité : « Gagner à campagne présidentielle nan, son fief d'origine à l'est de toutprix au premier tour. » pour les élections du 12 juin, Téhéran, il a prononcé en fin de l'arrivée de M. Obama à la Maison Blanche il y a une opportunité de M. Ahmadinejad n'aura pas la le guide suprême, l'ayatollah Kha¬ semaine dernière un discours mus¬ tâche facile, son propre camp est menei, avait donné le ton. « Ne clé fustigeant les accords de Saada- règlement à saisir ? La réponse est en partie dans ' divisé. 11 a obtenu le soutien des Par¬ votez pas pour tous ceux qui veu¬ bad, conclus en octobre 2003 entre ces sondages officieux qui circu¬ tisans de la ligne de l'imam, une lent abdiquer au profit de l'Occi¬ le gouvernement réformateur de lent et indiquent que, face à une coalition de quatorze partis conser¬ dent ! », avait-il lancé, d'ime voix Mohammad Khatami et les Euro¬ vateurs, mais n'a pu arracher celui étonnamment forte, lors d'un péens, qui avaient abouti à une sus¬ concurrence féroce, la meilleure chance de M. Ahmadinejad est de des religieux de la puissante Asso¬ voyage en province. pension de l'enrichissement d'ura¬ ciation du clergé combattant, faute Depuis, le guide est revenu à sa nium. Des accords, a dit M. Ahma¬ passer en force au soir du 12 juin. Alors qu'un second tour, où son d'obtenir l'aval nécessaire des réserve naturelle d'arbitre entre dinejad, qui étaient « une trahison adversaire, quel qu'il soit, cristalli¬ deux tiers de ses membres. Enfin, il les factions, mais celui qui, aujour¬ à la nation ». y a deux jours, il a essuyé un d'hui encore, est considéré com¬ serait tout le mécontentement pro¬ camouflet auprès des Osulga- me son « poulain », le fondamenta¬ Concurrence féroce duit, entre autres, par sa politique économique « populiste » infla¬ rayans, le groupe fondamentaliste liste président sortant, Mahmoud Parlant, peu après dans un mee¬ tionniste, le mettrait en difficulté. majoritaire au Pariement. Ahmadinejad, a repris et amplifié ting à Téhéran, du «courage de la «La meilleure carte d'Ahmadi- Conviées à une réunion amica¬ ce qui pouvait passer pour un mot grande nation iranienne » qui nejad,c'estlafibrenationalistetou- le, les principales têtes d'affiche du d'ordre, se lançant dans une vérita¬ « n'accepte pas le déshonneur », le mouvement ne se sont pas dépla¬ ble campagne nationaliste. président avait conclu sur une jours vive en Iran, notamment sur le nucléaire où existe un consensus cées, notamment Ali Larijani, pré¬ Là où ses trois adversaires par¬ citation du fondateur de la Répu¬ sident du Parlement et ex-négocia¬ lent, chacun à sa manière, de blique islamique, l'ayatollah Kho- dans la population sur le droit ina- teur en chef sur le dossier nucléai¬ « détente » et d'un « dialogue meiny : « Les ennemis sont com¬ liéiwble à un nucléaire civil », nous re, « écarté » au profit d'un fidèle renouvelé avec l'Occident », que ce me des chiens. Si vous les attaquez, a expliqué par téléphone un de M. Ahmadinejad. soit le conservateur Mohsen Rezai, ils reculent, mais si vous reculez, ils ancien haut fonctionnaire du ministère de l'intérieur. Et l'analys¬ Pour finir, surles 170 parlemen¬ ex-chef des Gardiens de la révolu¬ attaquent » te Ahmad Salamatian de renché¬ taires du groupe, seuls 155 étaient tion ; Mehdi Karoubi, ex-prési¬ Pourquoi une telle « fuite » ver¬ venus au rendez-vous et à peine dent du Parlement, ou Mir Hos¬ bale en avant au moment oii les rir : « S'il arrive à se poser en héros face aux pressions étrangères 80 ont donné leur soutien au prési¬ sein Moussavi, ancien premier centres de pouvoir iraniens, à l'ex¬ devant son électorat, il a gagné. » dent sortant. ministre, tous deux soutenus par ception d'un petit « noyau dur » Marie-Claude Decamps les réformateurs, M. Ahmadinejad qui craint les dérives possibles Le guide lui même, selon des indis Nucléaire iranien : fin de non-recevoir aux Occidentaux

va confirmer que la résolution du méchant », commente un haut res¬ REIET définitif, posture électora¬ Apartirde maintenant nouspour- contentieux nucléaire « n'avance ponsable français, en allusion au le ? Les propos tenus lundi 25 mai suivrons notre chen^in dans le rôle d'arbitre joué par le guide par le président iranien Mahmoud cadre de l'agence », a-t-il ajouté, en pas beaucoup ». M. Obama a signifié ce mois-ci suprême iranien, Ali Khamenei, Ahmadinejad, à des journalistes, désignant l'Agence internationale sur les questions stratégiques. ont mis en évidence la fragilité du de l'énergie atomique (AlEA). que les discussions avec l'Iran ne Les discussions se poursuivent processus multilatéral auquel les Ces commentaires semblaient pourraient pas s'éterniser, sou¬ cieux de l'empêcher de jouer la pendant ce temps, entre les capita¬ Etats-Unis ont accepté, en avril, de constituer une fin de non-rece¬ les occidentales, sur la politique se joindre pour tenter de résoudre voir à la proposition de rencontre montre en poursuivant ses tra¬ vaux nucléaires. Après une ren¬ de sanctions qui pourrait être la crise du nucléaire iranien. formulée le 8 avril par les « 5+1 », déployée en cas d'échec des ouver¬ Interrogé sur la proposition de qui s'étaient dit prêts à relancer contre à Washington avec le pre¬ mier ministre israélien Benyamin tures américaines à l'Iran. Les der¬ « double gel » mise en avant par les discussions avec l'Iran. Nétanyahou, il a fixé un calen¬ nières sanctions votées à l'ONU les grandes puissances (gel de l'en¬ drier : jusqu'à la fin de l'année. remontent à mars 2008. En dépit richissement d'uranium contre « Gestion collective » Côté officiel français, où la pré¬ des propos de M. Ahmadinejad, le gel de nouvelles sanctions à L'administration Obama avait férence va à une politique de fer¬ format « 5+1 » sera préservé par l'ONU), le dirigeant radical iranien alors affirmé son attachement au meté face à l'Iran, on indiquait lun¬ Washington, estime un haut res¬ a balayé l'offre présentée par le format « 5+1 », et annoncé que ponsable français. « Pour une rai¬ groupe de pays « 5-H » (Etats-Unis, dorénavant les Etats-Unis y parti¬ di qu'« i7 nefautpas attendre trop de choses » de cette échéance élec¬ son simple : la seule solution qui Russie, Chine, Royaume-Uni, Fran¬ ciperaient pleinement. torale, où s'affrontent différents ne soitpas la guerre, c'est la négo¬ ce, Allemagne). « Nos discussions Les capitales occidentales sont ciation, etpour qu'ily ait négocia¬ [avec les grandes puissances) ne se restées silencieuses, lundi, après courants, certains critiquant la gestion du dossier nucléaire par . tion, ilfaut des pressions, doncdes placeront que dans le cadre d'une la sortie de M. Ahmadinejad, appa¬ M.'Ahmadinejad. « Le régime ira¬ sanctions, qui doivent être univer¬ coopération pour gérer les ques¬ remment soucieuses d'en relativi¬ nien a une habitude de gestion col¬ selles. On a besoin des Chinois et tions mondiales et rien d'autre », a ser la portée dans le contexte élec¬ lective. Il nefautpas tomber dans des Russes. » dit M. Ahmadinejad. « La question toral iranien. Mais selon un haut un jeu désignant un gentil et un Natalie Nougayrède nucléaire est pour nous terminée. responsable français, cet épisode

55 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ozeti

£tMûnÙt .,,,is«<»»Ji>i Jeudi 28 mai 2009

S» , 1 1: « Ir ' ' as 4»

la i re c ti s»

L'avocate iranienne et Prix Nobel de la paix dénonce les pressions dont elle est l'objet

I^^T rix Nobe] de la paix et anima- cette campagne de harcèlement et 18 décembre 2008, l'Assemblée son, en juin 2008. ^.- trice du Centre des défen- de pressions n'a d'autre but que de générale de l'ONU a adopté une Rien n'échappe à la répression : ,4. seuns des droits de l'homme nous amener à abandonnerle com¬ résolution demandant un mora¬ surtout ne pas être « différent ». à Téhéran, l'avocate iranienne Shi- bat, nous dont le centre était l'ulti¬ toire sur la peine de mort, seuls Les minorités religieuses sont tou¬ rin Ebadi a vu ces derniers mois me recours pour bien des Iraniens. 46 pays ont voté contre sur 192. Et chées en premier comme les augmenter les pressions sur son Quel le bilan faites-vous du man¬ parmi eux, il y avait l'Iran... bahais, dont sept responsables centre et restreindre ses activités. dat présidentiel qui s'achève La société civile est touchée ? sont en prison depuis un an pour Dans un entretien téléphonique dans lequel les fondamentalis¬ Bien sûr En deux ans, plus de « espionnage ». Nous tentons de les au Monde, elle confie ses craintes tes avaient tous les pouvoirs ? 100 femmes qui ont participé à la défendre malgré les intimidations, sur le respect des libertés en Iran, à Nous constatons une dégrada¬ campagne pour l'égalité des droits mais la date du procès n'est même- quelques jours de l'élection prési¬ tion constante de la situation des ont été traduites devant les tribu¬ pas fixée. Les sunnites font aussi dentielle du 12 juin. droits de l'homme depuis 2005. naux révolutionnaires et condam¬ l'objet de tracasseries, et même cer¬ Etes-vous toujours personnelle¬ En 2008, pour prendre un exem¬ nées à des peines fermes de trois ment visée par la répression ? ple, nous avons constaté qu'en tains groupes chiites qui prônent mois à quatre ans de prison pour un dialogue des religions mono¬ C'est une réalité. Notre centre trois ans il y avait eu 300 % d'exé¬ " atteinte à la sécurité de l'Etat ». théistes sont accuséis de «propos de défense des droits de l'homme cutions en plus ! L'Iran, toutes pro¬ Pour les mêmes raisons, trois hérétiques ». Idem pour les minori¬ a été fermé le 2i décembre 2008. portions gardées, a dépassé même autres femmes, Alieh .Mon cabinet a été fouillé, mes la Chine : il y a eu chez nous 355 exé¬ tés ethniques, ijn journaliste, Eghdamdoust, Ronak Safarzadeh archives emportées pêle-mêle Yacoub Mehrnehd, a été exécuté en cutions pour 70 millions d'habi¬ et Zeynab Bayazidi, purgent des dans des cartons'et notre site Inter¬ 2008 au Sistan-Balouchistan et tants et 2 200 exécutions en Chine peines de prison de trois ans pour net « filtré », sans justification for¬ une dizaine d'activistes kurdes qui compte 1,3 milliard d'habi¬ la première, quatre ans pour les melle. Ensuite.lasecrétaireducen- sont condamnés à mort. tants. Faites le calcul... autres. La « sécurité de l'Etat », irè a été arrêtée [elle a passé deux . Qu'attendre de l'élection de juin ? Le plus grave, c'est l'exécution c'est le mot-clé. Celui qui justifie la mois en détention] et une campa¬ Les droits de l'homme, c'est aus¬ des jeunes, mineurs au moment gne de diffamation orchestrée par condamnation à respectivement si pouvoir exercer ses droits de des faits reprochés. En trois ans, le journal conservateur Keyhan dix ans et un an de prison de deux citoyen. Il y a deux semaines, 32 ont été exécutés dans le monde défenseurs des droits de l'homme nous a traités d'« agents de la CIA nous avons publié un communi¬ entier dont 26 en Iran ! 138 atten¬ et du sionisme ». A]ouiezàce\aune kurdes, Mohammad Sadigh qué réclamant des élections dent en ce moment dans le couloir Kaboudvand et Massoud Kord- manifestation devant mon cabi¬ « libres » et « transparentes » dans de la mort en Iran dont cinq filles. net, des pressions sur mes deux pour. Pourquoi je cite tous ces lesquelles le peuple peut s'expri¬ Ces exécutions sont contraires à noms ? Pour qu'ils existent, c'est la assistantes pour qu'elles démis¬ mer sans contrainte. Malheureu¬ l'article 6 du pacte international seule protection contre le silence... sionnent et la fermeture de ma boî¬ sement, en Iran, le Conseil des gar¬ du droit civil et politique ratifié par te e-mail. Je' suis sans accès à Inter¬ On pourrait y ajouter aussi ceux diens sélectionne les candidats au l'Iran en 1975, mais les autorités de ces neuf étudiants arrêtés en net. Voilà pour les conditions de 1 préalable. Sur plus de 300 qui se n'en ont cure, elles attendent que sont présentés à la présidentielle, travail. Quant au travail lui- les jeunes meurtriers aient 18 ans « Nous constatons seuls 4 ont été retenus. La légitimi¬ même, jugez vous-même : la jour¬ en prison pour les pendre. Devant té d'un gouvernement n'émane naliste irano-américaine Roxana cet état de fait, 20 personnalités ira¬ une dégradation pas seulement du suffrage univer¬ Saberi, finalement libérée, avait niennes, dont moi-même, 5 reli¬ constante de sel, mais aussi du respect des demandé notre assistance lors¬ gieux, dont Mehdi Karoubi, candi¬ citoyens sans distinction de leur qu'elle avait été condamnée à huit dat à la présidentielle, et des artis¬ la situation des droits opinion ou de leur religion. Or ans de prison pour espionnage, en tes de renom comme les cinéastes de l'homme qu'avons-nous depuis quatre avril. Nous n'avons pas eu accès au Jafar Panahi ou Rakhshan Baniete- ans ? Une répression accrue et des dossier. Depuis, deux membres du mad ont lancé une pétition deman¬ depuis 2005» libertés de plus en plus, sur¬ centre font l'objet de pressions, dant la fin de ces exécutions. veillées. Un bilan dans lequel la M°" Mphammadi n'a pu quitter le Je reste pessimiste, comment février ou de cette centaine de per¬ démocratie est bien malmenée. pays pour honorer un rendez- ne pas l'être ? On vient d'appren¬ sonnes interpellées le 1°' mai. Ou Propos recueillis par vous à l'étranger et M. Seyfzadeh a dre qu'un couple a été condamné à encore ceux de Kamyar et Ara'sh Marie-Claude Decamps été convoqué devant les tribu¬ la lapidation la semaine dernière. Alai, ces deux frères médecins, naux révolutionnaires, sans expli¬ De toute façon, lorsque le condamnés à trois et six ans de pri cation. Ma conclusion, c'est que

