INSTITUT KUDE RPARD IS E
Information and liaison bulletin N°295 OCTOBER 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 € Monthly review Directeur de la publication : Mohamad HASSAN Numéro de la Commission Paritaire : 659 15 A.S.
ISBN 0761 1285
INSTITUT KURDE, 106, rue La Fayette - 75010 PARIS Tel. : 01-48 24 64 64 - Fax : 01-48 24 64 66 www.fikp.org E-mail: [email protected] Bulletin 295 October 2009
Contents
• IRBIL: THE NEW CABINET IS SWORN IN. • IRAQI KURDISTAN: A HISTORIC VISIT BY THE TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTER.
• TURKEY: THE PKK’S SENDING OF “PEACE GROUPS” STIRS UP TURKISH PUBLIC OPINION.
• IRAQI KURDISTAN: A VISIT BY MRS DANIELLE MITTERRAND, WHO OPENS TWO FRENCH LANGUAGE SCHOOLS.
• CULTURE: KURDISH FILMS ARE BECOMING MORE VISIBLE ON THE INTERNATIONAL SCENE.
IRBIL: THE NEW CABINET IS SWORN IN he new Cabinet of the Laws Commission presented a The fourth article confirmed the Regional Government Bill reorganising the Ministries. maintenance of the Ministry T of Kurdistan has been Culture and that of Sport, sworn in, led by Article 1 dissolved three approved by a majority vote, Barham Salih, former Ministries: Human Rights, Extra- while a fifth article amalgamated Deputy Prime Minister of the Regional Affairs and the the Ministries of Local Iraqi Government and a member Environment. After a debate, Government and Tourism, adopt - of the PUK, who thus takes over these dissolutions were adopted ed unanimously, and a sixth from Nechirvan Barzani. The Irbil without any amendment. amalgamated those of Trade and Parliament endorsed the appoint - The second article announced the Industry. ment of Ministers on the 26th of creation of a Ministry of this month. At the opening of the Transport and Communications, Article 7 reported the reorganisa - session, which was presided by which was unanimously agreed, tion and restructuring of the the Speaker, Kamal Kirkuki, while a third clause set up a Ministries, with various legal assisted by the Deputy Speaker Ministry of Agriculture and measures, and was agreed unani - Arslan Bair and the Secretary of Water Resources, which was mously. the Assembly, Farsat Ahmed, the approved by a majority vote. • 2 • Information and liaison bulletin n° 295 • October 2009
The next day, on 28 November, epic struggles. Having returned Assyrian Minister had felt oblig - the new Cabinet was sworn in, to Iraq with his family, he was ed to resign for reasons of health. with Barham Salih as Prime arrested in 1963 and imprisoned Minister. for 3 months for activity in sup - In addition to the above men - port of Kurdish rights. On his tioned Ministries, the other Barham Salih was born in release, he joined the KDP in Ministries that have been retained Suleimaniah in 1960. He joined 1964. He studied chemistry at are those of Justice, Education, the PUK in 1976, at the age of 16. Mosul University then at Basra, Electricity, Religious Affairs, In the next two years he was becoming Secretary of the Health, Higher Education & twice arrested by the Baathist Kurdish Students Union in 1970. Research, Housing & regime, imprisoned and tortured. Reconstruction, Labour & Social On being released, he continued After the collapse of the 1975 Affairs, the Ministry for Martyrs his education, winning third Kurdish revolt he found refuge in & Victims of the Anfal, of Natural place in the national listing of Iran, where he worked closely Resources, at the top of which Iraqi Advanced Level graduates. with Idris Barzani, the present Ashti Hawrami has been renewed He then left for the United President’s older bother. He was in office, the Ministry of Kingdom to escape further perse - elected to the KDP Central Peshmergas and of Planning, The cution, spending several years in Committee in 1979. In 1982 he ran Government has thus sharply various positions representing the the KDP office in Syria. He played reduced the number of its mem - PUK with various international an important role in the 1991upris - bers, going from 42 to 20 bodies, as well as information ing and was elected to the KDP Ministries. Only 4 of the former activities and campaigning Political Committee in 1993, in Ministers were renewed in office: against the dictatorial Iraqi which he has held and still holds a Karim Sanjari, Ashti Hawrami, regime. At the same time he con - number of responsible positions. Bayiz Talabani and Jafar Mustafa tinued studying engineering, Azad Barwari speaks fluent Arabic Ali, (Minister of Peshmergas. securing a Cardiff University and Persian. degree in civil and structural engineering in 1983, followed by The Minister of the Interior is The new Government thus con - a PhD in Statistics and Computer Abdul Karim Sultan Sinjari, who sists of the following: applications from Liverpool uni - had already held the post of versity in 1987. Secretary of State for the Interior Prime Minister: Barham Salih in the 7 May 2006 reunited gov - After 1991 and the emergence of ernment. In 1973 he was at first a Deputy Prime Minister: Azad the autonomous region of Iraqi lawyer in Baghdad, then became Barwari Kurdistan, he was appointed a Peshmerga and was appointed PUK representative in to the KDP’s provisional leader - Minister of the interior: Abdul Washington. Between 2001 and ship between 1976 and 1980. He Karim Sinjari 2004 he was Prime Minister of the then went into exile in Sweden PUK’s zone of Iraqi Kurdistan. until 1988, before returning to Minister of Finance and the After the reunification of the Kurdistan as head of the KDP’s Economy: Bayiz Saeed Kurdistan Region and the over - security services. Following the Mohammad Talabani throw of the Baath he was 1992 parliamentary elections in Minister of Planning in the the autonomous region. He was Minister of Justice: Raouf Rashid Provisional Iraqi Government appointed Director General of the Abdulrahman and finally Deputy Prime Kurdistan security forces before Minister in Nuri al-Maliki’s being appointed Minister of the Minister of Agriculture Water Cabinet. In addition to his mother Interior in the Irbil Government Resources: Jamil Sleiman Haider tongue, he speaks fluent Arabic while still holding posts in the and English. KDP Central Committee until Minister of Culture and Youth: 2001. Karim Sinjari also speaks Kawa Mahmoud Shakir The Deputy Prime Minister, Azad Swedish, English Arabic and Minister of Education: Safeen Barwari, is a veteran member of Persian. Mohsin Diyazee Massud Barzani’s KDP. Like the The Minister of Finance and the Minister of Electricity: (pending latter, he was born in Mahabad in Economy is Bayiz Sayeed confirmation ) 1946, in a family of Peshmergas Mohammad Talabani, who has who were taking part in that already replaced Sargis Aghajian Minister of Religious Affairs: Republic’s and Mustafa Barzani’s in the previous Cabinet when the Kamil Ali Aziz n° 295 • October 2009 Information and liaison bulletin • 3•
Minister of Health: Taher Minister of Local Government & Communications: Anwar Jabali Abdullah Hussein Hawrami Tourism: Samir Abdullah Mustafa Sabo
Minister of Higher Education and Minister of Natural Resources: President of the Council of Research: Dlawer A. A, Ashti Hawrami Ministers: Nouri Othman Ala’Aldeen Minister of Peshmergas: Jafar President of the Investment Minister of housing and Mustafa Ali Committee: Herish Muharam Reconstruction: Kamaran Ahmed Abdullah Minister of Planning: Ali Osman Secretary of Cabinet: Mohammad Haji Badri Sindi Qaradagi Minister Labour and Social Affairs: Asos Najib Abdullah Minister of Trade & Industry: Sinan Abdulkhalq Ahmed Chalabi Director of the Department for Minister for Martyrs & Anfal: International Relations: Falah Majid Hamad Amin Jamil Minister of Transport & Mustafa Bakir
IRAQI KURDISTAN: A HISTORIC VISIT BY THE TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTER his month saw a concrete Salih, and the Iraqi Foreign gratulated the present Turkish gov - improvement in the Minister, Hoshyar Zebari, who is, ernment on its initiatives to try and T diplomatic relations himself, a Kurd. resolve the Kurdish question in between Turkey and Iraqi Turkey: “ I think that the Turkish lead - Kurdistan, as shown by They later met the Region’s ers can deal with the PKK problem. the visit to Irbil, on 11 October, of President, Massud Barzani, who They have taken a very courageous the Turkish Foreign Minister praised the Turkish decision to decision and we totally support the pol - together with the announcement of open a consulate in his capital. “ The icy of reconciliation with the Kurds of the opening of a Turkish Consulate decision to open a consulate at Irbil is a Turkey. May God wish that violence in the Kurdish capital in the near very positive step. Turkey’s role is cease as soon as possible and that the future. important for the Region’s future and Kurdish and Turkish youth no longer for the development of our economic have to shed their blood ”. Mr. Ahmed Davotoglu is the first links. The Kurdistan Region serves as Turkish Minister to visit the Iraqi a bridge between Iraq and Turkey ”. According to the Turkish Minister, Kurdistan Region, since hitherto the Kurds and Turkey have a com - Turkey has refused officially to Ahmed Davotoglo also stressed the mon part to play in ensuring the recognise the Kurdish government economic and geographic interde - stability not only of their borders as a real political partner, even pendence of Turkey and Iraq. “ Iraq, but also of the whole of the Middle though informal contacts have as a multi-ethnic state, is very impor - East, which, in his view, should be never ceased since the creation of tant to us and we will consider any a political area of security, of dia - the autonomous Kurdish zone in security threat tot Iraq as a threat to logue and of multi-ethnic and 1992. us. We are your gateway to Europe multi-religious coexistence, and you are our gateway to the South, expressing the hope that “ people “It is high time that each of us took to the Region and the Gulf ”. could travel from Basra to Edirne with - some bold measures ”, declared the out any security problems ”. Minister. “ Arabs, Turks, Kurds, Although Ahmed Davotoglo As for the delegation of Turkish Shiites and Sunnis, we must all would have wished for “ cooperation businessmen who accompanied together rebuild the Middle East ”. against terrorism ”, (this is, basically, the Minister of Trade, they took the obligatory preamble for any part in an encounter with officials The Foreign Minister came on 31 politician or journalist when of the Kurdish Government at the October, accompanied by the addressing their public opinion or Irbil Convention Centre as well as a Minister of Trade, Zafer Cahlayan, to parry in advance the inevitable dinner organised by the Kurdistan 20 journalists and an 80-man strong criticisms from warmongering cir - Chamber of Trade and Industry delegation of officials and business - cles) before going on to talk about and the Kurdistan Region’s men. They were met at Irbil airport the relations between the Kurds of Businessmen’s Union. by the newly elected Prime Iraq and their State. Massud Minister of Kurdistan, Barham Barzani also supported and con - For his part, the Minister for Trade, • 4 • Information and liaison bulletin n° 295 • October 2009
Zafar Caglayan, announced that protest again. Nuri al-Maliki Syrian Minister of Irrigation had, two further border crossing points declared that Iraq “ sought to protect on the contrary, reported that it had would be opened with Iraq by the its sovereignty ”. fallen to an average flow of 400 m 3 end of 2010, after the two States per second for the previous eleven had signed a memorandum. The two Prime Ministers also dis - months. The Iraqi government However, Turkish-Iraqi relations cussed the drying up of the spokesman, Ali al-Dabbagh, for his had been subjected to several sensi - Euphrates, from which Iraq is suf - part, reported a flow rate of 440 m 3 tive issues at the beginning of the fering and the controversy over the per second, before adding that a month, while the Turkish Prime volume flow of water that Turkey protocol was under discussion. Minister was visiting Baghdad. allows to bass by opening the However, Recep Tayyip Erdogan Thus the renewal, by the Turkish valves of its dams. Thus last month reaffirmed that Turkey was at the Parliament, of authorisation to the the Turkish Minister of Power and moment ensuring a flow rate of 550 Army to again cross the borders in Natural Resources, had ensured, in m3, recalling that an earlier agree - the event of operations against the the case of the Euphrates, a flow ment, signed in 1987, only stipulat - PKK led the Iraqi government to rate of 517 m 3 per second while the ed 500 m 3.