56 Revue de Presse-Press Revieiv-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

The Eco

wells east of Zakho to join the main

northern pipeline on the Iraqi side of

the Turkish border. Meanwhile 40,000

Iraq's Kurdish oil b/d will be trucked from the Taq-Taq

site to Khurmaia. The crude from both

fields will flow through Turkey to the

Kurdistan goes glug glug Mediterranean port of Ceyhan. Mr

Hawrami says the new fields should

produce 450,000 b/d by 2011 and Im ERBIL / The federal government is letting Iraq's Kurds export from b/d by the end of 2012. That would their new oilfields represent 42% of Iraq's production, if

output from the rest of the country

stays the same. TURKEY The operations at Taq-Taq and

fi (aC Tawke -ISSRk' Tawke are run under PSAs whereby

private companies get 10-20% of the

Z> profit. The rest goes to the federal government in Baghdad before being [ Taq-Toq Khurmaia. distributed across the rest of Iraq. But

Iraq's oil ministry and its trade unions

SYRIA dislike PSAs. A long row between the

Kurds and the authorities In Baghdad

over rules for the north has yet to be JORDAN ^ IRAN resolved. Baghdad wants to approve

all oil deals. The Kurds say the federal

649 constitution lets them runand profit fromtheir own oil industry, though

R A Q ^. they accept that revenue should some¬

how be shared. The Kurds' pariiament

passed a hydrocarbons law in 2007.

But a new national oil law has been r'l Ar?aûf!«;Lrd'"E-'T ' asra , stalled in the federal pariiament in .ii!Jni-inv'i..».'Jnn Baghdad for at least three years. ^ tf,iqi ryii t.f-'.ils The Kurds say they have shown up m \'Diii|i)i.i;c-'.ir.i(!:!j kuwah/ the decrepitude of Iraq's oil establish¬ Ciiiij ment. Despite billions of dollars of

investment since 2003, production is

still just over 2m b/d, about what it ON JUNE 1st a man in a hard hat exploration leading to extraction and was when Saddam Hussein was top¬ in the blazing sun w/ill ritually turn a export by private companies in Iraq pled. The federal oil minister, Hussein switch to let oil flow through a pipeline. since oil was nationalised in 1972. al-Shahristani, loathes the Kurds' suc¬ In oil-rich Iraq that should not warrant Iraq's Kurds, who have signed a string cess and has tried to stop them run¬ comment. But this operation, at the of controversial production-sharing ning their own oil industry, declaring Tawke oilfield near Iraq's northern agreements (PSAs) with private com¬ all deals (now at least 20) signed by frontier with Turkey, will be beamed panies, are proud that the oil is flowing them to be illegal. He has also threate¬ live to a giant screen in a new confe¬ anew from fields that they control. ned to blacklist any oil company that rence centre in Erbil, capital of Iraq's The oil ready for export comes does business up north from applying self-ruling Kurdistan region. Hundreds from two fields. One Is at Tawke, deve¬ for licences down south. of leading Kurds will cheer as they loped by DNO International, a small But the global recession may be watch pictures of oil being offloaded Norwegian firm. The other is at Taq¬ helping the Kurds. The fall in the oil from tankers at an export facility at Taq, where Addax Petroleum, listed in price has played havoc with the central Khurmaia, south-west of Erbil, from London and Toronto, runs a joint ven¬ budget. Iraq needs cash quickly. That, which it will be pumped to Baiji and ture with Turkey's Genel Enerji, which presumably, is why the federal govern¬ into the same northbound pipeline also has a stake in the Tawke show. ment was forced to let the Kurds (see map). Ashti Hawrami, the Iraqi Kurds' natu¬ export oil off their own bat.B The reason for the excitement is ral-resources minister, praises the

that the crude is being extracted from Turkish companies involved. Relations

the first newly developed oilfield to between Turkey's government and the

have come on stream since the Iraqi Kurdish regional one are plainly

Americans invaded Iraq in 2003 improving.

indeed, the first to have come on The Tawke field will start by pum¬

stream anywhere in Iraq for 30-odd ping 60,000 barrels a day (b/d). A new

years. It is also the first instance of pipeline will carry the crude from the

57 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

Allotting of Iraqi Oil Rights

May 28, 2009 May Stoke Hostility

By TIMOTHY WILLIAMS and

SUADAD AL-SALHY

KIRKUK, Iraq Sheik Habih Shawqi Hamakan peered through his binoculars on a recent afternoon at a sight he considers, despite the rising columns of black smoke that blot out the sun, pure

beauty. r

As far as the eye can see are oil

fields, among the most productive in

Iraq. He turned, gesturing to his rambling

two-story house with its garden of blos¬ '^:>:i. soming pink and yellow rosebushes.

That, too, sits on an oil field.

The sheik is one of thousands of Kurds have built rough homes in Kirkuk near oil fields on land Kurds who have moved to Kirkuk, an the government says is not theirs. unstable oil town in northem Iraq, since

the 2003 United States-led invasion and

claimed plots of land not theirs to build Still, even though the status of A United Nations report last month

houses. Some of the homes, illegal facts Kirkuk remains unresolved and it is offered several recommendations to

on the ground aimed at furthering unclear how much oil actually lies reduce tensions, including making

Kurdish claims to Kirkuk, sit a mere half beneath it, many of the world's largest oil Kirkuk a region jointly administered by

mile from towering flames of natural gas corporations are competing for the Iraq and Kurdistan. Residents would ulti¬

among the oil fields. contract here. It is one of eight large but mately hold a referendum to decide their

Their presence is one of many pres¬ underperforming oil and gas fields tlirou¬ future.

sure points converging at a critical time ghout Iraq for which the govemment is Kirkuk's population of Kurds, Arabs,

in Kirkuk, as rights to those fields are scheduled to award production rights at Turkmens and Assyrian Christians gene¬

scheduled to be awarded to the highest the end of June. rally live apart from one another in

bidding intemational oil company next "By opening bids on fields in Kirkuk, mutual suspicion. The other groups

month as part of Iraq's larger effort to Prime Minister Maliki is clearly poking accuse the Kurds of seeking to annex

bolster its slumping economy by nearly the Kurds in the eye by asserting Iraqi Kirkuk and its oil wealth into the semiau¬

tripling oil production over the next six sovereignty over oil in territories whose tonomous Kurdistan Regional

years. status is constitutionally in dispute," said Government, which could give

Kirkuk Province, wedged between Joost Hiltermann, an Iraq expert at the Kurdistan the economic underpinning to

Kurdistan and the rest of Iraq, is smaller Intemational Crisis Group. become an independent state.

than Connecticut but produces as much In recent weeks, even after a summit But there has been almost no oil

oil as Alaska. It is believed to possess as meeting in Berlin among Kirkuk's Arabs, exploration in Iraq for decades. The Oil

much as one-sixth of Iraq's total petro¬ Kurds, Turkmens and Assyrians, vio¬ Ministry says Kirkuk contains about 15

leum reserves. lence in the province has increased. This billion barrels of oil, or 16 percent of

Both Kurds and the central govem¬ spring, Kirkuk city has been rocked by Iraq's total, and 2 percent of the world's

ment have long claimed Kirkuk as their car bombings, shootings and suicide proven oil reserves.

own and many residents and Western attacks that have killed at least a dozen But most oil industry estimates put

observers fear that the awarding of the police officers, three Assyrian Christians, Kirkuk's reserves at between 5.5 billion

contract, along with the bonanza of jobs a high-ranking Arab police official and banrels and 10 billion barrels.

and cash expected to follow, may decisi¬ workers going to tlie oil fields. Revenue Watch Institute, a New

vely stoke hostility among the Kurds, Kirkuk's predominately Kurdish York-based nonprofit natural resources

Arabs and Turkmens who live here. security forces say they need help policy group, estimated in a 2006 report

Many worry this may tear at Iraqi unity controlling tlie violence, but not from tlie that 62 percent of Kirkuk's petroleum

and embroil the disputed territory in largely Arab Iraqi Army troops stationed had already been extracted.

greater violence. At worst, it could bring on the city's outskirts. The American "That means this super giant field is

the open ethnic warfare that many have military held a series of meetings with at the final stages of its life," the report

predicted since security for the province Arab and Kurdish political leaders and said.

was handed over to Kurdish forces after security forces this month without rea¬ But Mena' a Abdullah Alubaid, direc¬

the 2003 invasion. ching an accord to allow an Iraqi Army tor general of Iraq's North Oil Company,

Any dispute over Kirkuk is of unit to operate in the city. a branch of tlie Oil Ministry that oversees

concern to Turkey, Syria and Iran, each "We hope it is not going back again Kirkuk's fields, insists that the fields will

with a minority Kurdish population, and to very serious violence, but all signs are last until 2074.

could ignite simmering Arab-Kurdish that it will," said Maj. Gen. Turhan Wayne Kelley, managing director of

tensions throughout northem Iraq, the Abdul Rahman Yasif, deputy chief of the RSK Ltd., an independent oil enginee¬

country's most restive region. province's police force. ring firm, said the petroleum company

58 Revue de Presse-Press Revieiv-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

that ultimately wins tlie Kirkuk field out of Kirkuk by Saddam Hussein's head."

would face issues including tlie potential government, which bulldozed their villa¬ Reporting was contributed by

for violence and tlie likely contamina¬ ges. They call the contested city tlieir Riyadh Mohammed, Abeer Mohammed,

tion of part of the field witli waste oil. "Jerusalem," and some said diey would Sam Dagher and Mohamed Hussein

"Nowhere in tlie world has a field of take up arms to stay. from Baghdad, and Tareq Maher and an

anywhere near tliis size been so grossly Sheik Hamakan, 60, said that after Iraqi employee of The New York Times

mismanaged," he said. years of exile in Iran and elsewhere he from Kirkuk.

Another significant impediment had finally satisfied his longing to be

could be the growing population of home. He will not, he vowed, stand aside

Kurdish settlers, many of whom have for government bulldozers to raze his

built homes on land that the Oil Ministry family's house a second time.

says is not theirs. "I won't leave," he said. "It would be

The families say tliey were forced up to them to demolish the village on my

Is there end in sight for Turkey's

REUTERS # Kurdish problem?

ANKARA, May 28 ,2009 (Reuters) - economic measures need to be implemented.

* While the military rejects a general amnesty for PKK guerril¬ Turkey's decades-long conflict in the mainly Kurdish sou¬ las, it has also taken a more conciliatory tone and has said theast is a major factor hampering the European Union candi¬ measures are needed to bring the rebels down from the moun¬ date's economic development and has long been a source of tains. President Abdullah Gul, a moderating voice in Turkish regional instability. politics, said recently Turkey had "an historic opportunity" to fix the Kurdish problem. The deaths of six Turkish soldiers in a mine blast in the sou¬ theast, 'wrhich sparked an air strike by Turkish jets against * Deniz Baykal, leader of the secular CHP opposition, Turkey's Kurdish separatist PKK bases in northern Iraq, 'was a remin¬ oldest political party, said on Thursday an amnesty project der of the conflict's destabilising potential. [ID:nLS377535] would be possible if the PKK laid down its arms first.

However, recent developments have raised hopes that the * Under reforms aimed at winning membership of the EU, Kurdish problem might be at a turning point and that an end Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan's AK Party government has to the violence could be in sight. given Kurds more cultural and political rights. The govem¬ ment has sent signals it might consider further overtures to Here are some recent developments on the Kurdish issue: address decades-long grievances, including allowing thou¬ sands of Kurdish villages to be renamed in Kurdish. FAREWELL TO ARMS?

* The country's only legal Kurdish party, the Democratic * The commander of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), Society Party (DTP), long suspected of having ties with the launched a military campaign in 1984 for Kurdish self- PKK, has called on the military and the rebels to end violence. rule in southeast Turkey, has made recent peace offers to end The DTP faces the threat of being banned by the the war. In media interviews, Murat Karayilan, has said the Constitutional Court on charges of having links to the PKK. PKK has dropped its central demand for an independent Kurdish state and instead seeks the recognition of Kurdish REGIONAL MOMENTUM? rights and ethnic identity. Karayilan, who has proposed a British-style devolution for ethnic Kurds to end the violence, * Ankara and Baghdad have stepped up cooperation in the has not ruled out laying down arms if PKK fighters are gran¬ fight against PKK rebels, which in the past have been an irri¬ ted an amnesty. tant in relations. Diplomats say Turkey and Iran are also sha¬ ring intelligence over Kurdish rebels on their borders. In ano¬ * The PKK, which has been weakened by Turkish military ther break from the past, Turkey has opened diplomatic chan¬ operaHons against its bases in northern Iraq, has held ceasefi¬ nels with the autonomous Kurdish government of northem res in the past, but Karayilan's words are the closest the group Iraq. has come to say it could renounce violence. The European Union, the United States and the Turkish government have * U.S. President Barack Obama, who is seeking a smooth with¬ called on the PKK to lay down its arms. drawal of U.S. troops from Iraq, has encouraged contacts bet¬ ween Baghdad, Ankara and Arbil to promote regional stabi¬ POLITICAL SETTLEMENT? lity. The U.S. military is providing intelligence to the Turkish military to carry out air strikes against PKK bases in northem * Turkey's conservative establishment, historically hostile to Iraq. pursuing dialogue in the southeast, has re-examined its stra¬ tegy toward the Kurdish issue. The commander of the power¬ ful armed forces. General llker Basbug, recently said that mili¬ tary might alone will not end the conflict and that social and

59 Revue de Presse-Press Revieiv-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

. :-i 1 I I I -> u [ , ^;. r r n I Asharq Al-Awsat Exclusive May28T2oo9 Insldc thc Kurdlsh Party for tïlie Free Life

PJAK By Hewa Aziz commander Azad Horaz (Asharq QANDIL, ASHARQ AL-AWSAT Anyone reaching the strongholds of the anti- ''ff»'''- Al-Awsat Iranian Kurdish Party for the Free Life (PJAK) in the mountain tops and slopes of the Photo) southeastern part of the lofty Qandil Mountain Range - that is part of the mountain frontier between Iraq and Iran - will not believe that this armed party is not a carbon copy of the Kurdish Workers Party [PKK] that is opposed to Turkey. Its fighters wear

the same Kurdish uniform worn by the PKK fighters; it is even woven of the same cloth. Their chests sport a small photograph of their leader Abdullah Ocalan, who is under arrest in Turkey, whom they view as their leader, symbol, ideological and phi¬

losophical mentor, and the sole leader of the entire Kurdish nation. The Bijak war¬ riors fight and practice politics with the same style and ideas of the PKK but on the eastem front of Kurdistan that is known as Iranian Kurdistan. In fact, they are a totally

separate party from the PKK. Their leader is Haji Ahmadi, the well known Kurdish our command posts in Qandil would not have been subjected to

politician. Asharq Al-Awsat was the first Arab and world newspaper to reach the violent raids by 53Turkish fighter planes following the accurate intelligence informa¬

strongholds of PJAK and meet with one of its senior commanders. He said that Haji tion that US spy planes gathered and passed on to Ankara and from Ankara to

Ahmadi's goal is "to deter the Iranian aggressron and assaults" on the Kurdish peo¬ Tehran that began to bomb the same regions with heavy artillery. ple in that part of Kurdistan and to exercise legitimate self-defense for their existence [Asharq Al-Awsat] Do you expect the scenark) of political change in Iraq to be thus forcing the regime in Tehran to veer toward peace and dialogue to solve the repeated on the Iranian arena soon? If this scenario does take place, what would be Kurdish issue in the country. your role in it? This lime, our joumey to the PJAK strongholds in Qandil was not fraught with dan¬ [Horaz] The change that took place in Iraq had an effect on the democratic march gers despite the hardships and the ambushes of the "Asayesh", the Kurdish police throughout the Middle East. However, this democracy that was achieved was in the and security force that has been imposing a tight ban for years, especially on repor¬ interest of the new regime, not the interest of the people. Had the liberation opera¬ ters. Despite the formidable natural obstacles, we eventually arrived there in the tion been genuine, the situation in Iraq would not have deteriorated the way it dki company of our village guide and our car driver who was from the region and knew although six years have elapsed since this operation. If the Iraqi scenario Is repea¬ best its twisting valleys and topography that the government forces cannot reach ted in Iran, PJAK would have a special role based on its forces, organizations, and easily. The prean-angement we had reached with the party was for the Asharq Al- deep ideological and philosophical ideas and would thus be able to bring change. At Awsat team to spend one night in the party's strongholds to wait for two comman¬ this point I wish to reiterate that we will not wait for external forces to play our role. ding members of the party that were on a military mission in the Iranian hinterland. We will not formulate our plans and action programs on the basis of external forces. However, the intensive Iranian artillery bombardment of Qandil that preceded our

arrival by a few hours prevented the two commanders from reaching us. Officials in [Asharq Al-Awsat] Do you have political organizations or amned cells in the towns the rear lines had contacted the two commanders by radio and asked them to come of Iranian Kurdistan? to Qandil to give an interview to us as soon as possible lest the Iranian bombardment [Horaz] There are groups of our amied forces in most of the mountains of eastem would resume while we were there and it would thus be hard for the party to guaran¬ Kurdistan. tee our safety. Three hours after we arrived, commander Azad Horaz [name as trans¬ literated]- 30 years old, member of the Command Council, and leading political and [Asharq Al-Awsat] Iran insists that you are US agents and says that your classifi¬ field politician in the party - and Hofal Musa - 60 years old and member of the party's cation as a ten'orist organization is an attempt to mislead public opinion. What is your Command Council, an advance political body consisting of 21 members - amved at comment?

the site. They were accompanied by several fighters that had marched on foot for six [Horaz] The capitalist system that the United States leads devotes everything to hours in order to reach the location of the meeting. The following two interviews were serve its special interests. It is a selfish pragmatic regime to the very bones. In return, conducted and the first was with commander Horaz: the Iranian regime - that pretends to bean Islamic regime contrary to the truth and

[Asharq Al-Awsat] Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of the Islamic Republic, said that has distorted the image of Islam in the Middle East and the world - is also a sel¬ a few days ago that the United States is training your members in Qandil and prepa¬ fish pragmatic regime. Thus, if the two regimes meet they would no doubt use all

ring them to carry out military operations within Iran. What is your answer? their means to safeguard their private interests. In other words, the allegations of both sides are false. [Horaz] These are groundless allegations. Let me give you an example. When PJAK was formed, Iran claimed that it was its agent. However, after the amned struggle [Asharq Al-Awsat] If Iran were to offer you dialogue and negotiations in return for

intensified between our fighters and the Iranian forces, Tehran claimed that PJAK laying down your arms, would you agree?

was a US protégé and that it was supported by it. However, the US decision to freeze [Horaz] We are always ready for dialogue for the Kurdish cause. The purpose of our the party's assets in US banks and placing our party on the list of terrorist organiza¬ struggle is to impose dialogue. However, the condition of throwing down our amis is tions rebuts Iran's claims again. The truth is that Iran and the United States have unacceptable. If there should be any conditions the primary one should be determi¬

been engaged in secret dialogue. What Khamenei said during his recent visit to nation to resolve the Kurdish problem. We bore amis only as a result of the conti¬

Iranian Kurdistan proves this. He stated that his regime is prepared to engage nuous Iranian pressures on our people. In other words, we are exercising the legiti¬ Washington in a direct dialogue if it gives up its pressures on Iran. In other words, mate right of self-defense and defense of our existence. We want to tell the Iranian

the claim that PJAK is a US agent is false; its goal is to distort our party's image. regime that barring the Kurdish people from exercising a free political life will drive

[Asharq Al-Awsat] It is said that Israel and the United States are scheming to hit the the Kurds to carry arms. In other words, we are not prepared to lay down our anns Iranian nuclear reactor. Do you expect such strikes? without a radical solution to our issue.

[Horaz] The media war between Iran, the United States, and Israel has been raging [Asharq Al-Awsat] What are the reasons for the estrangement between you and the for decades and these reports are part of this media war. We do not expect such stri¬ other Iranian Kurdish parties?

kes at all and we do not wager on such possibilities. We depend on our own policies [Horaz] The Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan and the Komaleh Party think that

and short-term, medium-term, and long-term plans of action. However, we will seize PJAK was formed to replace them on the political arena in eastern Kurdistan. This Is

any opportunity that presents itself to push our movement fonward. We affirm that the a totally wrong impression. Our party is an allernafive only to solving the Kurdish

US decision placing our party on the list of ten-orist organizations is a political one issue. On this basis, these parties refuse to establish relations with us. that primarily serves the Iranian regime. It was taken at Turkey's behest that plays [Asharq Al-Awsat] But Iran is saying that the Kurds do not have a legitimate point the role of mediator between Washington and Tehran. Had PJAK been a US agent,

60 Revue de Presse-Press Revieiv-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

of reference with which to negotiate. What is your answer? larly regarding our party PJAK that did not emerge suddenly or In a short period. Our

party began to be formed in 1999 by a group of university graduate Kurds that [Horaz] It seems that Iran refuses to consider the honorable Kurds and independent agreed on founding a political movement in eastern Kurdistan. They were influenced forces that are not subject to its will as being points of reference. This does not by the ideas of leader Abdullah Ocalan. Since the eruption of the party in 2004, we concern us at all; we consider our Kurdish people as our sole and basic point of refe¬ have been proclaiming and affirming through statements and communk)ués that rence and that recognize our identity. Witness the hundreds of young Kurds that join PJAK Is an independent party in its economics and man power All our people in eas¬ the ranks of our liberation movement every day that is continuously expanding. This tem Kurdistan are aware of this glaring fact. But the Kurdish forces that are opposed is on top of the determination of our fighters to deter any aggression by the Iranian to Iran and that always depended on this or that country in their struggle for libera¬ regime against our people. We are prepared to pay back Iran twofold in any part of tion - that has come to what it is now - do not believe that it is possible to have a eastern Kurdistan. In other words, we derive our legitimacy from our ongoing strug¬ party or an armed movement of woridwide fame that is capable of waging a fierce gle, our generous sacrifices, and the blood of our eighty martyrs. We do not need to armed struggle against a regime, like the Iranian regime, that is occupying Kurdistan gain legitimacy from the Iranian regime. without having to depend on extemal aid. [Asharq Al-Awsat] But these forces view you as a stand-in for the PKK on the eas¬ [Asharq Al-Awsat] You claim to care about the interests of the Kurdish people but tern arena of Kurdistan. your military operations against Iran have been the cause of destruction of Kurdish [Horaz] This is totally false. It is true that we adhere to the ideas, vision, and philo¬ border villages. Does this not hami the experiment of the district of Iraqi Kurdistan? sophy of commander Abdullah Ocalan as our leader on the ideological, intellectual, [Horaz] Our military operations are not carried out on the border regions at all for and philosophical levels. However, the leader of our party is comrade Haji Ahmadi Iran to use them as an excuse to bomb the border villages in Qandil. The govem¬ who is a well known figure in eastern Kurdistan. In other words, PJAK and PKK ment of the district of Kurdistan should understand this well. Moreover, our fighters march along the teachings of leader Ocalan like other parties that adopt Mandst are not deployed on the border butSO kilometers inside Iranian territory and at a width ideas in the workj. of 2,000 kilometers in the eastem part of Kurdistan from the Elam Mountains in the

[Asharq Al-Awsat] What if Ocalan were to ask you to lay down your ams under southeast of Kurdistan to the Mako Mountains. In other words, most of our military Turi

[Horaz] We would like to do that; but the Kurdish forces in Iran have not yet taken a rything that may divide this unity. Therefore, we hope that the govemment in the dis¬ step in that direction despite our repeated calls to unify our ranks in a united front. trict of Kurdistan would adopt this principle as well, particulariy since by virtue of their long political experiment, the Kurdish people cannot be deceived anymore by the [Asharq Al-Awsat] The United States has been calling for changing the regime in intrigues of the enemies and their vile schemes and machinations. At this point we Iran for a long time. Are these calls serious or are they mere slogans for media should say that the stands of the government of the district of Kurdistan are not in consumption? hannony sometimes with the supreme national interests of the Kurds. At any rate, as [Horaz] If the United States is serious in its claims, let it take practical steps on the a struggling party in eastern Kurdistan, PJAK will not be the cause of any pdltkal or ground. Change is not accomplished with mere statements and a media war diplomatic problems for the government of the district of Kurdistan.