TURKEY: THE PKK’S SENDING OF “PEACE GROUPS” STIRS UP TURKISH PUBLIC OPINION n 19 October, 26 Kurds President, Prime Minister and the Constitution; freedom to use from Turkey, in the parliament. The two joint the Kurdish language; freedom to Makhmur refugee camp Presidents of the DTP, Ahmed give children Kurdish first names, O in Iraqi Kurdistan, Turk and Emine Ayra went to to educate them in their mother including nine women welcome the group in the morn - tongue; freedom to study Kurdish and four children as well as 8 ing, during which they made a culture, history and arts. PKK fighters from Qandil, joint statement: announced their intention of returning to Turkey as a “ peace “We must not exploit the PKK’s good Very soon, through leaks to the group ”, to meet, according to PKK intentions nor must we approach this Turkish press, top-ranking offi - officials, in the first place delega - process in a spirit of elimination. cers in the Turkish Army let it be tions of the Kurdish DTP party Peaceful groups have been sent to understood that other surrender and “ create a dialogue and open the Turkey before, in 1999, but the State groups could be expected “ if they way to negotiations ” with Turkey. did not take advantage of the oppor - were not sabotaged ” (Murat Yetkin, As soon as this announcement tunity, as it should have done. On in Radikal ). was made, the Turkish President, the contrary, the delegations were Abdullah Gul, expressed himself imprisoned. Ten years later, Turkey The first group was rapidly taken in favour of this initiative, which has another major opportunity, for brief questioning before four is, in fact, just a renewal of PKK which must not be wasted. Turkey prosecuting attorneys who had delegations that had returned to must not repeat past mistakes. Our come specially to meet them so as Turkey, shortly after Ocalan’s expectations, our hopes and our evaluate whether or not any arrest and his call for a unilateral wishes depend on this. We call on the charges should be charged for cease-fire. At that time these dele - State and the government to tackle any offences, while dozens of gations were immediately arrest - this stage in a responsible manner lawyers, close to, or actually ed, tried and imprisoned. Since and to seize this chance for peace and members of, the DTP party, “ stood then, an amnesty law allows PKK for finding a solution ”. by ” ready to defend them against members, coming and surrender, any possible charges. to be pardoned provided they A senior PKK official, Duran had not taken part in armed Kalkan, for his part laid out the actions against the security forces. group’s demands: stopping mili - At the same time, demonstrations Thus the first “ peace group ” tary operations; a bi-lateral cease took place in several Kurdish entered Turkey on the 19th fire and ending of the conflict; towns, including Batman, Mardin, through the village of Basverimli publicly announcing Ocalan’s Dersim (Tunceli), Van, Mush and, ((Tilqebin in Kurdish) in the bor - road map, which will be given to of course, Diyarbekir, where 5,000 der district of Silopi. According to its addressees; beginning discus - people had answered a call by the the Firat press agency, the group sions on a reform of the Turkish DTP. Alongside slogans in support from Makhmur carried letters Constitution; the recognition of of Ocalan, the crowd shouted calls addressed to the Turkish Kurdish identity, guaranteed by in support of “ an honourable peace ”. n° 295 • October 2009 Information and liaison bulletin • 5•
Apart from the Kurdish towns, highly critical of the initiatives from Europe. Mustafa Avci, co- 2,500 people marched in Istanbul, announced by the AKP to resolve president of the Istanbul DTP, along Istiklal (Independence) the Kurdish problem, intensified who made this announcement Avenue carrying a banner “ Open the its attacks on the government and added that he intended to cele - road to peace ”. the authority’s leniency towards brate the arrival of these newcom - the groups, all of whose members ers and that he would be asking The first government reactions to were left free, under the already the government for official autho - the arrival of this group were fairly existing amnesty laws, or at least risation to do so. “ The DTP has favourable. Thus the Minister of pending possible trial. An associ - become a scapegoat since the last the Interior, Besir Atalay, declared ation of families of soldiers killed meeting. The PKK members will be in Ankara: “ We hope that this will in the fighting has accused the arriving at the airport with roses in continue. Allow me to point out that government of organising “ an offi - their hands. The Kurds want peace ”. the fighters in the mountains see that cial ceremony to welcome terrorists ” they are in a dead end ”. The Minister and its president, Hamit Kose, The PKK members arriving from also indicated, to the Anatolia press has not hesitated in talking of Europe are supposed to be 15 in agency, that the PKK was also treason. number, come from Dusseldorf sending 100 to 150 people “ in little and due to hold a Press groups ”. With his back to the wall, Tayyip Conference in Brussels on 27 Erdogan has also ended by criti - October before flying from there However, this official government cising the turn of events by to Istanbul on the 29th. version, presenting the delega - describing the demonstrations of tions as surrender groups, allow - support are “ irresponsible provoca - In the end, however, neither that ing the idea of a complete surren - tions ”, with special reference to group nor a 3rd, which was due to der of the PKK was simultaneous - the PKK flags being waved in the leave Qandil, reached Turkey, since ly refuted by the PKK leaders. crowds and the slogans in sup - Recep Tayyip Erdogan decided to Thus Cemil Bayik affirmed that port of Ocalan. Then it was the call a pause in these surrender his troops would not surrender turn of the Minister of the operations that were attracting too without something in return, Interior, Besir Atalay, to “warn” much media attention. No doubt namely the recognition of the that the “ irresponsible ” manner in he hope thus to allow time for pub - Kurds in Turkey and their being which a show was being made of lic opinion to cool down and also, given political rights. For the PKK the surrender of the 34 PKK perhaps, to put pressure on the officials, therefore, these groups envoys would not be tolerated DTP to change its communication are emissaries who have come to any further. “ It is impossible to tactics. The PKK, through one of its propose negotiations, whereas the accept such scenes, which disturb spokesmen, Zubeyir Aydar, imme - AKP discourse, for the moment, everyone. No one should even think diately declared, over the Roj TV is one of refusing to negotiate of organising any more such scenes. satellite channel, that Turkey had with this party. No one should even think that we are “closed its gates on peace ” by post - going to show any tolerance of any poning the reception of further On the government side, satisfac - more such scenes. The Turkish groups to an unspecified date. tion was very soon replaced by Republic is a State of Laws ”. embarrassment in the face of the demonstrations organised by the In reply to critics, the DTP co-presi - DTP and the triumphal welcome A few days later, it was the turn dent, Ahmet Turk, who had recent - given to the delegation, giving of the Armed Forces Chief of ly met the Prime Minister to dis - the impression of a victory Staff, Ilker Basbug, to protest cuss a peaceful solution, denied parade rather than a surrender. about these convoys: “ No one can having orchestrated a “ show ”. “ This As Nihat Ali Ozcan, an expert of accept what has recently been going is not a show, it’s the people’s enthusi - the Ankara Institute for Political on in Turkey. I share the feelings of asm. Everyone must understand this and Economic Research, remarks: our veterans and the families of our enthusiasm and take part in it. The “The pictures of the celebrations on martyrs ”. groups have come for the peace process. television, which look like Caesar’s This enthusiasm is one for peace. Thus return to Rome after a victory, are However, the DTP does not seem, we are going to continue our action in liable to provoke lines of division for the moment, to wish to give pursuit of the peace process together throughout the country ”. up these demonstrations “for with the Turkish people and the politi - peace” and even announced on28 cal parties. Our sole desire is for peace. Indeed, the political opposition October, that another “convoy” of All our efforts are being made in conse - that, from the start had been PKK members was due to come quence of this ”. • 6 • Information and liaison bulletin n° 295 • October 2009
Dogu Ergil, a political analyst, Kurds in these terms: “ We were the part we expected of it — and we felt explained the shock of the Turkish expecting the rebels to express their offended. The picture of peace, in our television viewers on seeing PKK remorse and to go to prison, which minds, is that of one side bringing the members arriving in battle dress would have allowed us to say that we other to its knees ”. and acclaimed as heroes by the had won. But the PKK refused to play
IRAQI KURDISTAN: A VISIT BY MRS DANIELLE MITTERRAND, WHO OPENS TWO FRENCH LANGUAGE SCHOOLS
arly in October, Danielle political trends and social, reli - May 1989 in the refugee camps in Mitterrand visited Iraqi gious and linguistic components Mardin, Diyarbekir and Mush, in E Kurdistan at the official of the population are here repre - Turkish Kurdistan. invitation of President sented. Massud Barzani. The These pictures also upset French widow of President François This diversity is a boon and its and international public opinion. Mitterrand and founder of the representation here is a tribute to France then played an active role Fondation France-Libertés, was thus your parliament. Similarly, the in getting the Security Council to officially welcomed by the Irbil presence of a Parliamentary accept the famous resolution 688 Parliament and inaugurated two opposition is a sign of democratic that created the judicial basis for French schools in Iraqi Kurdistan, good health. Because democracy the creation of a protection zone one at Irbil, which bears her name, is not just a matter of periodic in Kurdistan. They tell me it was and the other at Suleimaniah. elections, however free they may the first time in the history of Teaching in these schools will be in be. It is a culture of plural discus - UNO that a resolution even men - French, English, Kurdish and sion, a system of power and tioned the Kurdish people. Arabic, and the teaching staff will counter-balancing forces. In order be of French nationality. to work properly, it needs solid This shows how much interna - institutions, an active civil society, tional diplomacy can be cut off The following is the speech she an independent judiciary and free from the human realities of peo - made to the Kurdish Parliament: but responsible media. ples. Thus tens of years of perse - cution and tragedy were needed Mister president I must say that Kurdistan has before UNO could finally notice Lady and Gentleman Members of made some impressive progress the existence of your people and, Parliament on the road to democracy. I still for a short time, take an interest have vivid memories of my very in your fate. I am very happy and moved to first visits to this part of Fruit of a UNO compromise and speak here before you. It is not Kurdistan. of the sacrosanct principle of non- often, in fact, that I have the intervention in the internal affairs opportunity to address an elected When, at the end of April 1991, I of a sovereign State, this resolu - assembly. In Kurdistan, however, came to meet you , travelling tion 688 had many weaknesses , as I feel at home, with members of through Iranian Kurdistan, I saw you all know. Nevertheless, it had my family, so it is in thus spirit people on the road, an exodus of the merit of allowing you to that I would like to say a few people fleeing persecution and return to you lands, to your words. Saddam Hussein’s armies. I had homes, gradually to take your to cross the border illegally, fate into your own hands and not You have just been elected. according to the Iranian govern - just become a people of refugees. ment officials, who accompanied I first want to congratulate you me. I met Massud Barzani and I remember my journey in 1992 to and tell you how proud the other resistance leaders at Hai see the setting up of your first friends of Kurdistan are at the Omaran, in a meadow only a few government of national union way your free and democratic metres from a minefield. resulting from elections. I rav - elections have been organised. I elled through a country devastat - am glad to see that there are a The picture of this exodus deeply ed and in ruins where NGOs like number of women in your distressed me, as did the testimo - my Foundation, were trying, with Parliament — proportionally ny of the Kurdish refugees who a great deal of enthusiasm and more than in the French had survived the chemical very little means , to rebuild, Parliament — and that all the weapon attacks and who I met in along side yourselves, schools, n° 295 • October 2009 Information and liaison bulletin • 7•
villages and bridges. To ensure must be democratic, transparent, ing a very simple idea that clashes the new scholastic year we had to fair and based on solidarity. In with all those, be they States or have printed, at the National times of tragedy, you had shown multi-national companies, who Printing Office in France, hun - solidarity, brotherhood, you despise the most elementary dreds of thousands of school - shared the same fate. If, in times of Human Rights: water must not be books. Your teachers, who were peace, you follow the path of wild, treated as a marketable commodi - barely being paid a few dollars a faithless and lawless economic lib - ty — it is the common wealth of day, showed an extraordinary eralism, you will create a society of humanity, the essential necessity of devotion to teach the children great inequality, to the detriment life, like the sun, the earth and the and build the future of Kurdistan of the greatest number. Corrupt air. These , together , pre-condition with them. phenomena will gangrene society the maintenance of the biosphere. and weaken the bonds of brother - Humanity must respect water and Despite the double embargo, of hood that has been your people’s define its status of unalienable which you were victims, despite strength. public property. This is my strug - much interference, including mil - gle , as for all men of good will. itary actions, from your neigh - I have heard that some people pro - bours, and also despite a black posed to transform Kurdistan into I know that this message will be period f inter-Kurdish conflict, a Dubai or Qatar. I don’t know if heard and understood by the you have found a way to rebuild such a perspective is realistic, but Kurdish people and that your gov - your country, build roads, air - in any case it would really be a ernment will be capable of joining ports, schools, hospitals and uni - shame to want to make of this the international movement of versities. The economic prosperi - country , of great culture, which “Water Bearers” that the France ty, the freedom and security of was one of the cradles of human Freedom Foundation initiated and your region are often cited as an civilisation, into a consumerist which is spreading over all the example and are an inspiration to emirate living of its oil rents. Your continents. your brother Kurds in neighbour - people would lose its soul and its ing countries. identity there . You, even better than I, know that the future of the Kurdish nation as However, seem from a distance, For my part, I dream , for a whole is at stake today in Iraqi we have a feeling that this Kurdistan , a model of sustainable Kurdistan. If you succeed in build - progress, however remarkable it development, based on fairness ing an exemplary democracy, this may be, still remains fragile. and solidarity. You have of the will inspire the Kurds in neigh - Certainly the fearsome Saddam good fortune of living on fertile bouring countries and will con - Hussein dictatorship no longer soil, of having abundant water vince international public opinion exists but your problems with resources. Agriculture and stock that the Kurds are capable of man - Baghdad are not yet settled. Your rearing, that for millennia have aging their affairs within existing neighbours do not all wish you created the wealth of Upper State borders. This can only work well and the future of Iraq remains Mesopotamia, seem, today, in favour of a peaceful settlement uncertain. neglected. That is really a shame of the Kurdish Question in neigh - — self-sufficiency in food supply bouring countries. Briefly, Kurdistan is not yet is the basis for a people’s survival. Switzerland. In the face of the Water is a far more important Your government, which now has many challenges that await you, source of wealth than oil. access to the Western chancelleries, you need, more than ever, to Humanity has been able to live for can act discretely in this direction. strengthen your people’s unity millennia without oil, but it cannot It will be in its interest and in the and to deploy serious efforts to survive without water. interest of all the Kurds that, in all make your cause known to inter - the main capital cities of the world, national public opinion and to The question of the management there be strong and active Kurdish multiply the network of friendship and control of water is going to be diplomatic representatives and and solidarity. the great strategic issue of the 21st cultural institutions to popularise Century — this needs to be under - your cause and strengthen the Popular unity is not something stood and taken into account in ranks of the friends of Kurdistan. you can take for granted as given. Kurdistan. It can only be built by constant In some of the most difficult efforts to ensure that the people The France Libertés Fondation moments of your history, you had have confidence in its political sys - (France Freedom Foundation) is the advantage of the support of tem. To achieve this, the system devoting itself, today, to promot - many public figures throughout • 8 • Information and liaison bulletin n° 295 • October 2009
the world, from Andrei Sakharov Iraqi Kurdish refugees. I have In the course of nearly 30 years of to Edward Kennedy and Nelson seen how Kurds of all kinds being in contact with Kurds I Mandela. Some heads of State like mobilised when we brought the have learnt to love your people, François Mitterrand and Bruno Anfal survivors to France from which, to some extent, has Kreisky, intellectuals like Sartre camps in Turkey. become my own. I know that and Simone de Beauvoir, took up your cause is a just one and your you defence , thanks to the efforts Now it is up to you to show fra - traditions friendly and attractive. of the Kurdish diaspora in Europe ternal solidarity to them, be it That is why I am convinced that to arouse their awareness. only in the areas of culture, edu - the day when the Kurds reach cation and media. They have been mutual understanding the whole This diaspora is a piece of good your best allies in difficult days. world will sympathise with them fortune and a great source of By in turn helping them, now you and act on behalf of their free - human wealth for you. Do not are free, to preserve their lan - dom. A mother always wants her neglect it! guage and culture , you will children to agree amongst them - strengthen the unity of the selves and be united. Similarly, it seems to me that you Kurdish people — the ultimate owe a debt of active solidarity guarantee of your own survival. By speaking today to the elected towards your brother Kurds in representatives of the people, I neighbouring countries. It has have wanted to open up my heart often been Kurdish intellectuals In brief, to not act towards them and share my concerns with you, and artists from Turkey who have like the people of the Emirates do as in a family meeting. The future made known your cause abroad. I towards their Palestinian or will be what you make of it. can bear witness, having seen the Egyptian brothers. Act like Kurds brotherly welcome given by have always acted, by fraternal Good luck to you all. Long live Kurds from Turkey and Iran to sharing, be it only of dry bread. Kurdistan!