[Asharq Al-Awsat] If the United States were to do this, would you cooperate with it? [Asharq Al-Awsal] Despite the conclusion of an agreement between the govem¬

ment of the district of Kurdistan and Tehran, the Iranian shelling of the border areas [Horaz] We have our own ideas and stands on the Iranian regime. We want future is still continuing. How do you explain this? Iran to be a democratic state with a confederation nature in which Kurdistan would enjoy freedom. In other words, if there were common denominators and goals bet¬ [Horaz] The Iranian artillery shelling has been going on since 2005 because Iran ween us and the other Kurdish forces and sides that oppose the regime in Iran we continues to abide by the agreement concluded with the defunct Saddam regime that may be able to take joint steps on condition of democratizing the Iranian society in a allows Iranian forces to shell border areas at a depth of five kilometers under the pre¬ genuine rather than in a selfish democracy while giving the Iranian peoples the text of pursuing the members of parties opposed to Iran, especially Kurdish parties opportunity to decide on their own fate. As for the United States, it has not practiced and particulariy the PJAK fighters. Most often, areas are shelled where our fighters genuine democracy so far and periiaps the current situafion in the district of are not deployed at all and the villagers confirm this fact. The recent shelling led to Kurdistan is the best proof. Had it not been for the Kurdish forces there, the United serious damage to the villagers and their property. It led to the killing of an 1 8-month States would not have succeeded in overthrowing the former Iraqi regime. infant. That is why our fighters decided to avenge the martyred infant and killed a

Nevertheless, the United States left many problems pending and without a solution large number of Iranian Revolutionary Guards in one of their operations proceeding in the districtof Kurdistan, especially the issue of Kirkuk. from the legitimate right of self-defense. As for why we think the Iranian shelling is

continuing, the reason is not the presence of PJAK in the mountains of Qandil. The [Asharq Al-Awsat] Are you capable of bringing change in Iran alone? reason is due to the recent disputes that surfaced recentiy between the govemment [Horaz] Yes, we are with constant ideological and political struggle, organization of of the district of Kurdistan and the government of (Iraqi Prime Minister) Al-Maliki in action, unification of ranks, and calculated political maneuvering. Our party did not Baghdad regarding the presence of Peshmerga fighters in Khanaqin and its suburbs. emanate as a result of the continued dangers on the Iranian regime that did not affect Moreover, the meetings between Ahamdinejad and Al-Maliki and the three-sided it at all contrary to our party's effect on this regime. Our sole motto has been victory Iranian-Turkish-Iraqi dialogue are all reasons for the continuation of the shelling of and nothing but victory. the Qandil regions. But the positive stands of the Iraqi parliament and the pariiament

[Asharq Al-Avreat] What is the nature of your relations with the Kurdish parties in of the district of Kurdistan that condemned and denounced the Iranian shelling sent the district of Kurdistan and with the government there? Do you receive any aid from a message to Tehran that the government and pariiament of the district of Kurdistan it? oppose the Iranian aggressions on our border villages.

[Horaz] We do not have an official or unofficial relationship with the Kurdish parties [Asharq Al-Awsat] Have you received an invitation to participate in the expected or with the govemment there and we do not receive any assistance from them. We national Irbil conference? Will you attend? are an independent party that is struggling in the eastem part of Kurdistan (Iranian [Horaz] No, we have not yet received an invitation although the issue of PJAK is a

Kurdistan). Our people In the eastem part of Kurdistan are the source of our finan¬ prominent issue in this conference. It is said that the aim of this conference is to cing in all the logistic, material, and armament fields. Our people supply us with figh¬ solve the Kurdish problem in the four countries that occupy Kurdistan temtory (Iraq, ters and supporters. Syria, Turicey, and Iran). No doubt. The solution of this thomy issue in the Middle

[Asharq Al-Awsat] How can one believe this, particulariy since you area revolutio¬ East is not reached by PJAK or the Kurdish parties opposed to Turi

61 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

we are sent an invitation and once we are certain of the security and organizational [Asharq Al-Awsat] Is your political leadership separate from the military command as

angles of the conference, our participation is likely on condition that it focuses on is the case with the PKK? Are your stands also defensive like those of the PKK as

ways to solve the Kurdish issue. well?

[Asharq Al-Awsaf] If the Kurdistan Regional Govemment were to ask you to freeze [Musa] Yes, the two leaderships are separate and our stands are definitely in self-

your military activities like the Democratic Party and Komeleh and live in tent camps defense. It is not we that are fighting Iran; it is Iran that is fighting us and intends to

and military camps in the [Iraqi] Kurdistan hinteriand would you accept? destroy us in the 21st century, the century of liberation of peoples. Iran is preventing

us from seeking to unify the ranks of our people in the Kurdish society. It reftjses to [Horaz] We would not accept such offers at all. History has shown that armed strug¬ recognize the legitimate rights of the Kurdish people contrary to all international char¬ gle is the primary factor that leads to victory. It has also shown that the enemies are ters and nomris that recognize the right of nations to ft'ee self-detemiination. Iran not deterred when parties and fighters live in tent camps and become preoccupied does not want the Kurdish society to reach higher levels of maturity and awareness. with how to take care of their families. It also does not respond to the aspirations of

the supporters and followers of these parties and the families of their martyrs. In my [Asharq Al-Awsat] Are attacks on the military camps and barracks of the Iranian

opinion, one of the most important reasons that led to despair and fmstration in the army defensive stands? eastem part of Kurdistan was the retreat of Iranian Kurdish forces to live in ten [Musa] We did not attack the Iranian forces in Tehran or on the Tabriz Mountains but camps and military camps in the south. in the Kurdish regions that are occupied by the Iranian army. All our military opera¬

[Asharq Al-Awsat] Do you expect a major political change in the District of tions are in retaliation to ongoing attacks by the Iranian anriy. Kurdistan after the upcoming pariiamentary elections? [Asharq Al-Awsat] Last year, the media cited your leader Haji Ahmadi on meetings

[Horaz] No doubt, all the parties should abide by the results of the elections parallel between you and members of the US Congress here in Qandil. How tme are these

to their commitment to the national concepts. We hope that these elections would be reports? held in an atmosphere of calm and on democratic grounds so that the Kurdish peo¬ [Musa] They are mere statements attributed to Haji Ahmadi; they are groundless. ple in that part of Kurdistan could elect their representatives. We do not wish at all for ft'agmentation in the Kurdish ranks there in light of the current conflict between [Asharq Al-Awsat] Do you have anything else you wish to say?

the Patriotic Union [of Kurdistan-PUK] and the reformist current. In other words, we [Musa] I wish to tell the whole worid that we are forced to cany amis in order to pro¬ hope a positive change would take place on the social, political, and economic sec¬ tect our people, homeland, and existence. The regime in Iran Is not used to leaning tors and we hope that the elections would mark another step toward a solution of the toward dialogue, negotiations, and the logic of reason. That is why we are forced to whole Kurdish issue. put military pressure on this regime. We want it to turn to diplomatic dialogue hoping

Asharq Al-Awsat also interviewed commander Hofal Musa, as follows: to resolve the Kurdish issue in eastem Kurdistan.

[Asharq Al-Awsat] Is it not the duty of a commander - 1 mean your leader Haji

Ahmadi who lives in Europe - to lead his followers in the struggle arena?

[Musa] There are different situations in the worid of political struggle. Sometimes, it

requires a leader to be among his fighters and sometimes that is not necessary. In other words, there are strategic leaders and tactical leaders. Unlike the tactical lea¬

der, a strategic leader can reside abroad because his presence in the military arena

is not necessary.

TODAYS ZAMAN M^y^^^mL

Barzani insists Kirkuk part of Kurdish region

M. ALIHAN HASANOGLU Kurdish administration and the Baghdad government. De Gucht backed Iraq's federal system and said problems bet¬ Iraq's disputed city of Kirkuk and its oil ween the Kurdish region and the central reserves belong to tlie Kurdish region, govemment should be resolved on the Iraqi Kurdish leader Massoud Barzani said basis of principles of the Iraqi on Thursday when he met with Belgian Constitution. Foreign Minister Karel De Guclit in Arbil, Before traveling to Arbil, De Gucht northem Iraq. met with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al- Asked at a joint press conference with Z Maliki, Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari De Gucht on Thursday whether die oil and Human Rights Minister Wejdane fields in Kirkuk belonged to the Kurdish Mikhail in Baghdad to discuss security region or the federal govemment of Iraq, and reconstmction six years after tlie US- Barzani said: "The Iraqi Constitution sta¬ led invasion of Iraq. tes that the oil reserves are the property of all Iraqis. But Kirkuk, together with its oil taken place because pre-referendum reserves, is part of Kurdistan," he said. requirements, such as a census, could Iraqi Kurds mn tliree provinces in never be carried out. Turkey, which sha¬ northem Iraq and claim the ethnically res close ethnic ties with Turkmens, calls mixed city of Kirkuk is also part of their for a compromise among Iraqi groups on semi-autonomous region. Kurdish claims the status of Kirkuk. The United States is

on Kirkuk are a source of tension between also cautious about Kurdish claims over tlie city's Kurds and non-Kurdish popula¬ Kirkuk, fearing it could lead to clashes tion, made up of Turkmens and Arabs. that could affect tlie entirety of Iraq. The Iraqi Constitution envisions a refe¬ Control of Kirkuk and the distribution rendum on the status of Kirkuk, but the of oil revenues in northem Iraq are among vote, although planned earlier, has never the key disputed issues between the

62 Revue de Presse-Press Revieiv-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ozeti

'*^i^^ Asharq Al-Awsat Talks Kurdistan May 29, 2009 Regioual Government PM Nechirvan

Interview by Ma'ad Fayad in Arbil

[Asharq Al-Avifsat] What is the most significant thing that your govemment achieved over the past four years? 'j "V» I,

[Barzani] In my opinion, the most significant thing achieved during the past four years is the formation of a unity-government with the Patriotic Union of S" Kurdistan [PUK] following the years of internal division and conflict. After all of this [division] we were able to establish a Ooint] govemment that worked as one team, especially as we are well aware that the differences between the Kurdish Democratic Party [KDP] and the PUK were not new, but began in 1964. After all of the results and outcomes took place, we established a joint government, which in reality operates as one team. Nobody could ima¬ gine that after all that took place we [the KDP and PUK] would work together, [Barzani] Yes, and I would like to explain why we have taken this step. and instead of a boycott there is understanding of the new situation. And so Hussein al-Shahristani [Iraqi Minister of Oil] continuously accused the a Minister from one party will work with a team from the other party and so Kurdistan Region of not being able to export one barrel of oil, and he accu¬ on. I gave the deputy Prime Minister all the power to appoint two Directors sed us of wanting to exploit this oil, wanting to secede from Iraq, and imple¬ from these two parties without any interference from myself, and they are ment our own agenda. And so we wanted to send a dear message to our worthing together today after we created a joint operational framework and Iraqi people that al-Shahristani is not important to us, and that we are in a built links of trust [between the two parties]. Prior to this both parties were region that is ready to export oil, and that this oil - according to the obstructing one another with regards to governmental work, but I can saw Constitution - belongs to the people of Iraq, whether in Baghdad, Basra, without exaggeration that we were significantly able to reduce this, and we Arbil, or Ramadi. Therefore the proceeds of the oil from the Kurdistan Region have come a long way in this direction. What was, and continues to be the will go to the Treasury of the Central government [of Iraq]. This is a political major issue that concerns us is the provision of services to the people, in par¬ message, a message of reassurance to the people of Iraq, it does not mat¬ ticular the provision of electricity and water services to the citizens. ter to us what al-Shahristani says about whether what we have done Electricity, for example, was a major problem for us, and I can say that we [contracts signed with oil companies] is legal or illegal; we are not concerned were able to solve a large part of this problem, and it is not such a problem with his remarks. today although there are still concerns with regards to this. As for the issue

of water, we have taken a number of practical steps to provide water in the Yes, we will undertake the exportation of oil, and the proceeds from this will regions that need it, and we have worked hard to provide these services. go the Iraqi government, and we [the Kurdistan Region] will get our share of With regards to evaluating the work of the government that I head, I leave what has been allocated to us, this is the fist stage. As for the next stage, we this to others and their conscience. will search for operational mechanisms with oil companies, so that we can go back to how things were before. We believe that the oil policies in the [Asharq Al-Awsat] You began to use political quotas with regards to the for¬ Kurdistan Region were successful [before], and today there are 35 important mation of your govemment at an eariy stage, how did you find this expe¬ oil companies operation in the Kurdistan Region, this includes American, rience? European, Indian, and Korean companies. Al-Shahristani's statements that [Barzani] Our goal was to bring together all the parties in one govemment, these companies are not important are incorrect; have these important com¬ we do not say that we have succeeded in doing this 1 00 percent, but we suc¬ panies come to operate in the region with illegal documents, and without the ceeded in implementing this in a large way. Dealing with Ministers always permission of the Constitution? It is well known that such companies do not occurred in a professional manner, and never on a party-basis. The relations¬ risk their reputation and money, and they are operating officially [in the hips that tie us together are [built] upon the basis of serving the people, Kurdistan Region]. rather than on the basis of party affiliation. I want my message to be clear, which is that exporting oil from the Kurdistan [Asharq Al-Awsat] What difficulties did you encounter in building good rela¬ Region is a national achievement for the people of Iraq as a whole, and as tions with Turkey? Prime Minster of the Kurdish Regional Government I would like to congratu¬