CULTURE: KURDISH FILMS ARE BECOMING MORE VISIBLE ON THE INTERNATIONAL SCENE ong marginal and con - and audiences the peculiar situa - orphan, a survivor of the Halabja demned to a certain tion of Kurdish filmmaking: chemical bombing raid. According back stairs and even “Unfortunately, today, it is very diffi - to him, one of the brakes on the L clandestine status, cult for Kurds of Turkey, of Syria and development of the cinema in his Kurdish films are grad - of Iran to make films. It is very hard to country is the terrorist threat, ually acquiring an international work there because there is a kind of which prevents the opening of cin - audience, although still held up by apartheid towards the Kurds there, emas for security reasons: “ In this a still limited number of film direc - there is no equality, no human rights, region, no one want to go to sit in a tors who are in any position to no freedom. However, young Kurds, dark theatre full of people — at least shoot films in their mother tongue girls and boys, are making films under not now. So much so that cinema going and come out openly under the very tough conditions ”. is not well established ”. Kurdish label. Even with regard to the Kurdish public in the diaspora, Hiner Another obstacle is equipment While a festival of Kurdish films Saleem notes a lack of interest in difficulties: thus Jano Rosebani has been in existence in London Kurdish films that recount their tells how, in 2000, while he was since 2001, the first Kurdish film own tragedy, as compared with the filming Jiyan , he had to smuggle festival in New York took place this American blockbusters. Similarly, his equipment in from Turkey, year from 21 to 25 October with a in Iraqi Kurdistan, the television since there was non usable in wide range of short and full length channels prefer to follow the pub - Kurdistan. After the shooting, the films, fictional and documentary, lic’s taste for Egyptian or Turkish film was sent to Belgium for edit - with the theme of “Films without melodramas and serials rather than ing and postproduction. The Borders”. socially or politically committed overthrow of the Baathist regime Nine full-length films were works. and Iraqi Kurdistan’s opening up screened, including the latest film to the rest of the world, were not by Bahman Ghobadi “ Nothing is Jano Rosebiani, who is also a Kurd enough to develop a film indus - known about Persian cats ” and Hiner from Iraq who lives in California, try or to reach a wide Kurdish Saleem’s “ Vodka Lemon . The latter presented his film “ Jiyan ”, which public, as the film director described to American film critics tells the story of a 10 year-old explained: “ We do not yet have a n° 295 • October 2009 Information and liaison bulletin • 9•
film industry in Kurdistan because the intended moderator, Mujde class of a Turkish schoolteacher, the majority of our potential public Arslan, was unable to get a visa Emre Aydin, sent to a little lives in Kurdish regions where they for the United States. Kurdish township where most of do not have the right to see Kurdish the pupils did not know Turkish. films. Thus 60 to 70% of the Kurdish A week later, several Kurdish regions are in Turkey, where you films were shown at the Golden “What we expected most was to start can’t watch Kurdish films. It’s much Orange Festival in Antalya, discussion through this film ”, the same in Syria and Iran. The only where they were competing explained Ozgur Dogan, who area where you can see Kurdish films alongside Turkish films. defends the idea that education in is in Iraqi Kurdistan, but there are Kurdish is a fundamental human only 5 or 6 million people there — One of them, “Min dit” (I saw) right. The present situation half of whom are too young to go to describes the execution of a penalises both the pupils and the the pictures !” Kurdish couple by the secret teachers and the documentary police in front of their children, shows the difficulties and disillu - Yuksel Yavuz, a Kurd from tackling the subject of the dirty sionment of a young and enthusi - Turkey who lives in Germany, war in Kurdistan through the astic teacher coming up against a tells how in 2004, he had the sur - eyes of two children. Despite the totally unexpected situation. The prise to receive a call from a very political subject, the most documentary’s success has Turkish distributor who wished sensitive issue was the language enabled it to be shown on a to screen his film. “ A bit of freedom in which it was filmed, entirely in Turkish television channel. in Turkey ”. When, a little later, he Kurdish. As its director, Miraz went to that country and wanted Bezer said: “When we made this Somewhat earlier a film that, to see where his film was being film we did not know if Turkey while not in Kurdish, dealt with screened, he discovered that the would agree to allow it to be Kurdistan, opened the 4th Roman sole theatre where it was possible shown. This is all very paradoxi - Film Festival, on 15 October. This to see it in Istanbul was a tiny one cal — on the one hand we have a was “ Sorting out ” by the Bosnian on the premises of a cinema that Kurdish channel on the State TV, film director Danis Tanovic, showed pornographic films . on the other they forbid Kurdish describing the fate of two photo - Members of Parliament to speak graphic reporters covering the “Bawke” is a 15-minute short film, in their own tongue. So we took Anfal genocide campaign of the work of a Kurd from Iraq, the first step in shooting in Kurds in 1988. The principal Hisham Zaman, that tells of the Kurdish, and what’s more on a actors were the American Colin attempt of a father and his son to tabooed subject. Then, of course, Farrell, the almost mythical cross Europe to seek asylum. we needed have steady support English actor Christopher Lee, Living in Norway for the last 17 to be able to show it. Now we are now 84 years of age, and the years, Hisham Zaman considers happy that it has happened and I Spanish Paz Vega. that the Kurdish cinema, though am really relieved. not yet much developed, already Adapted from the novel by Scott has certain characteristics of its The screening of this film at Anderson, it is the story of a pho - own: “ For me, what makes Kurdish Antalya did not fail to cause a tographer, Mark Walsh, confront - films different from others is the way stir. Many spectators left the the - ed with the violence of the war in it presents human beings, the way it atre. During the debate with Iraqi Kurdistan, who did not uses amateur actors, the way it shows Miraz Bezar a woman accused come out of it unscathed. “ It is their existence, their living conditions him of “ dividing the country ” by not a war film, but a film about and their cultural traditions ”. speaking of “ shame ”. However, human reactions (face with war) the majority of the spectators and what people on both sides feel ”, The festival also had a session who chose to see the film to the stated Christopher Lee, who had devoted to women filmmakers end applauded it. himself served in the RAF during entitled “Women in Kurdish the Second World War and taken films”, with short films made by A documentary also attacked a part in secret operations in the and about Kurdish women. lot of attention. It was “ On the famous Long Range Desert Unfortunately the planned dis - way to school ” by Ozgur Dogan Group and the Special Operations cussion was cancelled because and Orhan Eskikov. It showed the Executive. Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
IRAK: DANIELLE MITTERRAND INAUGURE UNE ECOLE FRANÇAISE AU KURDISTAN
ERBIL (Irak), 5 octobre 2009 (AFP)
L'ÉCOLE FRANÇAISE internationale Danielle Mitterrand, premier de deux établissements dont l'ouverture est prévue au Kurdistan irakien, a été inau¬ gurée lundi à Erbil en présence de l'ex-Première dame de France.
Le nom de Mme Mitterrand, qui soutient depuis les années 80 la cause kurde, "exprime la fidélité du peuple kurde envers" la veuve de l'ancien président "pour la défense de ses droits", a déclaré Delshad Abdoulrahman, le ministre de l'Education de la région autonome du nord de l'Irak, lors d'une cérémonie pour la rentrée des classes.
Une seconde école doit être ouverte prochainement à Souleimaniyeh, l'autre principale ville de la région.
"Nous ouvrons ces écoles non seulement pour enseigner aux enfants les scien¬ ces modernes mais aussi pour montrer que les Kurdes veulent avoir des rela¬ tions avec toutes les nations développées", a-t-il ajouté.
Danielle Mitterrand a rappelé son engagement dans la cause kurde depuis les Les deux écoles françaises au Kurdistan compteront des professeurs français, opérations militaires menées par le régime de Saddam Hussein qui avaient fait mais les cours seront aussi donnés en kurde, en arabe et en anglais par des 180.000 morts à la fin des années 1980. "Ceci m'a ouvert les yeux sur les souf¬ enseignants dont c'est la langue maternelle. frances du peuple kurde et m'a poussé à l'aider", a-t-elle déclaré. Il existe deux écoles turques à Erbil depuis 1994 et une école libanaise depuis Mises en place par la "mission laïque française", un organisme gouvernemental 2005. L'Institut Goethe prévoit aussi d'ouvrir une école allemande à Erbil cette chargé des établissements d'enseignement à travers le monde, l'école française année. d'Erbil suivra le cursus français et les diplômes seront reconnus en France. Une université américaine a été ouverte en 2007 à Souleimaniyeh. Selon Marcel Muller, le directeur de l'école, 70 élèves sont inscrits de la mater¬ nelle au cours préparatoire. Les frais d'inscription ne devraient pas dépasser 3.000 dollars par an et par élève.
Des slogans pro-PKK scandés au congrès 4 octobre 2009 d*un parti turc à Ankara
d'une vingtaine de sympathisants de ce
Par Umit Bektas (Reuters) parti scander des slogans en faveur du PKK et brandir des portraits d'Abdullah Oçalan, chef emprisonné du PKK. ANKARA- Des partisans du seul parti Le gouvernement et l'armée excluent politique kurde autorisé en Turquie ont que le PKK puisse jouer un rôle quelcon¬ scandé dimanche des slogans favorables que dans le processus de réformes que les au Parti des Travailleurs du Kurdistan, un autorités veulent engager pour étendre les mouvement séparatiste interdit, lors du droits politiques et culturels de la minorité congrès de leur parti, à Ankara, a rapporté kurde. un correspondant de Reuters. Ce processus de réformes est considéré L'incident s'est produit lors d'une comme vital dans le cadre de la demande convention du Parti de la société démocra¬ d'adhésion de la Turquie à l'Union euro- tique (DTP), poursuivi en justice pour des péeime. liens présumés avec le PKK. Il risque de Le DTP réclame de son côté au gou¬ compliquer les efforts déployés par la vernement des initiatives plus ambitieuses, Turquie pour mettre en oeuvre des réfor¬ s'est refusé à condamner les violences per¬ et notamment une amnistie, pour convain¬ mes répondant aux revendications de la pétrées par le PKK. cre le PKK de déposer les armes. communauté kurde et mettre un terme à un Jeudi, les généraux turcs ont mis fin à "Résoudre le problème kurde implique conflit armé qui dure depuis un quart de un boycottage du Parlement, qui durait une prise de risques. Nous soutiendrons le siècle. depuis deux ans, en assistant à la cérémo¬ processus si des mesures sincères sont pri¬ Le Premier ministre Tayyip Erdogan, nie de rentrée parlementaire, ce qui a été ses, mais si la solution au problème est qui cherche à parvenir à un règlement avec interprété comme un geste conciliant à seulement reportée, alors nous nous oppo¬ les hommes politiques kurdes, a assoupli l'adresse du DTP. serons au processus", a déclaré le prési¬ la position d'Ankara envers le DTP. Mais INITIATIVES PLUS AMBITIEU¬ dent du DTP, Ahmet Turk, aux membres l'incident de dimanche pourrait accentuer SES du parti. les pressions sur le DTP pour qu'il prerme Les responsables militaires avaient Le parti AK d'Erdogan, qui plonge ses ses distances avec le PKK, lequel réclame promis de ne pas siéger "sous le même racines dans l'islamisme et est parvenu au la création d'une patrie kurde dans le sud- toit" que des députés du DTP tant qu'ils ne pouvoir en 2000, a pris certaines mesures est de la Turquie. condamneraient pas la violence et ne pour étendre les droits des quelque 12 mil¬ Le DTP se défend d'entretenir des liens réclameraient pas le démantèlement du lions de Kurdes que compte la Turquie. avec le PKK, considéré par la Turquie, PKK. l'Union européenne et les Etats-Unis Un correspondant de Reuters a pu voir comme une organisation terroriste, mais il dimanche, au congrès du DTP, un groupe Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
6 Octobre 2009
«L'option militaire ne résoudra pas le problème kurde» POURPARLERS | De son repaire situé au nord de l'Irak, Murât Karayilan, chef mili¬ taire du Parti des travailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK) tend la main à Ankara.