[Barzani] In the beginning there was a big problem as there did not exist the late all Iraqis on this. We, in the region, are very happy that we have been same acceptance in Turkey with regards to building relations with Kurdistan, able to contribute to the construction of Iraq. After all of these years of depri¬ and we faced many difficulties. The Turkish army was deployed along the vation and bad relations with the former governments, and even the current border with Iraq close to us and they were threatening to intervene and the government, we have been able to lay strong foundations with our Iraqi peo¬ predominant language coming out of Ankara was the language of threats. ple, and contribute through this project [of oil exportation] to the development But we overcame these difficulties due to our determination to pursue joint of Iraq. dialogue, and as a result of economic and cultural cooperation with Turkey. [Asharq Al-Awsat] Iraqi Minister of Oil, Hussein al-Shahristani, has made a [As a result of this] there has been significant progress on this issue and I number of accusations against your oil policy. How do you respond to this? personally was the first [Prime Minister] to pay constant attention to our rela¬ [Barzani] Before he makes accusations against us, al-Shahristani should tions with Turkey, not just because it is a neighboring country, but also clarify to the public his own policies, for he is a failure as a Minister and una¬ because Turkey is an important neighbor to Iraq. ble to present anything to the people and nation of Iraq. All that he has done [Asharq Al-Awsat] What have you achieved with regards to the Arab file? is repeat his statements that the contacts signed by the Kurdistan Region are

[Barzani] Currently, and over the past two years, relations are thawing with not legal, and our response to this statement was to take actions, not reply our brothers in the Arab countries. Some Arab countries had reservations, with more statements. We have taken action for the sake of the Iraqi people. and I believe that these reservations were cleared up by the Arabs themsel¬ [Asharq Al-Awsat] Do you believe that your affiliation to Iraq may allow you ves. We see that there is a strong desire by some Arab countries to establish to play an important political role in Baghdad in the future? relations with the region of Kurdistan, as part of Iraq. [Barzani] Why not? This country is our country. I am an Iraqi, and this is our [Asharq Al-Awsat] Will the region of Kurdistan begin to export oil at the Iraq, and Baghdad is our capital. beginning of next month as has been previously announced?

63 Revue de Presse-Press Revieiv-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

[Asharq Al-Awsat] The regional pariiamentary elections are fast approa¬ those in Baghdad are thinking of dealing with these outstanding issues at ano¬ ching, and depending upon the election's results you may have to step down ther time, or they are waiting to be in a stronger position to in order to deal from your position as Prime Minister to a candidate from the PUK, are you with the Kurdistan Region from a position of strength. However this would be prepared for this? a grave mistake, because no matter how strong they are they will never be as strong as Saddam Hussein, in that this problem will not be solved militarily, [Baizanl]We respect our agreement with our allies in the PUK, and they are but by sitting around the negotiating table and working as one to solve all pro¬ entitied to this premiership. We are ready to leave this position, and there is blems. And so for the sake of the future of this country we must resolve all no problem on this issue. When the day comes I will collect my things and outstanding problems [between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional govern¬ leave in a normal way, handing over responsibility to the person who will be ment]. chosen as the new Prime Minister of the Kurdish Regional Govemment. I am sure that whoever fills this position [after me] will continue to wori< to gain [Asharq Al-Awsat] You have a lot of experience with the central govemment, achievements for the Kurdish people at the same pace that we did, and we and now Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is talking about his intention of will give the new Prime Minster all the support and assistance should he need opening dialogue with the Kurdistan region, do you believe he is sincere in it. We accept the peaceful transfer of power, and are awaiting the election this or that this is merely part of his election campaign?

results. [Barzani] Unfortunately we have yet to see any strong desire from al-Maliki

[Asharq Al-Awsat] What are your plans for the future after you leave your to resolve the outstanding issues between his govemment and ourselves. In post as Prime Minister? our experience with him we have discovered, unfortunately, that al-Maliki's policies rely upon the principle of postponing problems, rather than solving [Barzani] I am still busy fulfilling my duties as head of the government, but cer¬ them. We have read in the media his intention to talk with the region's leader¬ tainly I will stay within the political process, in the region, and in Iraq. I will wori< ship to resolve the outstanding problems, but we have not witnessed anything in any position from which I can provide services to the people of Iraq, whe¬ in practice, and with this lack of desire to resolve these problems Iraq will ther they are Kurds or Arabs. remain away from achieving a state of stability and prosperity. [Asharq Al-Awsat] Will you accept a position as a Minister in the next [Asharq Al-Awsat] Will you repeat the experience of allying with Islamic par¬ Kurdistan Regional govemment? ties such as the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq, the Islamic Dawa Party, and [Barzani] If there is need for my service, then why not? What is important to others? me is not the position, but working to help the people. I had the honor of being [Barzani] It is not necessary for us to ally with Islamic parties only, from the Prime Minister of the Regional govemment and serving my country and peo¬ outset we wished to ally with other national parties. For the sake of the suc¬ ple. cess of the political process in Iraq we are woridng with an expanded national [Asharq Al-Awsat] Will you play a role in choosing the next Prime Minister of list [of parties], both Arab and Kurdish, and various other political parties. We the Kurdish Regional govemment? are serious about achieving such a broad coalition.

[Barzani] Certainly, I will express my opinion on who will be the next Prime [Asharq Al-Awsat] What about the issue of confronting administrative cor¬ Minister through the political process. ruption in the region; is this one of the files that must be taken up by the next government? [Asharq Ai-Awsat] Reports from the PUK leadership indicate that Dr. Barham Salih is the strongest candidate for the position, how do you view his [Barzani] I believe that this issue has been exaggerated, our government has nomination? taken steps to fight corruption, and we have worked from two directions [to address this]; firstly we signed a contract with a well-known intemational com¬ [Barzani] We have yet to be officially informed as to who the PUK's nominee pany concerned with the issue of transparency and fighting con"uption, and will be, and we are awaiting the [results of the] regional pariiamentary elec¬ this company has been operating in the Kurdistan Region for months in order tions. As for Barham Salih, personally, we are close friends, and he is a per¬ to study the situation and come up with a strategy for our government to era¬ son who can play his role in any position. dicate corruption. I do not believe that corruption ends with the an'est of an [Asharq Al-Awsat] Are you expecting any surprises to change the political individual and his imprisonment, a strategy must be put in place that compri¬ landscape of the Kurdistan Region? ses several points, such as how to deal with the laws, and how to achieve transparency, othenwise I can also set up a Commission on Integrity, such as [Barzani] There are many surprises in Iraq, and we expect anything can hap¬ the Commission on Public Integrity that is present in Baghdad. My goal is not pen. for self-publicity or to address corruption in a superficial manner, I want to [Asharq Al-Awsat] What are the most significant files that you have yet to genuinely address this issue from its roots, and we have begun doing this and address that will be taken over by the next govemment? made substantial progress.

[Barzani] There are two important files that must be addressed by whoever And so a part of the operation to root out corruption in the Kurdistan Region comes into power, the first is related to the independence of the legal system is to form a Commission on Integrity, while also working with the company that and the judiciary; this is a very important issue. The second file regards admi¬ specializes in performing studies and making proposals to combat corruption. nistrative reform which is something that our administration began, and it is up In a short time we will announce a strategy on administrative reform that will to the next administration to focus on this issue. confront and eliminate corruption.

[Asharq Al-Awsat] What about the files that your government began working [Asharq AI-Aw/sat] Local media presents the issue of corruption in a different on but remain outstanding? light. Anybody following this media would believe that nobody in the region is

[Barzani] There is the issue of Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution, this deals innocent of corruption. Why is the media portraying the situation in this light? with the disputed areas, and the definition of the borders of the Kurdistan [Barzani] The media situation in Kurdistan is irresponsible and chaotic. We Region. There is also the file with regards to the laws on oil and gas [produc¬ have two problems with the local media, the first is that the majority of people tion in the region]. These are both files that relate to our relationship with the working in the media are not professional in their wori<. I am not talking about Iraqi government in Baghdad, and we believe that these files will be resolved everybody, but [certainly] the vast majority. Secondly is that we have put into if there is a genuine desire [to do so] by the central govemment. It is up to the place international standards with regards to human rights, freedom of the new govemment to work to complete these files, however if the central press, freedom of speech, the independence of the judiciary, as well as govemment believes that [resolving] these files should be left for the time addressing the issue of violence against women. However these standards being, things will be more complicated, and will not be resolved easily. If the are a double-edged sword. In one way we are adhering to these standards idea is built upon who has the power and is able to control these files, then and they are important and attractive to the West and present a rosy picture things will not be resolved. All parties must reach a consensus that these files of our region, but in another way this has become a point of weakness for us must be resolved and finalized in order to reach a state of stability, otherwise in that the Kurdish experience in the Kurdistan Region is unique in the history this will impede the march of progress and development [in Iraq]. of Kurds in Iraq and abroad. And so the Kurds in Iraq have their own territory,

These files will only be resolved by political will [to do so], and we do not government, and a parliament of their own, and this causes problems to the believe that Baghdad is showing this political will. We are not convinced that governments of the neighboring countries in the region that also have Kurdish the central government is serious about resolving the outstanding problems communities who are deprived of these privileges. And so they exploit the between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional government. I imagine that standards that we adhere to and pay the media to write about corruption, and

64 Revue de Presse-Press Revieiv-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

present a image that does not exist, then they say to the Kurds in their own regards to the people. As for the politicians they have acted in accordance to country: Look at the experience of the Iraqi Kurds, it is corrupt, so that the political circumstance. Kurds [in their own country] do not demand their rights. There is an intelli¬ As for ourselves, we have continually acted to assure our Iraqi identity and gence war taking place against us in our media, and relying upon the stan¬ our belonging to Iraq, which our actions have emphasized. We do not want dards that I already mentioned... and so the media is not acting responsibly. history to repeat itself, [nor do we want] a repeat of the tragedies, our wounds [Asharq Al-Awsat] What are your expectations on the outcome of the elec¬ are loo deep to be healed by flashy democratic slogans... we need evidence tions, especially with regards to the presence of opposition candidates? and proof. We need solutions in accordance with the Constitution and the rule of law, so that these tragedies will not be repeated again. Let us speak expll- [Barzani] I do not want to anticipate events, I will not comment on this until citiy, what have we gained from living in Iraq? More than 182,000 Kurds have the time of the elections, but we are expecting to win with a majority of votes. died as a result of genocide, 5,000 Kurdish villages have been destroyed, and [Asharq Al-Awsat] What are the files that you hope to complete before you we were attacked with chemical gas. Yes, these are the crimes of Saddam leave office? Hussein, and there has been regime change, but we are not reassured. We want concrete assurances for our people based upon the Constitution that [Barzani] The most important file that I hope to complete is to finally resolve what happened to us [before] will never happen again. We need our Arab bro¬ the problem of electricity [in the Kurdish Region]. thers to understand this, and be ready to help us and gave us adequate assu¬ [Asharq Al-Awsat] Do you believe that the Iraqis are unconvinced that the rances through cooperation and the law. What would the Iraqis do if they were Kurds do not wish to break away from Iraq? in our place? Would they not demand the same things we are calling for; our

[BaizanI] If we are speaking about the Iraqi people then I say that the rela¬ problems should be their problems as well tionship between the Arabs and the Kurds was always and continued to be a * good one. As a people [the Iraqis] have always supported our cause, and stood against the injustice that the Kurds suffered. A historic example of this is when General Mullah Mustafa Barzani returned to Iraq from Moscow in the 1 950s tens of thousands of people from Basra came out to greet him, and till this day the people of Basra speak about this event. The Arab tribes and reli¬ gious figures in Iraq have always been supportive of our cause, but this is with

REUTERS # Iraq starts oil exports from Kurdistan

ping the fields.

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - May 27, 2009 -By Ahmed Rasheed It is not yet clear how the firms will receive their cut of the exports,

agreed in the producHon sharing contracts, if Baghdad does not reco¬

gnize them. The KRG receives 17 percent of Iraq's total state oil reve¬ - IRAQ STARTED exporting oil from its largely autonomous nues from the national budget. Kurdistan region for the first Hme on Wednesday, Iraq's Oil Ministry said, in an apparent breakthrough after years of deadlock over dis¬ When asked whether Baghdad would pay the companies' their dues. puted Kurdish oil contracts. Jihad said simply: "The Iraqi oil ministry is committed to exporting the crude from Kurdistan, as it does from (other) ... oilfields. All reve¬ Oil Ministry spokesman Assim Jihad said the ministry started ship¬ nues will go to govemment coffers." ping the crude from the Tawke field, in which Norway's DNO

Intemational

Ceyhan at an initial test rate of 10,000 barrels per day (bpd). the companies' production share from its own budget.

"We finished linking the pipelines from the Tawke oilfield to the stra¬ "It seems like double standards," said John Hamilton, an analyst at tegic Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline and have installed the meters. We star¬ UK-based Gulf States Newsletter. "If you take what Shahristani says ted ... pumping 10,000 barrels per day to boost exports to ... Ceyhan," at face value, the KRG are handing over oil to Baghdad which it basi¬ Oil Ministry spokesman Assim Jihad said. cally gets free of charge and all costs are taken out of the (Kurds') 17 percent. Tliat can't possibly work." News that exports had started, despite a row between Iraq's central govemment and the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) over oil Hamilton said the Iraqi govemment would most likely pay the firms, contracts the KRG signed with foreign firms, caused DNO's shares to but for poliHcal reasons could not admit that publicly. surge 4 percent before settling up 2.8 percent. Shahristani faces mounting pressure to act quickly to increase slug¬

Oil Minister Hussain al-Shaliristani has said those contracts are ille¬ gish oil output, running at around 2.3-2.4 million bpd, and turn gal. Baghdad also insists oil deals with foreign firms should be fixed- around an industry in dire need of investment after decades of sanc- fee service contracts, not production sharing contracts of the type fions, neglect and war. signed by the KRG. Iraq, which relies on oil sales for more than 95 percent of its state

"Tlie pumping will continue at (this) rate ... for some days to check revenues, needs exports more than ever as it tries to stretch a budget the efficiency of the pipelines from Tawke to the network ... then we undercut by lower oil prices. will gradually increase the quantities," Jihad said. He did not say by The Kurdish government had earlier put the expected starting rate how much. from the Tawke field at 60,000 bpd from June 1 through the pipeline,

On Monday, oil and gas company Addax Petroleum said it expected with another 40,000 bpd from Taq Taq soon afterwards. to start crude exports from its facility, wliicli lies in the Taq Taq oil¬ Kurdish officials esHmate there are oil reserves of at least 40-45 bil¬ field in Kurdistan, on Sunday. lion barrels of crude in the area now recognized as largely autono¬

But an oil industry source, who declined to be named, told Reuters mous Kurdistan. on Wednesday that this might be delayed because Baghdad disap¬ Kurdistan last week heralded an $8 billion plan to export natural gas proved of the KRG's plans to ship some of the oil out by truck, ins¬ to Europe via the Nabucco pipeline, but Shahristani rejected the deal tead of waiting for a pipeline to be hooked up. because it was done without Baghdad's consent.

"DOUBLE STANDARDS"

Earlier this month the Oil Ministry had said it would begin exporting oil from Kurdistan's Tawke and Taq Taq fields, but said it still rejects

Kurdish deals with firms like Addax and DNO, whicli are develo

65 Revue de Presse-Press Revieiv-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

«Personne ne peut faire les choses

mai 27, 2009 à la place du peuple kurde» TÉMOIGNAGE | Le PKK demande l'aide de l'Europe pour négocier l'arrêt

des combats avec l'armée turque. Entretien exclusif avec le No 2 de l'une

des plus vieilles guérillas du monde.

ennemi en IXirquie, mais aussi en - CLAUDE-OLIVIER VOLLUZ organisation est qualifiée de terroriste. ^-r' Serlez-vous d'accord de vous mettre en

QANDIL I retrait de ces discussions pour leur v;/-- laisser plus de chances de démarrer? ! ' ,\- C'est l'un des hommes les plus recher¬ - Si le gouvemement turc ne veut pas chés par l'armée turque. Bozan négocier avec notre leader, Abdullah Tekin, le No 2 du Parti des travailleurs du Ôcallan (ndlr: arrêté en 1999, condamné Kurdistan (PKK), apparaît entouré d'une .1 à la prison à vie et maintenu en détention dizaine d'hommes en armes dans l'une sur l'île d'Imrali), il peut le faire par l'en¬ des petites maisons en torchis donnant tremise du parti D'TP, qui est légal et accès à Qandil, une région montagneuse représenté au parlement turc. Et nous du nord de l'Irak, à proximité des frontiè¬ sommes prêts à aller encore plus loin. res turque et iranienne. Nous proposons désormais de créer un C'est là que sont venus se réfugier les comité d'intellectuels et de diplomates combattants du PKK, au plus fort de la indépendants pour faire l'intermédiaire. guerre contre l'armée turque dans les Nous sommes même prêts à ce que des années 1990. Cette zone est désormais Turcs y soient intégrés. leur fief, leur réduit. Le visage creusé, - Le gouvernement turc envisage¬ Bozan Tekin a fière allure. Le charisme '-^: ' rait d'ouvrir de nouvelles heures d'an¬ du guérillero sûr du bien-fondé de sa © CLAUDE-OLIVIER VOLLUZ | tennes pour les émissions en kurde et lutte. Le No 2 du PKK dit avoir de créer des instituts de kurdologie. renoncé à créer un Etat kurde «Vous êtes Suisse? De Lausanne? S'agit-il de signaux positifs? Nous connaissons bien cette ville», indépendant en Turquie. - Croyez-vous vraiment que cela déclare-t-il, un rictus aux lèvres, en réfé¬ L'autonomie démocratique au peut signifier quelque chose pour le {peu¬ rence au Traité signé en 1923 dans la sein de l'Etat existant lui suffirait ple kurde? Les Turcs ont créé TRT6, une capitale vaudoise, dans le sillage du aujourd'hui. «Nous ne sommes télévision en kurde, mais les Kurdes ne démembrement de l'Empire ottoman. Un plus un mouvement nationaliste.» lui donnent aucune valeur. Personne ne texte constitutif de la Turquie moderne, la regarde. L'Etat turc dit aussi vouloir qui allait contraindre les Kurdes à renon¬ redonner des noms kurdes aux villages cer à un Etat indépendant dans le sud-est dre la question kurde. Qu'en pensez- du sud-est. Mais personne n'acceptera de la Turquie. Une injustice pour le PKK vous? les noms que les Turcs vont donner à ces qui en a fait la base de sa lutte armée. - Nous sommes aussi de cet avis. Les communes. Personne ne peut faire les Mais depuis, ses objectifs ont évolué. élections municipales de mars dernier en choses à la place du peuple kurde. - Vous n'évoquez plus la création Turquie nous ont prouvé que la question d'un Etat dans le sud-est de la 'Rirqule. kurde peut être réglée politiquement. Le Cette revendication était pourtant à la parti DTP (prokurde, 21 sièges au parle¬ base de la création de votre mouve¬ ment) a réalisé de très bons scores dans ment? les provinces du sud-est et cela démontre

- Nous avons renoncé à cet objectif. que le peuple kurde attend un règlement Nous ne sommes plus un mouvement pacifique et démocratique de cette ques¬ nationaliste. Nous nous battons désor¬ tion. C'est pour cela que nous avons mais pour que les Kurdes puissent béné¬ déclaré unilatéralement un cessez-le-feu ficier d'une autonomie démocratique à au lendemain de ces élections. Pour lais¬ l'intérieur des Etats déjà existants, en ser une porte ouverte aux négociations.

Turquie mais aussi en Syrie et en Iran. En - Selon vous, l'Europe doit jouer Irak, cela existe déjà. Nous voulons que un rôle dans la résolution de cette les autorités locales dans les régions kur¬ question. Pourquoi? des disposent de plus de pouvoir. Nous - L'Europe porte une grande part de réclamons aussi la reconnaissance de responsabilité dans ce qui nous est arrivé. notre identité kurde à l'intérieur de ces Toutes les attaques dont nous avons été Etats. victimes ont été réalisées avec son sou- - Le président turc Abdullah Gui a lien. L'Europe doit maintenant changer appelé les intellectuels et les partis d'attitude, prendre ses responsabilités et d'opposition de IXirquie à faire des encourager la Turquie à négocier. propositions constructives pour résou- - Vous êtes toutefois considéré en

66 Revue de Presse-Press Revieiv-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

LePoin 28 mai 2009 Six soldats tués dans Texplosion d'une mine en Tïirquie

Six soldats turcs ont été tués et onze autres

blessés dans l'explosion d'une mine dans tière dans la région Avasin-Baysan, dans le provinces et notamment dans les villes le sud-est du pays, à majorité kurde, annon¬ nord de l'Irak. Il a été bombardé et atteint d'Ankara, Istanbul et Izmir, a rapporté cent des responsables. avec succès par les avions de combat de l'ar¬ l'agence anatolienne de presse.

n s'agit de l'attaque la plus meurtrière mée de l'air turque", a précisé l'état-major Depuis quelques mois, les autorités ont

pour l'armée depuis l'explosion d'une turc sur son site internet. multiplié les coups de filet et les opérations bombe fatale à neuf soldats, fin avril. L'armée turque procède fréquemment à visant le PKK ou des alliés présumés du

Des responsables locaux ont imputé à la des opérations contre les bases du PKK au mouvement, affaibli par les offensives mili¬

guérilla séparatiste kurde du Parti des tra¬ Kurdistan irakien, où les rebelles trouvent taires menée par l'armée turque dans le nord

vailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK) cette attaque refuge et d'où ils lancent leurs attaques dans de l'Irak, où les rebelles trouvent refuge.

déclenchée mercredi soir au passage d'un le sud-est de la Turquie. Seule formation politique kurde autori¬

véhicule militaire dans la province de Le PKK a pris les armes en 1984 pour sée, le Parti de la société démocratique

Haddakari, frontalière de l'Irak et de l'Iran. obtenir mi territoire autonome dans le sud- (DTP), soupçonné par Ankara d'avoir des Après l'incident, les troupes turques, est de la Turquie. Le conflit a fait plus de liens avec les séparatistes, s'est dit attristé

appuyées par des hélicoptères, ont lancé une 40.000 morts. par la mort des six soldat et a appelé à la ces¬ offensive contre le PKK, et l'armée a ensuite Dans une opération distincte, 35 person¬ sation des violences.

annoncé qu'elle menait un raid aérien contre nes, dont des enseignants et des leaders syn¬ "Nous le disons très clairement : ceux qui

des positions de la guérilla dans le nord de dicaux, ont été arrêtées et étaient détenues veulent une solution démocratique

l'Irak. jeudi par la police qui les soupçonne d'être devraient retirer leur doigt de la gâchette", a

"Un important groupe terroriste du PKK liées aux séparatistes. déclaré le chef du DTP, Ahmet Turk, dans un

a été localisé sur im site proclie de notre fron- Les interpellations ont eu heu dans cinq communiqué. (Reuters)

IRAK: REPORT D'UNE SEMAINE DU RAPPORT PARLEMENTAIRE SUR LE SCRUTIN À KIRKOUK (DÉPUTÉ)

BAGDAD, 31 mai 2009 (AFP) prolongation alors que les Kurdes n'y sont pas opposés.

Le rapport sur l'organisation des élections à Kirkouk, qui devait être remis à la LE RAPPORT DÉFINITIF sur l'organisation d'élections provinciales dans la mi-avril, avait été reporté jusqu'à la fin mai. Les Arabes et les Turcomans veu¬ région de Kirkouk, où s'opposent Kurdes, arabes et Turcomans, a été une nou¬ lent que le conseil provincial soit divisé en trois alors que les Kurdes, s'estimant velle fois reporté d'une semaine en raison des divergences au sein de la com¬ majoritaires, désirent une meilleure représentation.

mission, a indiqué dimanche un député. Kirkouk, à 255 km au nord de Bagdad, est un concentré des défis et problèmes

'La commission a informé dimanche le président du Parlement lyad al- irakiens. Riche en pétrole, la province de quelque 900.000 habitants compte Samarraï qu'elle n'avait pas réussi à aboutir à un compromis sur la question de plusieurs communautés qui se disputent le pouvoir: des Kurdes, qui souhaitent Kirkouk entre les trois blocs", kurdes, turcomans et arabes, a indiqué à l'AFP son rattachement au Kurdistan irakien, des Turcomans, qui se considèrent Mohammad Mahdi al-Bayati, membre turcoman de ce comité. comme ses habitants historiques, des Assyro-chaldéens (chrétiens) ou des ara¬ bes, souvent arivés à l'occasion de la politique d'arabisation forcée de Saddam Selon lui, M. SamaTaï a insisté auprès des membres de la commission 'sur la Hussein. nécessité de poursuivre leur mission une semaine'. "Pour sa part, la prési¬ dence du Parlement présentera ses suggestions pour trouver une solution", a- En raison des tensions, les élections provinciales n'avaient pu s'y tenir le 31 jan¬ t-il précisé, de même source. vier comme dans le reste de l'Irak (hors les trois provinces du Kurdistan). Le Parlement avait décidé de créer un commission pour trouver une solution avec Toujours d'après M. Bayati, les Arabes et Turcomans ne veulent pas d'autre l'aide de l'ONU.

'120.000 barils'. LE KURDISTAN IRAKIEN EXPORTE LUNDI POUR LA PREMIÈRE FOIS SON PÉTROLE Le gisement est opéré par les Turcs de Genel Enerji et les Canadiens d'Addax d'un côté, le gouvemement kurde irakien de l'autre.

Turcs et Canadiens se partageront 12% des revenus tirés de l'exportation du DOHOUK (Irak), 31 mai 2009 (AFP) - pétrole. Les 88% de revenus échoient au gouvemement fédéral à Bagdad après avoir transité par le gouvernement kurde irakien.