Gabrielle Danzas
Ejqjulsé de Syrie en 1999, c'est dans les monts Qandil, au nord de l'Irak, que le Parti des tra¬ vailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK) a installé son poste de commande¬ ment. Il y disposerait de 4000 combattants qui, depuis ces bases arrière, lancent leurs opé¬ rations en Turquie et font face aux incursions et aux bombar¬ dements de l'armée turque.
C'est là que nous avons rencon¬ tré Murât Karayilan, chef mili¬ taire du PKK, lequel appelle la Turquie à s'engager dans des négociations pour mettre un © DR I Murât Karayilan, chef militaire du PKK, assure renoncer au séparatisme terme au conflit, qui dure et invite la Turquie à mettre fin à une guerre qui dure depuis vingt-cinq ans. depuis un quart de siècle et a fait pas moins de 459000
morts. Etats-Unis comptent dessus pour évacuer le pétrole et le gaz dlrak et du Kurdistan. Pour toutes ces rai¬ - Les discussions lancées par sons, il faut qu'Ankara résolve son Ankara cet été peuvent-elles problème kurde. Sinon elle ne résoudre le problème kurde en pourra pas remplir ses nouvelles Turquie? fonctions. -Pour la première fois, un gouver¬ - D'où vient alors votre scepti¬ nement turc cesse de nier le pro¬ cisme? blème kurde et s'engage à le résou¬
dre. Il s'agit d'un progrès indénia¬ -Depuis l'annonce d'une «ouverture ble. Ce nouvel état d'esprit, après kurde» (ndlr: en juillet), la fenêtre des décennies d'humiliation et d'as¬ de négociations rétrécit de jour en sassinats, soulève un espoir dans jour. Aucune proposition concrète les sociétés kurde et turque. Dans n'a été annoncée. A la place, les le passé, le simple fait de dire: «Je Turcs n'ont fait qu'ênumérer ce suis Kurde» pouvait conduire en qu'ils n'allaient pas faire: pas d'am¬
prison, la langue kurde était inter¬ nistie, pas de négociation avec le Turquie plus démocratique doit dite. Pendant vingt-cinq?ans, les PKK, pas d'enseignement de la lan¬ permettre une autonomie politique, Turcs ont usé de tous les moyens gue kurde dans les écoles, pas culturelle et sociale des Kurdes. militaires pour nous anéantir, sans d'autonomie pour la région kurde, Elle peut prendre, par exemple, la succès. Aujourd'hui, une période pas de reconnaissance du peuple forme d'un parlement. Sans politique doit s'ouvrir. Nous som¬ kurde dans la Constitution turque, oublier, un pardon mutuel pour le mes très clairs: la solution peut être pas d'arrêt des opérations militai¬ passé, qui est nécessaire à un pro¬ apportée uniquement par la voie res... Connaissez-vous un autre jet de société commun aux Turcs et politique et pacifique. problème dans le monde qui se soit aux Kurdes. A ces conditions, nous réglé sans prendre en compte les - Les dynamiques en cours au accepterons de déposer les armes. attentes de la partie adverse? Avec Moyen-Orient n'ofirent-elles pas - Malgré tout, le 23 septembre cette approche unilatérale, la aussi une opportunité pour met¬ dernier, le PKK a de nouveau pro¬ Turquie joue un jeu dangereux, qui tre un terme au conflit? longé une trêve unilatérale... peut conduire à des clashs. -Bien sûr. Le contexte régional s'est -Mais l'avenir dépendra des - Quelles sont les revendications transformé et la Turquie est appe¬ signaux envoyés par la Turquie. Si du PKK pour déposer les armes? lée à être un acteur plus important. elle donne la priorité à son plan Tout d'abord, les Américains en ont - Nous ne sommes plus séparatis¬ militaire au détriment de l'option besoin pour le retrait de ses troupes tes. Nous réclamons des droits cul¬ politique, nos troupes sont prêtes à d'Irak. Ils veulent également accroî¬ turels et linguistiques pour notre riposter. tre le rôle de la Turquie pour peuple, la liberté d'organisation contrebalancer celui de llran. Sur politique. Il faut que la Constitution le plan énergétique, le territoire turc turque fasse une place à la recon¬ devient un important corridor. Les naissance de l'identité kurde. Une Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
OctoberlO, 2009
Globe Editorial
Mitterrand speech must be taken seriously
be reversible; it is true that the
bloody dictator Saddam by Azad Asian Hussein is gone for good, but
imtil now the constitutional pro¬
The issue of the 21st cen¬ blems between Baghdad and tury will be about water I Kurdistan Region have not been hope you handle this problem solved and neighboring coun¬ with care. tries interfere in Iraqi internal
affairs." This is a serious point
that explains that Kurds should Widow of the late and not take for granted what they famous French President have and be more alert to possi¬ Francois Mitterrand and a long¬ ble developments that may time supporter of the Kurdish affect the region positively or cause, delivered a historic negatively. Kurdistan. An accoimtable and country, but at the same time it speech to the MPs of Kurdistan The way to protect and pre¬ transparent political entity that is imperative for the consolida¬ Regional Parliament last serve the achievements of bases its relation with the mas¬ tion of sovereignty of KRG in Tuesday. Kurdistan Region and improve ses on democratic unity rather its own territory. In her speech she touched than a ruler-ruled mentality can conditions of the Kurds in other Mitterrand strongly urged upon a number of sensitive and realize voluntary mass partici¬ parts, Mitterrand underlined, the representatives of Kurdistan strategic issues relating to the pation to protect their political was through the categorical Parliament to be more vigilant general Kurdish national move¬ entity and thus their national imperative of unity amongst toward the problems of Kurds in ment and specifically Kurdistan and political interests. Kurds. "Now, more than any¬ other parts of Kurdistan. Region. In the beginning of her time, you need to be united and Mitterrand, in her speech, speech she said that she feels at "A developed and democra¬ work hard to introduce your urged the Kurdish parliamenta¬ home in Kurdistan. Indeed, tic Iraqi Kurdistan will also issues to the world; also work to rians on the strategic impor¬ Kurdistan must be proud of affect the Kurds of other parts of make strong ties with other tance of water in the region: being a home for such a distin¬ Kurdistan; it will convince the countries." "The issue of the 21st century guished friend. world that Kurds can run their will be about water I hope you The way for unity, explained affairs within the current coun¬ During her 30-minute handle this problem with care." Mitterrand and this is very cru¬ tries. speech she dealt with number of cial is to establish a very strong Indeed, water as a strategic and serious issues in Kurdistan, In the past, during the mise¬ democratic system and a system scarce natural resource will play including the democratization rable times, Kurds from Iran that rules by law: "The law must a significant role in shaping the process and the last election, and Turkey helped you a lot, be above everyone. In any political landscape of the Kurdistan Regional govern¬ and now it is time for you to society when there is a lot of Middle East in the near future. ment's relation with other parts help them in the field of culture, corruption and injustice, it will Kurdistan is rich in its natural of Kurdistan, economic deve¬ education, and media. create disunity among the resources. Oil, water, soil suita¬ lopment, and management of Do not deal with your bro¬ society." To fight against cor¬ ble for agriculture and other natural resources in Kurdistan. thers like the United Arab ruption and injustice should be minerals are abundant. The Emirates deal with Palestinian With regard to the last par¬ the top priorities of the upco¬ question is how the KRG could and Egyptian people." This is liamentary election, Mitterrand ming Kurdistan Regional exploit these resources properly one of the most crucial aspects stated that "it was a free and Government and its principle for the development of of Mitterrand's speech to democratic election? .The exis¬ guidance. Kurdish political Kurdistan and improvement of living standards of people. Parliament. The Kurdish politi¬ tence of opposition inside actors should reaUze that demo¬ cal actors should reaUze that Parliament is very healthy for cracy is the only proper system Management of natural resour¬ their future is dependent on the developing democracy." that can establish healthy and ces indeed is a very serious business particularly when the political developments of other Mitterrand also acknowledged strong relations between the KRG faces irreconcilable parts of Kurdistan. Without pro¬ that despite all the obstacles that state and individuals or in the per solution to the Kurdish the region faced, such as sanc¬ case of Kurdistan between the Baghdad and not very friendly neighbors to develop and utilize national question in Trnkey, or tions, military interference of government, political parties, its natural resources. There are in Iran or in Syria, the future of neighboring countries, civil and individuals. Proper and certain circles that do not miss Kurdistan Region can never be wars, the region "was able to healthy relations between indi¬ consolidated. This is particu¬ overcome all the obstacles and viduals and political agencies in any opportiuiity to comer the larly the case for the Kurdish reconstruct the country build Kurdistan are imperative as they KRG and reduce its credibility. question in Turkey and the roads, airports, schools, univer¬ are the safety belt for the masses The case of DNO is a prime KRG's position toward it. Since sities, and hospitals, and above to struggle for national and example. The KRG should not bow to any pressure to yield on its establishment, one of the all provide people with a unique democratic rights. Mass partici¬ most serious issues challenging security." pation and mass mobilization the right of the Kurds to utilize and control its own natural the KRG is the relation with Mitterrand critically argued are the two essential tools to resources. This is not only stra¬ Turkey and the PKK question. that "all these developments can deter any dark forces in tegic for the development of the Relations with Turkey and Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
the presence of the PKK in Iraqi must take initiative and develop tence of Turkish military detach¬ delivered a crucial speech at
Kurdistan is one of the most strategies and policies that both ments in Kurdistan Region. Both Kurdistan Parliament. The new
serious issues awaiting the new preserve the general Kurdish . military presences in Kurdistan MPs of Kurdistan Region and all
KRG. On one hand, die KRG national interests and the inte¬ Region should be one way or other Kurdish political actors
needs proper and good neigh¬ rests of the KRG. Kurdistan another removed for securing should pay serious attention to
borly relations with Turkey both Parliament must deal with the proper sovereignty of Kurdistan Mitterrand's view and subject it
for economic and poUtical impe¬ PKK issue seriously and find Parliament in its own territory. to serious consideration and ana¬
ratives. On the other hand, suitable solutions for its proble¬ The KRG can do tiiis tiirough lysis.
Turkey's problematic relations matic presence in Kurdistan dialogue and diplomacy by
with its own Kurds and its mili¬ Region. As a military armed involving all the parties invol¬
tary confrontation with the PKK group, the presence of the PKK ved. However, where dialogue
place serious obstacles in the diminishes the sovereign rights and diplomacy fails, then the
way of developing proper rela¬ of the KRG and Kurdistan KRG must be ready for all other
tions. To resolve this complica¬ Parliament in its own territory. alternatives.
ted issue, Kurdistan Parliament This is the case also for the exis Danielle Mitterrand indeed
Aswatit al-lraq^^ lllt»B»lrJi Kurdish observers optimistic over forming October 1, 2009 strong govt, in region
ARBIL / Aswat al-lraq: Kurdish get prepared for the Iraqi parliamentary elections, scheduled to take place in political observers said they were optimistic over the possibility of forming a mid-January 2010. "strong government" in the Iraqi Kurdistan region one day after the region's "These elections acquire a special importance and require unified Kurdish president, Massoud Barazani, designated Burham Saleh, a leading member efforts and discourse so as to maintain balances inside Iraq and guarantee of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), to make a lineup of a new govern¬ that Kurds would be represented ad the second largest power in Baghdad," ment. he added. "The official designation by the region president to the Kurdistan List candi¬ Kurds are currently holding 58 seats inside the Iraqi parliament, 53 of them date Burham Saleh to form a government, though a bit late, indicates insis¬ are reserved for the Kurdistan Alliance (KA) bloc while five others are occu¬ tence on the part of the Kurdish leadership to on seeking success through pied by the Kurdistan Islamic Union (KlU) bloc, out of a total of 275 seats, contacts with all parties," said Bashar Hameed Mahmoud al-Kiki in state¬ next only to the Shiite United Iraqi Alliance (UIA). ments to Aswat al-lraq news agency. Political essayist Abdullah Mashkhati referred to "the Kurdish street's Barazani had officially entrusted on Wednesday (Sept. 30) Saleh and his concerns regarding the delayed formation of a government in the Kurdistan deputy Azad Birwari, both belong to the main two Kurdish parties - Iraqi region despite accordance reached over all general bases". President Jalal Talabani's PUK and Barazani's Kurdistan Democratic Party
(KDP) respectively - to set up a new cabinet Mashkhati was also optimistic about the possibility a "good government is formed provided that the two main parties have the will by relying on effi¬ The assignment was expressed during a meeting held In the resort of Salah cient figures and dignitaries known for their integrity, fairness and expe¬ Al-Din in Arbil, more than two months after the semi-autonomous region's rience". presidential and parliamentary elections on July 25, in which the Kurdistan
List, which comprises the PUK and KDP, won 59 out of a total of 1 1 1 seats, He called for brushing aside any partisan loyalty when selecting the mem¬ enabling it to form the government alone. bers of the new cabinet.
Kiki expressed support for forming a "strategic alliance government between He said that there is a pressing need that the government would "focus on the two main Kurdish parties, but not a national unity one," noting the two the economic aspect and improve infrastructure and that the region's eco¬ parties would capable of delivering on their election platform pledges and nomy should not depend only on the oil money coming from Baghdad and achieve the region's interests better if they formed a strategic alliance govern¬ trade". ment. "We have to re-build the sectors of tourism, agriculture and animal wealth
Working for years in the media field, Kiki pointed out that the Kurdistan lea¬ and optimize them to have them as a source of power for the Kurdish eco¬ ders should not delay the formation of a government because they have to nomy," Mashkhati stressed
Aswat al-lraq I ! i I t t ilHSiSBBll Key PUK member says no differences with KDP October 1, 2009
Barazani had officially entrusted on Wednesday (Sept. 30) Burham Saleh and ARBIL / Aswat al-lraq: A leading member of the ftitriotic Union of Kurdistan his deputy Azad Birwari, both belong to the main two Kurdish parties - Iraqi said there is an understanding between the PUK and Iraqi Kurdistan President Jalal Talabani's PUK and Barazani's Kurdistan Democratic Party
President Massoud Barazani's Kurdistan Democratic F^rty (KDP) over the for¬ (KDP) respectively - to set up a new cabinet mation of a "strong" government in the region, dismissing differences bet¬ The assignment was expressed during a meeting held in the resort of Salah ween the two sides. Al-Din in Arbil, more than two months after the semi-autonomous region's
presidential and parliamentary elections on July 25, in which the Kurdistan "There are no differences between the PUK and the KDP over the distribu¬ List, which comprises the PUK and KDP, won 59 out of a total of 1 11 seats, tion of responsibilities and posts. There might be some different views over enabling it to form the government alone. some matters but not amounting to differences," Fareed Asasirdan told Aswat Kurds are currently holding 58 seats inside the Iraqi parliament, 53 of them al-lraq news agency. are reserved for the Kurdistan Alliance (KA) bloc while five others are occu¬ Asasirdan, who runs Iraqi President Jalal Talabani's PUK Strategic Research pied by the Kurdistan Islamic Union (KlU) bloc, out of a total of 275 seats, Center, said he was optimistic about the success of the new government in next only to the Shiite United Iraqi Alliance (UIA). its tasks thanks to an agreement between the two parties over its leadership. Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
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October 03, 2009 Erdogan has a aood heart, self-exiled Kurdish singer says
TODAY'S ZAMAN the country. Perwer concert organizer Ali Gedik later announced that Perwer is likely to
perfomfi in Diyarbakir to contribute to peace. Famous Kurdish singer Sivan Perwer, virho resides in Germany, has lent his The self-exiled Penwer, who left Turkey in
support to the government's recent demo¬ the mid '70s to evade a court case pending
cratic initiative to settle Turltey's long-stan¬ against him, spoke in detail about the govern¬
ding Kurdish issue, saying Prime Minister ment's recent efforts to settle the Kurdish
Recep Tayyip Erdogan has a good heart, issue in an interview aired on Thursday vtrhich is a must for a statesman to settle Penwer, speaking to Kanal 24 at the Paris
the issue. Kurdish Institute, said he sees for the first time in his life that a statesman has been influen¬
ced by Kurdish art and his music, refening to In August, Erdogan referred to Perwer Erdogan. "Kurdish art, which has for many while announcing details of the democratic ini¬ years been humiliated, is being understood by tiative and calling for unity in the country. diately return to Turi ner when we read the verses of Ahmedi Hani When reminded that Erdogan had invited issue. Artists in Turi hair stands on its end wrfien we listen to songs prime minister, who, he said, has a special exile for singing songs in his native language, of Nesat Ertas. Similarly, we jump to the place in his heart. "These [democratic initia¬ he said everyone should discuss why this is depths of our emotional world when Sivan tive] steps have started with good will. The ini¬ considered such a contentious issue. PenA/er sings 'Halpeçe' and 'Hazal'," the prime tiative process should not be managed by minister said. Penwer previously expressed those who are pro-status quo," he said. hope that the government's plan on the Stressing that he is ready to do his part in Kurdish question would help restore peace in the resolution process, he said he can imme IDA^ZAMAI President supports Kurdish initiative October 04, 2009 in Parliament opening TODArS ZAMAN conclude that our differences are our wealth; if we look wnth an eye that is 'alienated,' we think they are threats," said GUI. President GUI addressed deputies this Thursday on the occasion of the start of the "We, the heirs to a centuries-old history new legislative year. and tradition of government, should think that our differences are the contributions that we have made to each other in the long centuries "Today while protecting the basic charac¬ that we have lived together and see them as teristics and unitary structure of our state, we elements that reinforce our national unity," the are going through a process of deliberation president underiined, adding that a state that that aims to improve the relationship between fears its differences cannot achieve the target the state and diverse ethnic, religious and cul¬ level of modemity set by Mustafa Kemal tural groups. The raison d'être for the state is to Ataturic, the founder of the modem republic. meet the democratic aspirations and expecta¬ GiJI's speech was often intemjpted by the tions of our nation in a satisfactory manner," he broader cultural and political rights to the coun¬ applause of AK Party and Democratic Society said in remari opposition parties have so far stood against. and our state through the prism of 'our ovwi' The package is thought to envisage granting eye in the light of our historical experience, we Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti TheNational OCTOBER 3, 2009UAE Stateless Kurds seek better life and future Imelda IVloss The Moqoble refugee camp DOHUK, IRAQI KURDISTAN // houses 55 fami¬ Moqoble refugee camp does not get many visi¬ lies and 48 single tors. Its grey tents are laid out in grim rows, people. Imelda and it nestles anonymously in the mountains of Moss / The Dohuk in Iraqi Kurdistan, near the border with National Syria. The sufferings of its inhabitants are over¬ shadowed by Iraq's war to the south and Syria's international entanglements to the west, but the people who live in these tents have a story to tell about years of discrimina¬ tion and ill-treatment at the hands of Syrian authorities. work, own property or legally marry. and detained by Syrian authorities vary, but They are Kurds from Syria, part of a popu¬ A report by London's Royal Institute of Amnesty International estimates that more lation of around two million, making up close International Affairs in 2006 explained that in than 30 died and 2,000 were detained, and that to 10 per cent of Syria's people and by some 1962, a census was carried out over one day in afterwards Syria's Kurds became both more distance the biggest ethnic minority in the al Hasaka province in the north-east of Syria, politically active and more repressed. country. In this camp there are 55 families and where most of the country's Kurds lived. The "There was mass mobilisation," said Mr 48 single people, all of whom have fled census "arbitrarily stripped 120,000-150,000 Houry of HRW, "which was a surprise to eve¬ Kurdish areas of Syria and none of whom Kurdish citizens of Syrian citizenship", and ryone. You don't have spontaneous demonstra¬ would contemplate going back. subsequently denied them civil rights. They tions in Syria." "I came five years ago," said Qassim, who were declared "ajanib" or foreigners, and as of 'The Syrians have got a lot tougher since did not want to use his real name. "If we had 2004, number approximately 200,000. 2004," said Robert Lowe of the Royal Institute not run away, they would have put us in jail Some Kurds, who failed to participate in of International Affairs. 'They were ratded but and killed us." His friend Asad Mohammed the census, are known as "maktoumeen" or the pretty quickly regained control. They have Salim, 27, said people had moved from Syria muted ones, who now number around 100,000. been turning the screws, slowly, cleverly, not to Iraq "for political reasons". "We cannot live They, like the ajanib, have no passports and are very obviously but there is no doubt the pres¬ without freedom," he said. not allowed to travel or work in the public sec¬ sure has increased." He, and others in the camp, said they had tor (where the vast majority of Syrian jobs After the Qamishli riots, approximately 14 suffered beatings and detention without war¬ are), but they are also not allowed to finish Kurdish political parties which had previously rant at the hands of Syrian authorities, that high school or book a room in a hotel. Their been tolerated, not least because of their divi¬ land had been taken away, all political acti¬ marriages are not recognised and they caimot sion and disorganisation, "were told to stop all vism forbidden and cultural Kurdish gathe¬ own property. political activity", said Mr Houry. "Since then, rings outlawed. Nadim Houry, researcher for Syria and there has been a more systematic forbidding of The Kurdish population has faced discri¬ Lebanon for Human Rights Watch (HRW), all public gatherings." These include celebra¬ mination at the hands of security forces and said tensions between Arabs and Kurds in tions of Kurdish culture like dance events, and legislators since the 1960s, as Arab nationa¬ Syria intensified after the American invasion the Nourouz celebrations in March. lism became more influential, and authorities of Iraq in 2003. The Kurds saw the establish¬ 'There isn't a week when some Kurd isn't began to worry that ethnic Kurds would call ment of the Kurdistan regional government, in detained," he said, adding, "I am not exaggera¬ for independence. Iraq, he said, and felt they too deserved a ting." Detainees that are charged face accusa¬ The independence movements of Iraqi and degree of autonomy. Meanwhile, he said, Syria tions including rioting, which is defined as Tlirkish Kurds served to reinforce these fears, was under international pressure to stop sup¬ more than seven people meeting to protest a and over decades, government initiatives porting extremists in Iraq, and "worried about government policy. against Kurds have included transplanting the way that the Kurds in Iraq supported the Legislation on property rights has also Arabs to live in Kurdish areas, banning the US". been tightened by "Decree 49" which was pas¬ registration of Kurdish baby names and outla¬ This combination of rising resentment sed last year, and which makes ownership and wing teaching of Kurdish language in schools. among Syrian Kurds and increased anxiety inheritance of land more difficult. Analysts now say those measures are among Syrian authorities led to a showdown at Since the election of Barack Obama's as increasing, and while it is difficult to get offi¬ a football match in the Kurdish town of President of the United States, there has been cial verification of numbers, the refugees in Qamishli in 2004. A Kurdish team was playing more international engagement with Syria, and Moqoble said Kurds from Syria were still an Arab one, and when post-match banter tur¬ the issue of Syrian Kurds has been raised as fleeing to the autonomous Kurdish region of ned to brawling, security forces moved in. part of general concerns about human rights in Iraq, as well as to other countries. Most residents of Moqoble camp say they Syria. But, says Mr Lowe, "it is not a priority. Noureddine, 22, who did not want his full fled to Iraqi Kurdistan after the Qamishli vio¬ More important is Syria's relationship with name used, said he left Syria recenUy to study lence. Iraq and with Iran, their support for Hamas and journalism in Iraq, because as he is one of a Qassim explained that at the match, there HizboUah." category of Kurds known as "maktoumeen" he was a heavy Syrian security presence, Meantime, the situation of Syria's Kurds is forbidden to do so in Syria, checking Kurds to see if they were armed. But, seems unlikely to change soon. Barkhoudan Salahuddin, 18, another refu¬ he said, "the Arabs chanted 'Long live Saddam Syrian President Bashar al Assad promised gee, laughed when asked if she knew whether Hussein' and 'Down with [Iraqi Kurdish lea¬ in 2005 to address the issue of stateless Kurds, many of her Kurdish friends were leaving der] Barzani', so the Kurds rose up against saying, "we will solve this issue soon in an Syria. "It would take three days to tell all their this." In the ensuing three-day riot, "the Syrian expression of the importance of national unity stories," she said. 