LE KURDISTAN irakien exportera lundi pour la première fois son pétrole, avec Le site, à 60 km au nord de la province de Kirkouk et 85 km au sud-est d'Erbil, l'entrée en exploitation de deux champs pétroliers du nord de l'Irak d'où seront a commencé en novembre 2008 à faire des essais, mais n'exportait pas jusque acheminés vers l'étranger 90.000 barils par jour, ont indiqué dimanche des res¬ là de pétrole à l'étranger. ponsables des projets. Le second gisement, celui de Tawke, près de Dohouk, au Kurdistan, va égale¬ Le pétrole de Tak Tak et de Taw/ke, situés dans les provinces du Kurdistan ira¬ ment commencer à exporter du pétrole lundi. kien, sera acheminé vers l'oléoduc reliant Kirkouk, en Irak, jusqu'en Turquie. '50.000 barils seront exportés jusqu'à la frontière turque', a précisé Jon "Sept des onze puits vont entrer en action. Au départ, la moyenne sera de Sergent, le directeur des opérations de l'entreprise norvégienne DNO. 40.000 barils exportés par jour", a indiqué à l'AFP Mohammad Okotane, le "Le pétrole est de bonne qualité, pas excellente. Il contient de l'eau et des directeur du projet Tak Tak pour la société turque Genel Enerji. condensas de gaz. On vendra le gaz sur le marché intérieur", a précisé M. Un petit oléoduc de 9 km a été construit pour acheminer du pétrole du gisement Sergent. vers une station de stockage. De là, des camions transporteront le pétrole sur "Nous commencerons par exporter 50.000 et on verra comment ça se passe et 75 km jusqu'à l'oléoduc principal reliant Kirkouk-Ceyhan. si on peut augmenter", a dit le responsable norvégien. 'Des efforts sont réalisés pour atteindre 60.000 barils exportés par jour d'ici la DNO a refusé de préciser le montage financier qui les lie au gouvernement ira¬ fin de l'année", a ajouté M. Okotane, soulignant que l'objectif à 3 ans était de kien pour le partage des revenus.

67 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

I .be Première visite d'un ministre belge au Kurdistan

28 mai 2009 M. De Gucht a évoqué lors d'une conférence de

presse l'envoi possible d'une mission économique LE CHEF de la diplomatie belge, Karel De belge, associant les Réglons, "pour contnbuer à la Gucht, a rendu jeudi une visite sans précé¬ reconstruction du Kurdistan". dent au Kurdistan, la région autonome du

nord de l'Irak en quête de reconnaissance Le président kurde a salué cette idée, appelant les

internationale et jalouse de ses droits et de i entreprises belges à investir dans sa région, en son identité au sein de l'Etat fédéral irakien. ' plein boom économique à en juger par le nombre \ d'immeubles en construction dans la capitale kurde. Au second jour de sa visite en Irak, M. De

Gucht a rencontré à Erbil, la capitale du Sans que la question ne soit publiquement abordée

Kurdistan, le président kurde (Massoud par les dirigeants kurdes, une journaliste a

Barzani et le Premier ministre Nechirvan Barzani, qui ont souhaité le demandé au ministre belge s'il envisageait l'ouverture d'une repré¬

renforcement des relations avec la Belgique et encouragé les entre¬ sentation diplomatique à Erbil - à l'instar de pays comme l'Allemagne

prises belges à investir dans leur région. Le Kurdistan et ses trois qui y dispose d'un consulat général. Il a expliqué que la Belgique ne

provinces jouissent depuis l'adoption de la nouvelle Constitution ira¬ disposait pas encore d'un ambassadeur à Bagdad - l'ambassade est

kienne de l'après-Saddam Hussein, en 2005, d'un statut de région fermée depuis août 1990 - et ne songeait pas à ouvrir de consulat

autonome. Elle est la seule dans le cas. général au Kurdistan.

"L'Irak est un Etat fédéral depuis 2005 et compte deux grandes Le président Barzani a profité du passage de M. De Gucht pour rap-

nations, l'arabe et la kurde. La région a toujours eu un grand sens peller son exigence d'une application de la Constitution irakienne,

d'individualité" vis-à-vis de Bagdad, a déclaré M. De Gucht pour qui prévoit notamment de régler le statut de "territoires disputés"

expliquer son séjour de quelques heures à Erbil en provenance de la entre Kurdes et Arabes, dont la ville multi-ethnique de Kirkouk, riche

capitale irakienne. en pétrole. Cette question aurait dû être réglée pour le 31 décembre

2007, mais ni le recensement ni le référendum prévus par la Les Kurdes ont aussi souffert de 1991 (date de leur rébellion contre Constitution n'ont encore eu lieu. le régime de Saddam Hussein réprimée dans le sang après la guerre

du Golfe) jusqu'à la chute du dictateur en 2003 lors de l'invasion de Le Kurdistan doit commencer la semaine prochaine à exporter du

l'Irak par une coalition dirigée par les Etats-Unis, a-t-ll ajouté, notant pétrole extrait de son sous-sol en direction de la Turquie voisine,

que la reconstruction était nettement plus avancée au Kurdistan que mais la question de la répartition des recettes pétrolières n'a pas

dans le reste de l'Irak, grâce à une sécurité bien meilleure. encore été réglée entre Erbil et Bagdad.

28 mai 2009 doute parce que " la rébellion est plus iM-be isolée que jamais" dans ses anciens sanc¬ tuaires, estime Kadri Giirsel, auteur du TURQUIE: Optimisme sur livre "Ceux de la montagne" ("Dagdakiler"), racontant sa captivité le dossier kurde parmi les troupes rebelles en 1995. "La Syrie et l'Iran combattent ouvertement

Jérôme Bastion blême de terrorisme, problème du Sud- le PKK et l'Irak ne laisse plus ses mili¬ Est, problème kurde ; c'est le problème tants faire ce qu'ils veulent sur son terri¬ n°i de la Turquie, et il faut absolument toire ; ils sont obligés de se faire discrets, L'ESPOIR d'une solution est ali¬ s'en occuper", commentait le lo mai le de se cacher", rapporte-t-il. menté par un appel du leader du président Abdullah Gûl. Et d'ajouter : D'autres opportunités "historiques" PKK à un dialogue quasi "sans pré¬ "Les conditions sont favorables ; nous ont été manquées, rappelle Murat condition". Et Ankara a l'air, pour devons saisir cette opportunité, de bon¬ Karayilan, évoquant le cessez-le-feu uni¬ une fois, assez bien disposé. nes choses peuvent arriver. Nous travail¬ latéral de 1993 balayé par la mort de 33 Du mont Qandil, dans le nord de lons dans un esprit de bonne volonté ; soldats turcs (à la responsabilité contes¬ l'Irak près de la frontière iranienne, d'où j'espère que ces efforts vont se conclure tée), puis, en 1999, le procès d'Abdullah il dirige le Parti des travailleurs du de la meilleure manière." Jamais le pou¬ Ôcalan, qui avait proclamé le dépôt des Kurdistan (PKK) depuis l'arrestation en voir turc ne s'était montré aussi bien dis¬ armes et le retrait du territoire turc - 1999 du chef historique Abdullah Ôcalan posé Depuis Damas oii il était en visite, avant la reprise de la lutte armée en (emprisonné à vie), Murat Karayilan M. Giil annonçait peu après des mesures 2004. "Cette opportunité de (faire la) affirme que "le PKK a changé", qu'il est telles que la restitution des noms des \dl- paix ne doit pas être manquée ; nous désormais sur une "ligne plus raisonna¬ lages kurdes, la généralisation de l'ap¬ sommes à un seuil important", ajoute-t- ble que par le passé", ne recherchant prentissage de la langue kurde et la levée il. "Que les armes cessent de parler et "plus la sécession et la création d'un Etat des restrictions sur la diffusion et les dialoguons" ; le dépôt ou l'abandon des kurde indépendant" mais souhaitant publications en kurde. Des engagements armes pourra venir "après". "que les Kurdes vivent libres et égaux sur plus qu'anodins, surtout proférés par le Pour la première fois, le cadre de le territoire de la République turque". chef de l'Etat, illustrant une "nouvelle cette discussion est laissé ouvert : "Le Dire que son interviev^f par le journaliste atmosphère". dialogue peut se faire avec Imrali Oieu de Hasan Cemal (Milliyet, 5 mai) a fait sen¬ Mais au-delà de cette conjoncture détention d'Ôcalan, NdlR), avec nous (le sation serait exagéré ; mais, relayées par apparemment favorable, l'éditorialiste PKK), avec les politiques élus (du Parti des réactions favorables et volontaires de Murat Yetkin se demande si vraiment pour une société démocratique, DTP) ou la part du chef de l'Etat, du Premier "Ankara a un plan pour une solution au au sein d'une commission conjointe ministre et même de l'opposition, ces problème kurde". Si tout le monde - y constituée de sages." S'il n'est pas encore déclarations semblent marquer un tour¬ compris l'état-major turc, admettant secrètement engagé, ce dialogue s'an¬ nant dans la politique kurde de la qu'il ne parviendra jamais à déloger le nonce en tout cas sous les meilleurs aus¬ Turquie, ou plutôt son absence de politi¬ PKK de sa forteresse du mont Qandil - pices. que en la matière s'accorde à reconnaître qu'il existe une "Appelez-le comme vous voulez : pro "opportunité historique", c'est sans nul

68 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

ashington I

MOYEN-ORIENT Zaliedan, située piès de la fron¬ Apiès l'attentat meurtrier tière avec le Pakistan, est le chef- s* contre une mosquée dans lieu de la province iranienne du le sud-est du pays, le pouvoit Sistan-Baloutchistan. Elle abrite iranien accuse les États-Unis une importante communauté sun¬ de chercher à semer la zizanie nite, dans un pays à majorité chiite. à ses iiontières, qui abritent L'attaque \'isant le bureau de cam¬ d'importantes minorités pagne du président Alimadinejad, etlmjques. candidat à sa réélection, aurait fait trois blessés. Le bilan de l'attentat

De none envoyée spéciale contre la mosquée Airiir al-Monie-

au Moyen-Orient nin est largement plus sévère : les / ^ agences de presse locales parlent de plus de 20 morts et d'au moins

Tb'RKM. 80 blessés. L'explosion s'est pro¬ r duite jeudi soir, à 19 h 45 heure i v locale, dans cet important lieu de ® Téhéran i culte chiite de la ville, où les fidèles s'étaient rassemblés à l'occasion IRAN ;af6h ^R«ii C Chiraz de la cérémonie religieuse mar¬ quant l'anniversaiie de la mort de

Fatinia Zahra, fille du prophète ^- Maliomet et épouse d'Ali, premier

ARABIE imam chiite.

i^m .;f;v. Une région instable 400 km OMAN Le gouveineur de la provin¬ Un attentat dans la mosquée Amir al-Momenin, second lieu chiite LE FIGARO ce, Ali Mohammad Azad, rap¬ de la ville de Zahcdan, a fait jeudi plus de 20 morts et 80 blessés.

À DEUX semailles des élections porte que le groupe qui a posé la hiamic Republic News Ageim'/AP présidentielles iraniennes, la . bombe « comptait tirer profit de République islamique fait face à la situation trouble en Afghanis¬ Zaliedan mettent en lumière deux Coïncidence ou signal donné un regain de violence à Zaliedan, tan et au Pakistan, au moment dangers qui menacent aujour¬ par ces derniers, les nouveaux dans le sud-est du pays, où le quar¬ oil notre pays s'achemine vers d'hui l'Iran chiite : un renforce¬ incidents de Zaliedan sur\iennenl tier général de campagne du prési¬ l'élection préside?itielle ». Un ment des tensions régionales une semaine après une rencontre, dent Mahmoud Alimadinejad a représentant local de l'ayatollah entre chiites et sunnites et un à Téhéran, entre les chefs d'État été attaqué, hier soir, d'après Ali Khamenei, cité par l'agence débordement de l'instabilité iranien, pakistanais et afghan. Le l'agence de presse Fars News. de presse Isna, dénonce, lui, pakistanaise sur son territoire. sommet avait pour objectif princi¬

L'incident sunient au lendemain directement « des terroristes cri¬ À cheval entre l'Iran, l'Afgha¬ pal, honnis la lutte contre le trafic d'un attentat contre une mosquée minels, ceux qui sont nourris par nistan et le Pakistan, le Balout- de drogue, d'éradiquer la menace locale, revendiqué, selon la télé\i- l'Arrogance mondiale ». chistan est connu pour être une tenoriste. sion al-.'^rabiya, par le groupe Ce n'est pas la ]ireniière fois région instable, où bandits et Delphine Minoui d'insurgés Jundallali. La chaîne en que Téhéran accuse « l'Arrogance insurgés entendent profiter de la langue arabe, basée à Dubaï, dit mondiale » - un terme utilisé pour porosité des frontières pour impo¬ avoir été contactée par un homme désigner l'Amérique et Israël - de ser leur loi. En février 2007, un

«expliquant qu'il s'agissait d'un chercher à semer la zizanie au attentat revendiqué par Jundallah, attentai suicide visant la force ira¬ niveau de ses frontières, qui abri¬ une organisation d'insurgés qui nienne du Basij, lors d'un meeting tent d'imporlantes minorités eth¬ dit lutter pour les droits de la électoral qui se tenait dans la mos¬ niques. Il y a deux semaines, le minorité sunnite iranienne," avait quée ». guide suprême a ouvertement causé, à Zahedan, la mort de 18

Les autorités iraniennes reproché aux États-Unis de «for¬ gardiens de la Révolution. De avaient préalablement pointé du mer des terroristes » au Kurdistan l'autre côté de la frontière, la pro- doigt l'Amérique et Israël, en les irakien frontalier pour lutter \'ince baloutche pakistanaise - où accusant de soutenir des élé¬ contre l'Iran, en faisant allusion un lourisle français a récemment ments extrémistes. « Les maifis de aux combattants du groupe sépa¬ été kidnappé - est également l'Amérique et d Israël sont, sans ratiste kurde Pejak. réputée comme étant une zone aucun doute, impliquées dans cet Au-delà de ces déclarations volatile où opèrent séparatistes incident», a déclaré, hier matin, officielles, qui pourraient remettre baioutches et brigands locaux, et l'ayatollah Alimad Kliatami, lors en cause le fiagile processus de où se seraient infiltrés des com¬ du grand sermon de la prière du rapprochement entre Téhéran et battants islamistes sunnites liés vendredi. Washington, les incidents de aux talibans.