'They try to go to Europe, to govenament moved tanks and aeroplanes to the in Syria." Turkey and to here . . . you hear a lot of stories Kurdish area ... Kurdish people came from However, no progress has been made and of people coming here." other cities to help the people in Qamishli." the promises were dismissed by critics as Many of the refugees said they did not Accounts of how many Kurds were killed playing for time. have citizenship in Syria and as such could not Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti MmMm DTP sets conditions for backing October 05, 2009 Kurdish initiative AYSE KARABAT Kurdistan Workers' Party members held up pictures of jailed PKK Turi Party (PKK) who is now imprisoned on an island Marmara. off Istanbul. The support from tiie Democratic Society Party (DTP), as Turkey's largest pro-Kurdish party, is a key element for the success of the pense or a process of delaying the solution we DTP is to till the party's empty chairs, especially in democratization initiative, commonly known as will oppose it," he said. its main executive board, the party council. the Kurdish initiative, but the conditions set by He recalled Erdogan's remarks in which he As Tijrk pointed out, 54 members of the 80- party leader Ahmet TiJric at a party congress in said they are ready to take risks and said they are chair party council were an^ested in addition to Ankara yesterday are, to say the least, not easy expecting Erdogan to do so: "We hope the prime many other party members in April during police to meet. minister does not slip towards to non-risky areas. operations. Security officials said that the opera¬ The government rejects any sort of dialogue In order to achieve progress in Turi the side to obstruct the process, but if the process of such slogans can be also prosecuted. tarist politics have to be removed," she said. tums into a process of keeping of Kurds in sus The aim of the extraordinary congress of the Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti .^J^^^ Le nucléaire iranien Décryptages IIIMIIIIIIlilllllllllililillllllllilIlilllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllillllllilllllllllillllllllllillllllIlllllil^ Un dialogue impossible ? Natalie Nougayrède ela ressemble, depuis plus de quatre ans, à un dialogue impossible. Depuis 2005, l'Iran a fait preuve d'une gran¬ de obstination pour faire pro¬ gresser ses travaux nucléai¬ res. Il a refusé de faire la lumière sur ses acti¬ vités illicites, dont certaines étaient cachées depuis les années 1980. Les gran¬ des puissances ont été dans l'incapacité d'obteriir la moindre inflexion iranienne susceptible d'ouvrir la voie à une négocia¬ tion. Les huit premiers mois de l'administra¬ tion Obama n'ont pas, non plus, permis une percée. Le durcissement du régime à Téhéran, après la réélection controversée du président Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, en juin, n'a pas aidé. Mais les remous politi¬ ques profonds qui se sont emparés du pays, combinés aux difficultés économi¬ ques ambiantes, et au soulèvement d'une partie de la jeunesse, pourraient encore fai¬ re bouger les lignes. Les multiples tentatives de négociation Un missile de longue portée Shahab 3 prêt à être lancé pour test, avec l'Iran, depuis l'été 2005, ont ressem¬ le 28 septembre 2009, dans un endroit non précisé, en Iran, afp blé à un dialogue de sourds. En sera-t-il autrement le 1" octobre à Genève ? Les attentes sont modestes, soulignent les du combustible pour centrale nucléaire, Cette politique a connu plusieurs pha¬ diplomates. Les représentants du groupe soit de la matière fissile pour l'arme atomi¬ ses. Avant le scrutin iranien du 12 juin et la des six pays traitant ce dossier de proliféra¬ que. répressionpolicière qui a suivi, Barack Oba¬ tion (Etats-Unis, Royaume-Uni, France, Rus¬ L'idée du « double gel » est une façon de ma a enchaîné les gestes d'ouverture, com¬ sie, Chine, Allemagne), ainsi que le haut contourner, sans la dénoncer, l'exigence de me ses deux lettres adressées au « Guide » représentant européen, Javier Solana, doi¬ « suspension » des activités liées à l'enri¬ Ali Khamenei, son message de Norouz aux vent rencontrerun officiel iranien, le négo¬ chissement. Une demande inscrite dans les IrEiniens, ou encore sa façon de reconnaître, ciateur sur le nucléaire. Said JahlL résolutions successives de l'ONU sur l'Iran, dans son discours du Caire, que la CIA avait Ce n'est pas une nouveauté. Mais pourla mais auxquelles la République islamique, trempé dans le renversement de Mossade¬ premièrefois, un émissaire de l'administra¬ depuis 2006, n'a jamais voulu se confor¬ gh en 1953. Après le mois de juin, il a été tion Obama sera autour de la table. 11 s'agit mer. plus en retrait, dénonçant avec retard les de William Bums, le même diplomate La rencontre de Genève est importante violences, et semblant considérer que la auquel George W. Bush avait déjà confié ce pour l'administration américaine, car elle balle était dans le camp du régime iranien. rôle, en juillet 2008, lors d'une précédente matérialise une volonté d'engagement au Le président américain sait aussi qu'il réunion multilatérale, restée sans résultat. dialogue avec l'Iran, un des thèmes essen¬ doit éviter d'avoir l'air naïf ou-faible. C'est Lors de la rencontre de 2008, également tiels utilisés par Barack Obama, auprès de la raison pour laquelle, à quelques jours de tenue à Genève, l'Iranien n'avait à aucun l'opinion publique, pour se différencier de la réunion du i" octobre, l'Iran a subite¬ moment adressé directement la parole au l'action de son prédécesseur. En toute logi¬ ment été mis sur la défensive par une série responsable du Département d'Etat. Ni vou¬ que, elle devrait être suivie d'autres rendez- de révélations fracassantes faites par les lu évoquer l'offre de coopération faite vous, car étant dorme la technique iranien¬ dirigeants occidentaux, en plein G20 à depuis deux ans à l'Iran par les grandes ne de discussions, rien ou si peu pourra Pittsburgh. CeUes-ci portaient surla signifi¬ puissances, qui sont prêtes à aider le pays être abordé en une seule séance. cation d'un site nucléaire iranien resté dans les domaines du nucléaire civil, du De façon réaliste, le président américain . secret pendant desarmées, creusé sous une montagne dans la région de Qom. commerce, et à ouvrir des discussions sur se dit qu'avant de passer à l'étape suivante, Il s'agit du deuxième site clandestin la sécurité au Moyen-Orient. celle de sanctions percutantes au plan d'enrichissement d'uranium à être exposé Cette offre demeure sur la table aujour¬ financier et énergétique, il a tout intérêt à en Iran depuis le dévoilement de celui de d'hui. EUe repose sur le principe du « dou¬ se montrer encore patient, et à faire la Natanz, en 2002, par un groupe d'oppo¬ ble gel » : gel de l'accroissement des sanc¬ démonstration de sa complète disponibili¬ sants exilés. L'épisode avait fourni le point tions de rONU contre l'Iran, contre un gel té à aller le plus loin possible dans les ouver¬ de départ de la crise nucléaire iranienne, de l'augmentation du nombre de centrifu¬ tures diplomatiques. Afin que personne ne longue saga diplomatique jalonnée de geuses, les appareils qui enrichissent l'ura¬ puisse lui reprocher, à l'avenir, de ne pas rebondissements dignes de romans d'es- nium et peuvent, au choix, fabriquer soit avoir essayé. Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti inois plus tôt. Moscou applaudissait. L'ad- pionnage. coopérative pour gagner du temps et A Pittsburgh, M. Obama a aussitôt dur¬ hiinistration Obama, elle, constatait la échapper à un scénario militaire. ci son langage sui- l'Iran, allant jusqu'à rap¬ Vacuité du document, qui n'abordait pas le A partir de la mi-2005, l'Iran dossier nucléaire, mais elle ne s'opposait peler qu'« aucune option n'est exclue », basculait dans un ton de confrontation, jjas non plus au principe d'une rencontre à même si sa préférence va clairement à la encouragé par la remontée des prix du six avec l'émissaire iranien. La date, le diplomatie. Dans les discussions avec les pétrole et le constat des vulnérabilités de 1" octobre, fut choisie par l'Iran. partenaires européens, l'échéance de la l'armée américaine en Irak. Mahmoud ; Habile manoeuvre de Téhéran, car cela fin de l'année semble confirmée : si l'Iran Ahmadinejad parvenait au pouvoir Mais permettait en principe de franchir sans n'obtempère pas avant ce délai, notam¬ avant même que ce radical issu des rangs encombre l'étape de l'Assemblée générale ment en faisant toute la transparence sur des pasdarans ne prenne ses fonctions, les des Nations unies, à laquelle M. Ahmadine^,, son programme nucléaire, de nouvelles activités de conversion d'uranium avaient ad devait se rendre. Une échéance qui avait; sanctions, mordantes, seront prises. repris. L'Iran rompaitl'accord avec les Euro¬ lurant l'été été considérée par les Occiden- L'un des grands changements est que, péens. Côté occidental, les efforts diploma¬ :aux comme la date-butoir doimée aux Ira¬ depuis le coup de tonnerre qu'a constitué tiques se tournaient vers im transfert du niens pour jauger de leurs intentions. Tou¬ la « découverte » du site de Qom, il est dossier au Conseil de sécurité, chose réali- tefois il y eut un boomerang pour les offi- devenu plus difficile pour la Russie et la bée début 2006. Téhéran a alors commencé :iels iraniens : l'affaire du site secret de Chine d'apporter une « couverture » diplo¬ à dépeindre la campagne des Occidentaux 2om surgissait, comme preuve embarras¬ matique à l'Iran. L'unité des « Six » est dénonçant ses activités d'enrichissement sante de leurs efforts de dissimulation jugée cruciale par les Américains et les d'uranium comme une violation des droits I Durant Tés aîîriêés Bush,' l'Iran refusait Européens. M. Obama a beaucoup misé des Etats non nucléaires signataires du Trai¬ de négocier sur son programme nucléaire sur sa politique de reset (redémarrage) té de non-prolifération de 1968. Il trouvait pninvqguarit la crainte que celamettrait en avec la Russie, et il doit se rendre en des soutiens à cette idée notamment du oeuvre des forces de changement de régi¬ novembre en Chine. côté du Brésil et des pays non alignés. me, dans le cadre d'un complot ourdi par Après plus de sept années de tensions Face à la communauté internationale, les Etats-Unis. M. Obama, en parlant au autour de l'atome iranien, la leçon qui l'Iran continue aujourd'hui de louvoyer, de début de sa présidence de « respect peut être tirée est celle d'un lent échec jouer sur les divisions de ses interlocu¬ mutuel», a cherché à neutraliser ce soup¬ diplomatique, en tout cas à ce jour. En teurs. Il souffle le chaud et le froid, dans un çon. C'était avant que le régime iranien réa¬ 2003-2004, les Européens (France, Royau¬ Savant dosage hérité d'une diplomatie per¬ gisse à la vague de contestations de rue en me-Uni, Allemagne) avaient bel et bien sane millénaire. Parexemple cet été, quand criant aux ingérences de l'Occident, et qu'à obtenu des gestes de l'Iran, notamment la les inspecteurs de l'AIEA ont été autorisés à Téhéran plus personne ne paraisse capable suspension de l'enrichissement d'ura¬ se rendre sur le site nucléaire d'Arak. Un ges¬ d'assumer un rapprochement avec Wash¬ nium et des inspections inopinées et lar¬ te en particulier salué par la Russie. ington. On voit mal comment le nucléaire ges de l'AlEA. Mais c'était à une période Ou encore quand l'Iran a apportéle 9 sep)- iranien cessera d'être le dossier des rendez- ofi, peu après l'invasion de l'Irak, la Répu- tembre un texte très hermétique, en guise Vous ratés. bUque islamique était prête à se montrer de réponse à l'offre des « Six » réitérée cinq Jeudi r octobre 2009 Le nucléaire iranien Décryptages < >» IIINIIIIIIII Il Illlllilll Illlllllllllllll Illllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll llllllllllilJI Illllllll IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII Illlllllllllllllllllilllllllllllllllllllllllll, Pourquoi les voisins arabes s'inquiètent ? La crise iranienne a pour théâtre une zone stratégique, notamment pour ses ressources pétrolières. Pour les monarchies du Golfe, un Iran nucléarisé servirait les desseins d'un nouvel expansionnisme perse (appuyé sur l'allié syrien et le Hezbollah Gilles Paris hbanais) par le roi Abdallah II de Jordanie, Us n'en sont pas moins restés obstiné¬ Installées face aux côtes iraniennes, ment silencieux ces derniers mois. Différences également avec la présen¬ sur l'autre rive du Golfe, les monar¬ Ce mutisme peut s'expliquer parce que ce ou non, dans ces monarchies, de minori¬ chies arabes apparaissent, à leur les monarchies du Golfe ne sont pas tés chiites - à l'exception de Bahrein où les corps défendant, comme en pre¬ logées à la même enseigne face au puis¬ sunnites, bien que minoritaires, détien¬ mière ligne dans la crise qui oppo¬ sant voisin iranien. Elles ne partagent pas nent les rouages de l'Etat. Cette présence se les Occidentaux au régime de avec lui la même histoire, qu'il s'agisse du chiite est importante (environ un tiers de Téhéran à propos des ambitions nucléai¬ bahrein, dont l'Iran a longtemps disputé la population) au Koweït, Etat frontalier res de ce dernier. de l'Iran. Elle est significative aux Emirats Alors que des traités de sécurité les la souveraineté à la dynastie Khalifa, ou (principalement dans celui de Dubai). Elle lient depuis des décennies, à des titres des Emirats arabes unis, qui contestent est, enfin, non négligeable dans le royau¬ divers, aux principales puissances hosti¬ encore aujourd'hui l'annexion par le régi¬ me saoudien, où elle se concentre dans la les à une nuclearisation de la République me du chah de trois îles (Abou Moussa, la province orientale qui recèle une bonne islamique (Etats-Unis, Royaume-Uni et Grande et la Petite Tombe) situées près du partie des ressources pétrolières du pays. France), l'Arabie Saoudite et les micro- détroit stratégique d'Ormuz qui ferme le Dans ces pays, on redoute qu'une crise États pétroliers et gaziers de la région ont Golfe. Au contraire, le Qatar exploite un ouverte, plus que des bombardements, beaucoup à perdre d'une escalade militai¬ champ gazier stratégique avec la Républi¬ n'entraîne des tentatives de déstabilisa¬ re aux conséquences régionales difficile¬ que islamique et Oman a bénéficié, dans tion venant de populations dont la loyau¬ ment calculables. Ces pays ont beau nour¬ les années 1970, d'une aide militaire ira¬ té fait l'objet d'interrogations ou reste rir une rriéfiance séculairevis-à-vis de l'ex¬ nienne de poids dans sa lutte contre la ouvertement contestée en Arabie Saoudi¬ pansionnisme prêté à Téhéran et qu'a rébellion du Dhofar qui explique les liens te. Volontiers alarmiste, uri haut responsa- résumé l'expression d'«arc chiite» et la proximité entre les deux pays. Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti ble de services de sécurité de la région, de En premier lieu, selon un journaliste du voie à la situation géostratégique des passage à Paris n'hésitait pas, cet été, à évo¬ Golfe désireux de ne pas être identifié, monarchies du Golfe. « Il s'agit depays qui quer la mena|fe que constitueraient selon une « ignorance totale de l'Iran », qui ali¬ sont avant tout des consommateurs de lui des dizaines de «cellules dormantes» mente un complexe d'infériorité vis-à-vis sécurité et non des producteurs de sécuri¬ prêtes à être activées, si nécessaire, par le du régime iranien, renforcé par le vieillis¬ té », selon la formule d'Emile El-Hokayem, régime iranien. sement du pouvoir égyptien et celui du analyste installé à Abou Dhabi. D'où les Ces différences expliquent pour partie royaume saoudien. traités de sécurité conclus dans la foulée l'absence d'une stratégie commune pour Une « peur structurelle » ensuite. «Ilest de la tentative d'annexion du Koweït par les pays du Conseil de coopération des impossible d'obtenir surplace un discours l'Irak avec les Etats-Unis, en 1990, qui par¬ Etats arabes du Golfe (CCEAG). Les nuan- rationnel sur l'Iran, la parole se situe entre tent du principe selon lequel l'assurance- la thèse du complot et lefantasme, ajou- vie des monarchies réside à Washington, « Il est impossible d'obtenir te-t-il. Il y a, enfin, une conviction sur la et la présence à Bahrein et au Qatar de cen¬ nature du régime, perçu définitivement tres de commandements américains. S'y' siir place un discours comme une dictature militaire islami- ajoutent, comme autant de «couches de rationnel sur l'Iran, là quC: » sécurité supplémentaires», selon Emile La situation des monarchies arabes a El-Hokayem, les traités similaires conclus parole se situe entre la thèse été fragilisée au cours des dernières avec le Royaume-Uni et la France, comme du complot et le fantasme » années. Après la détente relative qui avait l'a montré l'ouverture d'une base françai¬ coïncidé avec les deux mandats de se à Abou Dhabi qui pérennise la présence Un journaliste Mohammad Khatami à la présidence de la militaire française dans les eaux du Golfe. du Golfe République islamique (1997-2005), le ren¬ Nul doute que les monarchies de la versement du régime de Saddam Hussein région soupèsent les avantages et les ces, au sein de la fédération des Emirats, à Bagdad par l'allié américain en 2003, a inconvénients de la réponse mihtaire au entre Dubaï, qui a longtemps entretenu remis en cause le principe du «double défi nucléaire iranien. Mais leur réticence des relations économiques et financières endiguement» (Irak et Iran) en vigueur à sortir de l'ambiguïté, comme l'a montré privilégiées avec l'Iran, et Abou Dhabi, où dans les années 1990 et qui correspondait l'accueil tiède à la promesse de la secrétai¬ le prince héritier, Mohammed, se montre assez bien aux attentes arabes régionales. re d'Etat américaine d'étendre le para¬ beaucoup plus tranché face au régime de En 2003, le sentiment qui a prévalu et pré¬ pluie nucléaire de Washington à ses alliés Téhéran, montrent bien la vanité d'une tel¬ vaut encore, est que l'Irak a été abandonné arabes, témoigne également de leurvolon¬ le perspective. à l'Iran. L'élection de Mahmoud Ahmadi¬ té à échapper le plus longtemps possible à En dépit de ces divergences, les monar¬ nejad, en août 2005, en a ensuite sonné la un reclassement binaire. Il les placerait en chies du Golfe développent pourtant en fin des illusions. effet, aux yeux du régime iranien, dans le regard de l'Iran des caractères communs. Le second point de convergence ren camp de ses ennemis déclarés. @ Jeudi r octobre 2009 Le nucléaire iranien Décryptages ,,,,i,,i,iiii,,iiiiiiiii,iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiMiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin L'option militaire est-elle toujours de mise 1? Gilles Paris matiques en cours seraient jugées impuis¬ centrale nucléaire d'Osiràk (1981), ou plus santes. récemment le bombardement d'Al-Kibar, Peut-on arrêter l'Iran par la force ? En Les déclarations provocatrices du prési¬ en Syrie (2007), un site suspecté par Israël août 2007, dans une formule specta¬ dent iranien, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, d'accueillir des installations nucléaires. culaire, le président de la Républi¬ annonçant régulièrement la fin de l'Etat Mais le cas iranien constitue cependant que française, Nicolas Sarkozy, avait évo¬ juif ont alimenté un discours israélien sur un redoutable défi à la fois en termes de qué « une alternative catastrophique : la une « menace existentielle » justifiant un renseignements et de réalisation. bombe iranienne ou le bombardement de recours à cette option. La réalité d'une Que sait Israël du programme nucléai¬ l'Iran ». L'option militaire n'a jamais été menace directe contre Israël doit être rela¬ re iranien et de son éventuelle applica¬ écartée par les pays ouvertement hostiles tivisée compte tenu des capacités de tion militaire ? En juin, lors d'une audi¬ au programme nucléaire iranien. Déjà seconde frappe israéliennes. Leministre tion à la Knesset, le responsable du Mos- déployées en nombre dans la région israélien de la défense, Ehoud Barak, l'a sad, l'agence de renseignements israélien¬ (Irak, Golfe, Afghanistan), les forces écartée le 17 septembre. Mais un Iran ne, Meir Dagan, a créé la surprise en indi¬ armées des Etats-Unis disposent des nucléarisé constituerait la première remi¬ quant que, selon ses estimations, l'Iran ne moyens nécessaires pour une opération se en question de la doctrine Begin, selon pourrait disposer d'une arme nucléaire d'envergure, mais à Washington, le dis¬ laquelle Israël doit conserver dans la qu'à l'horizon 2014, alors que les pronos¬ cours sur l'Iran privilégie depuis des région le monopole du nucléaire, même tics sont ordinairement plus alarmistes. mois la double voie de la diplomatie et si le pays, non signataire du traité de non- des sanctions économiques. Il en va de prolifération (TNP), entretient une ambi¬ Couloir aérien même pour les aUiés européens. guïté de plus en plus formelle sur la ques¬ Compte tenu de l'importance du pro- Les autorités israéliennes sont de fait tion. granune iranien et des moyens israéliens, les seules à défendre ouvertement la légi¬ Une intervention militaire s'inscrirait une opération militaire israélienne timité d'une attaque préventive de l'Iran dans une histoire déjà longue de raids devrait se concentrer, selon une étude pour le cas où toutes les tentatives diplo spectaculaires comme la destruction de la publiée en mars des experts Abdullah Tou- 10 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti couloir aérien, alors que les routes les plus kan et Anthony Cordesman'(du Centre « brise bunkers » (les installations iranien¬ directes (par la Jordanie ou par l'Arabie nes sont souterraines et protégées par des d'études stratégiques et internationales Saoudite) sont délicates pour des raisons boucliers de béton), GBU-27 et GBU-28, de Washington), sur un nombre limité de politiques, et mobiliser une flotte impor¬ fournies par les Etats-Unis et qui requiè¬ sites. Deux modes opératoires sont possi¬ tante de bombardiers, d'avions de com¬ rent, pour être pleinement efficaces, bles. Le premier consisterait à recourir à bat, de ravitaiUeurs et d'appareils chargés d'être larguées avec une précision absolue des missiles (balistiques ou décroisière) de brouiller les réseaux de communica¬ et un angle déterminé. que l'Iran serait incapable de détndre en tion et les radars des zones survolées. Quel serait le bilan d'une telle attaque ? vol. Les limites de cette option résident à L'armée israélienne a cette capacité Une destruction définitive du program¬ la fois dans la puissance limitée de ces mis¬ mais les obstacles n'en sont pas moins me iranien est exclue par les experts mili¬ siles (sauf à les doter d'une charge nucléai¬ multiples. Il y a tout d'abord les défenses taires. Dans le meilleur des cas, ce dernier re, ce qui paraît exclu) et dans leur préci¬ anti-aériennes iraniennes. Les Israéliens ne serait que retardé de quelques années. sion au sol. Des bombardements aériens tentent d'empêcher l'achat par l'Iran du Pour un prix humain, géopolitique, voire sont également envisageables mais com¬ système de défense anti-aérien russe environnemental qui ne pourrait être que portent aussi leur part de risques. S-300. Dans l'étude déjà mentionnée, très élevé. Pour pouvoir frapper les sites iraniens, :'. MM. Toukan et Cordesman soulèvent im Israël devrait tout d'abord s'assurer d'un autre problème : les limites des bombes 1" octobre 2009 Le nucléaire iranien Décryptages iiiiiiiiiifiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii^ Les sanctions sont-elles CillCclGGS i Le bilan est mitigé. Les initiatives ques depuis le printemps 2008 pour envi¬ de rONU né sont pas parvenues à faire plier ron deux mois de consommation. » Ceux qui voyagent en avion s'inquiè¬ le régime iranien, mais ont assurément tent d'une dégradation de la flotte com¬ appauvri son peuple en laissant merciale. Elle explique la fréquence des en jachère des pans entiers de son économie accidents, notent les experts. La construc¬ tion automobile a aussi souffert. L'exten¬ siondu métro de Téhéranprend du retard, pés. La production quotidienne de pétrole les financiers internationaux n'acceptant Jean-Michel Bezat stagne autour de 4 millions de barils. Loin pas la garantie apportée par les instances des 6 millions pompés à laveille de la révo¬ publiques iraniennes. L'approvisionne¬ Les étrangers qui arpentent le lution islamique de 1979 - une production ment en médicaments est perturbé par les centre de Téhéran s'étonnent que Téhéran escomptait retrouver dans sanctions qui frappent les banques finan¬ de la profusion de produits occi¬ les années 2000. Le pays est incapable de çant l'industrie pharmaceutique. dentaux dans les magasins. L'ONU, qui cherchait des sanctions Rien de plus facile que d'ache¬ valoriser les deuxièmes réserves mondia¬ « intelligentes » sans impact sur la popula¬ ter un Jean Calvin Klein, un les de gaz (6 %) et doit en importerdu Tiu-k- tion, a raté sa cible. L'économie n'a pas iPhone ou un sac Gucci. 