69 Revue de Presse-Press Revieiv-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

«Little Istanbul», symbole berlinois des ratés

de Tintégration des immigrés turcs

;f..-^

Ils sont 200 000 dans la capitale et quelque ?ri 2,5 millions à vivre fp " en Allemagne. Les diplômés sont de plus en plus tentés de retourner dans leur pays où les perspectives d'emploi sont meilleures.

De notre conespondant à Berlin

LES marchands de kebabs ont remplacé les stands à saucisses et à

bretzels. Tous les commerces por¬ tent des inscriptions bilingues, en allemand et en turc. Les chaînes de supemiarchés allemandes Lidl et Aldi vendent des produits importés Un marché situé dans le quartier de Kreuzbeurg, à Berlin-Ouest, de Turquie. Les femmes voilées où les Turcs luttent pour sauvegarder leurs mlurs et leur identité.

n'attirent plus les regards curieux. Franka Bnms/AP Sur un plan, ce microquartier de Kreuzberg situé à Berlin-Ouest, à travail... Et puis, je n'avais aucun sième génération de Turcs, bilingue quelques pas de l'ancien mur, contact avec les Allemands. Ils me qui dit se sentir allemande. Pour¬ s'appelle «Kottbusser Tor ». Mais considéraient comme im travailleur tant, selon une étude récente, un . pour les Berlinois c'est « Little invité d'AnatoIie et gardaient leurs tiers des diplômés d'origine turque Istanbul ». Ses habitants peuvent y distances. » seraient prêts à éniigrer en Turquie. mener une \ie parallèle, sans par¬ Pendant trente ans, l'Allemagne En raison de la difficulté à trouver ler un mot d'allemand. a vécu dans l'illusion que ces « invi¬ un travail adapté à leurs compéten¬ Au-delà de ses attraits folklori¬ tés » repartiraient un jour. Ainsi, les ces en Allemagne et de meilleures ques et de sa légendaire tolérance gouvemements successifs n'ont pas perspectives d'emplois en Turquie. « multiculturelle », « Little Istanbul » déployé d'efforts pour intégrer ces Spécialisé dans le débauchage est aufsi l'un des symboles des ratés immigrés qui sont aujourd'hui des diplômés d'origine turque de l'intégration- des immigrés turcs environ 2,5 millions dont 200 000 à pour des entreprises allemandes en Allemagne. La chancelière alle¬ Beriin. «Ilyaquinzeans, l'Allemagne implantées en Turquie, Ediz Bôkli mande et Nicolas Sarkoz)', qui se a réalisé qu'elle était allée chercher estime à 3 000 le nombre de diplô¬ sont tous deux prononcés contre des travailleurs, mais qu'elle s'était més allemands d'origine turque l'adhésion de la Turquie à l'UE, y retrouvée avec des êtres humains et qui ont émigré de l'autre côté du atteignent des soinmets d'impopu¬ leurs familles », résume Eàiz. Bôkli Bosphore depuis trois ans. « Ce larité. Angela Merkel a réitéré sa pro¬ un chasseur de têtes d'origine tur¬ n'est que le début, explique-t-il. position d'un partenariat privilégié que. Peu à peu, les cours de langue Daimler, Lufthansa... 3 000 entre¬ avec la Turquie, sans que ce pays facultatifs ont été remplacés par un prises allemandes, au total, ont deviemie membre à part entière de examen d'allemand obligatoire, ouvert des antennes en Turquie l'Union. Une telle position accentue conditionnant l'entrée dans le pays depuis trois ans. Elles recherchent le malentendu avec les immigrés toutes du persoimel diplômé, bilin¬ et l'accès à la nationalité. Depuis d'origine turque, qui la considèrent gue, ayant une double culture. Nos quelques années, les enfants comme une marque de mépris et le candidats révent d'Istanbul, Izmir, signe que l'Allemagne ne souhaite d'ascendance turque nés en ou Ankara. Là-bas, on leur offre de Allemagne ont automatiquement la pas vraiment les intégrer. très bons salaires, la qualité de vie, citoyenneté allemande, tout en le beau temps. » conservant leur passeport turc. Mais « TravailleuF invité d'AnatoIie » Pour l'Allemagne, qui souffre à l'âge de 18 ans, ils doivent choisir Attablés dans un café turc, deux d'une natalité négative et qui aura et, pour conserver leur passeport retraités sirotent un thé noir en besoin de recourir de plus en plus à allemand, renoncer à la nationalité jouant aux cartes. Ils n'iront pas l'immigration, cette fuite prend des turque, ce qu'ils considèrent com¬ voter le 7 juin. « L'intégration, çafait proportions inquiétantes. « Si ceux me mi déracinement. - des années qu'on nous bassine avec qui réussissent fxtrtent, il va man¬

ça. Si ça n'a jamais marché, c'est de quer un exemple à l'avenir », pour Une fiiite « inquiétante » la faute des politiques », s'emporte les enfants d'immigrés, avertit Seuls 35 % de Turcs s'estiment Husejan Cakmak. Il a 63 ans et fait Arniin I^schet, ministre de la partie de la première vague de intégrés, alors que 13 % des Famille et de l'Intégration de l'État Allemands jugent qu'ils le sont viai- Gastarbeiter, les « travailleurs invi¬ régional de Rliénànie-du-Nord- ment. Ils luttent pour sauvegarder tés » mrcs, conviés dès la fin des Westphalie, aux racines turques. leurs m et leur identité. Ils se années 1950àcontribuer au miracle Selon lui, l'AUemagne doit interve¬ battent contte l'échec scolaire, économique allemand. Pourtant, il nir au plus vite avant de voir fuir contre les préjugés aussi lorsqu'ils ne parle toujours pas un mot d'alle¬ tous ces diplômés. mand: «/e n'ai jamais essayé cherchent un emploi. Les choses Patrick Saint-Paul d'apprendre, pas le temps, tiop de sont en train de changer avec la troi

70 Revue de Presse-Press Revieiv-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti

«Little Istanbul», symbole berlinois des ratés

de Tintégration des immigrés turcs

;f..-^

Ils sont 200 000 dans la capitale et quelque ?ri 2,5 millions à vivre fp " en Allemagne. Les diplômés sont de plus en plus tentés de retourner dans leur pays où les perspectives d'emploi sont meilleures.

De notre conespondant à Berlin

LES marchands de kebabs ont remplacé les stands à saucisses et à

bretzels. Tous les commerces por¬ tent des inscriptions bilingues, en allemand et en turc. Les chaînes de supemiarchés allemandes Lidl et Aldi vendent des produits importés Un marché situé dans le quartier de Kreuzbeurg, à Berlin-Ouest, de Turquie. Les femmes voilées où les Turcs luttent pour sauvegarder leurs meurs et leur identité.

n'attirent plus les regards curieux. Franka Bnms/AP Sur un plan, ce microquartier de Kreuzberg situé à Berlin-Ouest, à travail... Et puis, je n'avais aucun sième génération de Turcs, bilingue quelques pas de l'ancien mur, contact avec les Allemands. Ils me qui dit se sentir allemande. Pour¬ s'appelle «Kottbusser Tor ». Mais considéraient comme im travailleur tant, selon une étude récente, un . pour les Berlinois c'est « Little invité d'AnatoIie et gardaient leurs tiers des diplômés d'origine turque Istanbul ». Ses habitants peuvent y distances. » seraient prêts à éniigrer en Turquie. mener une \ie parallèle, sans par¬ Pendant trente ans, l'Allemagne En raison de la difficulté à ttouver ler un mot d'allemand. a vécu dans l'illusion que ces « invi¬ un ttavail adapté à leurs compéten¬ Au-delà de ses attraits folklori¬ tés » repartiraient un jour. Ainsi, les ces en Allemagne et de meilleures ques et de sa légendaire tolérance gouvemements successifs n'ont pas perspectives d'emplois en Turquie. « multiculturelle », « Little Istanbul » déployé d'efforts pour intégrer ces Spécialisé dans le débauchage est aufsi l'un des symboles des ratés immigrés qui sont aujourd'hui des diplômés d'origine turque de l'intégration- des immigrés turcs environ 2,5 millions dont 200 000 à pour des entreprises allemandes en Allemagne. La chancelière alle¬ Beriin. «Ilyaquinzeans, l'Allemagne implantées en Turquie, Ediz Bôkli mande et Nicolas Sarkoz)', qui se a réalisé qu'elle était allée chercher estime à 3 000 le nombre de diplô¬ sont tous deux prononcés contre des travailleurs, mais qu'elle s'était més allemands d'origine turque l'adhésion de la Turquie à l'UE, y retrouvée avec des êtres humains et qui ont émigré de l'autre côté du atteignent des soinmets d'impopu¬ leurs familles », résume Ediz Bôkli Bosphore depuis trois ans. « Ce larité. Angela Merkel a réitéré sa pro¬ un chasseur de têtes d'origine tur¬ n'est que le début, explique-t-il. position d'un partenariat privilégié que. Peu à peu, les cours de langue Daimler, Lufthansa... 3 000 entre¬ avec la Turquie, sans que ce pays facultatifs ont été remplacés par un prises allemandes, au total, ont deviemie membre à part entière de examen d'allemand obligatoire, ouvert des antennes en Turquie l'Union. Une telle position accentue conditionnant l'entrée dans le pays depuis trois ans. Elles recherchent le malentendu avec les immigrés toutes du persoimel diplômé, bilin¬ et l'accès à la nationalité. Depuis d'origine turque, qui la considèrent gue, ayant une double culture. Nos quelques années, les enfants comme une marque de mépris et le candidats révent d'Istanbul, Izmir, signe que l'Allemagne ne souhaite d'ascendance turque nés en ou Ankara. Là-bas, on leur offre de Allemagne ont automatiquement la pas vraiment les intégrer. très bons salaires, la qualité de vie, citoyenneté allemande, tout en le beau temps. » conservant leur passeport turc. Mais « Travailleur invité d'AnatoIie » Pour l'Allemagne, qui souffre à l'âge de 18 ans, ils doivent choisir Attablés dans un café turc, deux d'une natalité négative et qui aura et, pour conserver leur passeport retraités sirotent un thé noir en besoin de recourir de plus en plus à allemand, renoncer à la nationalité jouant aux cartes. Ils n'iront pas l'immigration, cette fiiite prend des turque, ce qu'ils considèrent com¬ voter le 7 juin. « L'intégration, çafait proportions inquiétantes. « Si ceux me mi déracinement. - des années qu'on nous bassine avec qui réussissent fxtrtent, il va man¬

ça. Si ça n'a jamais marché, c'est de quer un exemple à l'avenir », pour Une fiiite « inquiétante » la faute des politiques », s'emporte les enfants d'immigrés, avertit Seuls 35 % de Turcs s'estiment Husejan Cakmak. Il a 63 ans et fait Arniin I^schet, ministre de la partie de la première vague de intégrés, alors que 13 % des Famille et de l'Intégration de l'État Allemands jugent qu'ils le sont vrai¬ Gastarbeiter, les « travailleurs invi¬ régional de Rliénànie-du-Nord- ment. Ils luttent pour sauvegarder tés » mrcs, conviés dès la fin des Westphalie, aux racines turques. leurs meurs et leur identité. Ils se années 1950àcontribuer au miracle Selon lui, l'AUemagne doit interve¬ battent contte l'échec scolaire, économique allemand. Pourtant, il nir au plus vite avant de voir fuir contre les préjugés aussi lorsqu'ils ne parle toujours pas un mot d'alle¬ tous ces diplômés. mand: «/e n'ai jamais essayé cherchent un emploi. Les choses Patrick Saint-Paul d'apprendre, pas le temps, tiop de sont en train de changer avec la troi

70