11 semble que ce ménistan durant l'hiver ! atteint son potentiel de croissance et le soit business as usual pour certains sec¬ Shell, Repsol ou Total ont suspendu chômage frappe la jeunesse. Les sanc¬ teurs de l'économie. Or les apparences leurs grands projets d'extraction et d'usi¬ tions, entraînant le renchérissement du sont trompeuses, car la plupart des pro¬ nes de gaz naturel liquéfié (GNL) sur Pars coût des transactions financières et des duits de première nécessité, jusqu'au thé, Sud, l'énorme gisement découvert U y a importations de produits transitant par sont en partie importés et hors de prix. Et, vingt ans dans le Golfe et partagé avec le de nombreux intermédiaires, ont accru derrière les flux commerciaux licites (et Qatar Les Iraniens enragent que l'émirat l'inflation. Elles expliqueraient un quart ilhcites), nombreux sont les investisse¬ voisin soit devenu le premier exportateur de la hausse des prix, qui atteint 16 %. Mir ments stratégiques gelés. mondial de GNL. Ostracises, ils sont aussi Hossein Moussavi, chef de la contestation «Et les sanctions minent l'économie et incapables d'exporter leur gaz par pipeh- née de la réélection de Mahmoud Ahmadi¬ augmentent le coût des importations», ne vers l'Europe. «L'Iran a été exclu d'une nejad, est opposé à leur renforcement. assure Clément Therme, chercheur à l'Ins¬ récente réunion en Turquie sur le projet de «Elles vont augmenter la souffrance d'une titut des hautes études internationales gazoduc Nabucco, alors que la Syriey a été nation qui souffre déjà de la m isère » et qui de Genève, Avec plus ou moins d'intensi¬ conviée», note Djamchid Assadi, ensei¬ est «au bord d'une crise ». té, l'Iran est sous un régime de sanctions gnant-chercheur à l'Esc de Dijon. Quant Certains prospèrent sur ces sanctions, économiques depuis trente ans pour la au projet de « gazoduc de la paix » Iran- notamment les entreprises dirigées par prise d'otages de l'ambassade américai¬ Pakistan-Inde, il se heurte aux réticences des responsables du régime. «Cela renfor¬ ne à Téhéran en 1980, puis pour son sou¬ de New Delhi. ce le marché noir et les réseaux informels tien à des mouvements terroristes et, La prochaine étape sera-t-elle un embar¬ des Gardiens de la révolution, qui se char¬ récemment, le développement d'un pro¬ go sur l'essence ? Pour quelques milliards gent d'importer illégalement les produits gramme nucléaire. En 2006 et 2007, trois d'euros annuels, les pétroliers européens frappés par les sanctions », note M. Ther¬ résolutions des Nations unies ont gra¬ en livrent légalement à l'Iran, qui importe me. «Elles n'empêchent pas la Fondation duellement resserré l'étau, sans toucher 40 % de son carburant faute de pouvoir des déshérités d'acheter des armes russes à l'essentiel: la capacité de Téhéran à construire des raffineries avec l'aide des Dubaï. » De nombreuses transactions s'ef¬ exporter son or noir. technologies occidentales. «L'Iran s'en fectuent par cette plaque tournante. A Mais le pétrole et le gaz, cde l'écono¬ inquiète et s'y prépare, assure M. Therme. l'Elysée, on affirme que «Paris travaille mie iranienne, sont le plus durement frap Il aurait accumulé des réserves stratégi avec Dubaï, car c'estpar là que passent les 11 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti fluxfinanciers ». Et ceux des marchandi¬ tout le Moyen-Orient. de-Bretagne sont en concurrence. Au ses réexportées vers l'Iran. Les Emirats ara¬ Avec 75 millions d'habitants, l'Iran point que leurs ambassades à Téhéran bes unis ont, selon M. Assadi, durci leur reste un marché prometteur, où les se surveillent sous couvert de veille éco¬ politique et refusent l'implantation d'in¬ entreprises occidentales ne veulent pas nomique, raconte un bon connaisseur termédiaires iraniens. perdre de terrain. «Le discours des Etats de l'Iran. sur les sanctions ne coïncide pas exacte¬ Le relatif isolement économique de Les entreprises hésitent. Selon le rap¬ ment avec leurs pratiques économiques l'Iran a conduit M. Ahmadinejad à pui¬ port 2010 « Doing Business » de la Banque et commerciales», constate M. Therme. ser régulièrement dans les réserves en mondiale sur le climat des affaires, le pays L'Italie, l'Allemagne, la france, la Gran- devises alimentées par le pétrole, dilapi¬ est au 142' rang sur 183. Un marché pour dant une grande partie de ces richesses. les Chinois et les Russes, hostiles aux sanc¬ C'est une des principales critiques adres¬ tions ? On en est loin; souligne M. Assadi, Le pétrole et le gaz, sée au président iranien, y compris par rappelant que le président iranien de la c de réconomie les conservateurs pragmatiques. B chambre de commerce Iran-Chine se plai¬ gnait récemment de la faiblesse des échan¬ iranienne, sont le plus ges. L'Europe assure 22% des échanges durement frappés commerciaux de la Chine contre 4% pour Téhéran en position de force ^^^, Pour le quotidien ultraconservateur LES PRINCIPAUX SITES -,, 0 0 NUCLEAIRES EN IRAN <| iranien, l'existence d'une \M W ^^, ai ai nouvelle usine d'enrichissement *i 0 P''i^p H l'W^ "I U montre que les menaces flO' I F 0 TURKMENIST. fJ-^^-rJ r- occidentales n'ont aucun effet. ,BonaD'.:S ' -j. ,s«>v'-- D < KAYHAN Qom, deuxième centre ^ d'enrichissement Téhéran 3 de l'uranium Q a révélation concernant la construction , jlatanz, premier-centre d'enrichissement d'ime nouvelle usine d'enrichissement de l'uranium en Iran a été im choc dans les v-'-./ç"!?*© ^ Saghand milieux diplomatiques et les médias occi¬ dentaux. Le 25 septembre dernier, l'Iran HAbadan 1 ' A N I a officiellement annoncé qu'une nouvelle installation nucléaire était en cours de construc¬ Chiraz KOWEÏT tion à Qom, en plus de celle de Natanz. Les @ Bushehr, centrale médias et les responsables occidentaux avaient opérationnelle V'Gehine déjà commencé, la veille, à transformer cette ARABIE 0 Bandar Abbas information en événement, assurant qu'il s'agis¬ SAOUPITE sait d'une "découverte des services de renseigne¬ B. ments occidentaux". Ils arrivaient à la conclusion responsables politiques ont repris cette version. qu'ils savent tout. Il est normal qu'ils aient repéré Barack Obama, le président des Etats-Unis, a par satellite des bâtiments, mais ils n'avaient prononcé clairement, dans une conférence de aucune idée de ce qui s'y passait", estime un presse à Pittsburg, le mot "dissimulation". Nico¬ spécialiste du programme nucléaire iranien. las Sarkozy, le président qui accumule les "Ce que les Occidentaux considèrent comme des bourdes, en a conclu un peu hâtivement que renseignements, ce ne sont que des hypothèses qu'ils les discussions d'octobre seraient inutiles. ont formulées à partir de ce qu'avait dit l'Iran il Selon la presse occidentale, l'Iran a été y a quelques années. " Finalement, la presse occi¬ obligé de coopérer et de révéler l'existance de dentale a fini par reconnaître que l'Iran avait son installation à la suite des pressions exer¬ mentionné l'existence de cette installation le cées par les grandes capitales. Mais, si la Répu¬ 21 septembre dans une lettre à l'Agence inter¬ blique islamique craignait vraiment des sanc¬ nationale de l'énergie atomique (AIEA). tions, continuerait-elle à construire des Téhéran a choisi le meilleur moment pour installations ? Comme l'ont remarqué les faire cette révélation, une semaine avant les dis¬ En couverture : médias iraniens, ce nouveau site prouve que cussions de Genève. L'Iran a pratiquement vidé dessin de Tiounine Téhéran n'a pas ressenti les effets de l'embargo de leur sens la totalité des menaces occiden¬ paru dans et entend poursuivre son programme nucléaire. tales concernant une attaque militaire. Les Occi¬ Kommersant, Le 26 septembre, des journaux occidentaux dentaux ne pourront pas détruire les multiples Moscou. ont affirmé que leurs services de renseigne¬ installations iraniennes. L'Iran a prouvé que ments connaissaient l'existence de ces ins¬ l'enrichissement de l'uranium était un fait, et tallations. "Les Américains cherchent à démontrer non plus un sujet de discussion. 12 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti ler I COURRIER INTERNATIONAL N» 987 15 DU 1" AU 7 OCTOBRE 2009 inquiétudes". La Chine a grommelé quelque chose à propos du "dialogue". Un peu faible, en guise de ferme résolution. Pai déjà dit que les sanctions seront sans effet. ran Le orand RayTakeyh, qui a travaillé sur l'Iran avec Den¬ nis Ross au ministère des Affaires étrangères avant de perdre son emploi, en aoilt, m'a expliqué que '%s sanctions, c 'est la solution pour se donner bonne conscience". Bonne conscience, parce qu'on a le sentiment d'avoir fait quelque chose, mais cela n'aide guère. Dans cette affaire, les sanctions ne seront efiectivement d'aucune aide, pour quatre raisons. Un : l'Iran est immunisé contre les sanc¬ Le chef de l'Etat tions. Il vit avec depuis des années, et Dubaï iranien Mahmoud lui permet d'importer des produits au prix d'une Ahmadinejad surtaxe tolerable. Deux : la Russie et la Chine ne visite les installations soutiendront jamais des sanctions autrement que d'enrichissement du bout des lèvres. Trois : ce n'est pas en inter¬ de Natanz. rompant les ventes d'essence que l'on sape un Document tiré du site officiel symbole presque sacré, à savoir la puissance de la présidence nucléaire. Quatre : les sanctions alimentent le complexe de persécution qui permet au régime iranien de prospérer. ZÉRO ENRICHISSEMENT, CE N'EST PLUS Faut'il punir le régime ENVISAGEABLE AUJOURD'HUI La malhonnêteté est un élément inévitable du programme nucléaire iranien. Téhéran pratique la dissimulation. Israël, à l'origine de l'ambiguïté des mollahs ? nucléaire dans la région, a répété à l'envi depuis le début des années 1990 que les Iraniens étaient sur le point d'avoir la bombe. Or, à en croire les renseignements américains, il leur faudra encore Les Etats-Unis semblent décidés à mettre la pression quelques années. Nous avons donc bel et bien le sur Téhéran. Mais, en se concentrant sur le dossier choix : soit nous procédons à une firappe militaire, soit nous acceptons de vivre avec un Iran nucléa¬ nucléaire, Obama risque d'échouer. risé. Mais qu'est-ce qu'un "Iran nucléarisé" ? Est- ce un Iran qiû dispose d'armes atomiques - évo¬ près de la ville sainte de Qom pour en instal¬ THE NEW YORK TIMES lution dangereuse s'il en est - ou bien im Iran ler 3 000 de plus. New York dont les installations d'enrichissement sont super¬ Téhéran veut disposer d'une option visées par l'Agence internationale de l'énergie ato¬ a France et l'Allemagne se sont fait la nucléaire militaire, bien que la réalité suscite mique (AIEA) ? Je pense qu'un enrichissement guerre à trois reprises en soixante-dix autant sa nervosité que son hésitation. Le pro¬ sous surveillance sur le territoire iranien, au nom ans avant que ne leur vienne l'idée jet nucléaire de Qom est révélateur de l'état de ce qu'Obama a appelé le "droit" de l'Iran à brillante d'intégrer leurs problèmes à d'esprit qui règne chez les dirigeants iraniens. "une énergie nucléaire pacifique", constitue une quelque chose de plus grand : la Com- base possible pour parvenir à un accord qui met¬ I munauté européenne. Les Etats-Unis Le programme d'enrichissement est doréna¬ trait un terme à la militarisation. Zéro enrichis¬ et l'Iran n'ont jamais été en guerre, mais leurs vant sacré car il symbolise l'indépendance du sement, aujourd'hui, ce n'est plus envisageable. relations sont marquées par une méfiance pays, un peu comme la nationalisation du sec¬ Pour éviter que ne soient votées des sanctions sté¬ pathologique. Ils feraient bien dé s'inspirer des teur pétrolier dans les années 1950. Les usines riles, les Etats-Unis ne doivent pas oublier qu'il Français et des Allemands, et d'élargir le de Natanz et de Qom ont pour effet de préci¬ faut élargir le contexte. Le régime iranien est contexte de leurs rapports. Les révélations sur piter la menace de nouvelles sanctions. Nico¬ faible. Son désarroi a une fois de plus été patent. une deuxième usine d'eru'ichissement d'ura¬ las Sarkozy a évoqué l'idée de les imposer à William Bums, le sous-secrétaire d'Etat amé¬ partir de décembre si aucun "changement en nium construite en secret par l'Iran ne modi¬ ricain aux Affaires politiques, qui assiste aux dis¬ profondeur" n'était constaté. Le président fient pas ^equation nucléaire, si cette dernière cussions multilatérales avec l'Iran, se doit d'ou¬ Obama, qui préfère laisser le côté va-t-en- se mesure à la capacité du pays à fabriquer une vrir en parallèle des négociations directes avec guerre aux Européens, a évité le mot "sanc¬ bombe. Ce qui a changé, c'est la psycholo¬ Téhéran, du moins au sujet de l'Afghanistan et tion" mais s'est montré aussi sévère que pos¬ gie du programme nucléaire iranien. La de l'Irak (où les intérêts des deux pays sont sou¬ sible. Toutefois, plus que les mots, ce sont les méfiance était déjà profonde, elle est désor¬ vent convergents), du Hezbollah et du Hamas absents qui ont pesé lourd. L'Iran se serait mais sans fond. Avec l'usine d'enrichissement (pour lesquels ce n'est pas le cas), les droits de immédiatement repris si Obama avait eu à ses de Natanz, capable d'accueillir 54 000 cen¬ l'homme, les actifs iraniens bloqués aux Etats- côtés les dirigeants de l'Allemagne, de la Rus¬ trifugeuses (à peine plus de 8 000 s'y trou¬ Unis, les relations diplomatiques, les accords de sie et de la Chine - ces trois pays sont les prin¬ veraient), et alors que son unique centrale sécurité régionaux, le trafic de drogue, la lutte cipaux partenaires commerciaux de l'Iran. La nucléaire en est encore au stade expérimental, contre Al-Qaida, les visas et la libre circulation chancelière Angela Merkel n'a pas trouvé le l'Iran n'avait manifestement pas 54 000 rai¬ des personnes. Isolées, les discussions sur le temps. La Russie a fait part de ses "sérieuses sons de creuser dans le flanc d'une montagne nucléaire sont vouées à l'échec ; intégrées à un 13 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti cadre plus général, peut-être qu'elles ne capo¬ VU DU LIBAN Quelle sera la réaction du Hezbollah ? teront pas. L'Iran souffre d'tin complexe vis-à- vis de l'Amérique, sotirce de son sentiment d'hu¬ Après les révélations sur l'existence d'un miliation. Son programme nucléaire a avant tout A ce sujet, le président du Liban et le Premier nouveau site d'enrichissement de l'ura¬ pour but de renouer avec son orgueil nationail. Il ministre nommé doivent poser la question aux nium, la crise entre l'Iran et la communauté faut résoudre ce complexe pour freiner le pro¬ dirigeants du Hezbollah dans leurs consulta¬ Internationale a pris une nouvelle tournure. Oh gramme, Il faut triangtiler, penser en grand. Pen¬ tions, publiques ou à huis clos. Les liens qui voit apparaître les contours d'une alliance inter¬ ser Union européerme, pas traité de Versailles. unissent le Parti de Dieu à Téhéran font que nationale décidée à faire face aux ambitions Roger Cohen les affaires iraniennes concernent directement nucléaires Iraniennes et à sa politique étran¬ te Liban. La possibilité de frappes israéliennes gère - de l'Afghanistan au Yémen, en passant suscite les craintes des Libanais. Ce n'est pas par l'Irak, la Palestine et le Liban. L'élément le qu'ils s'inquiètent pour l'Iran, mais ils appré¬ plus Important est que les grandes capitales DILEMME Sanctionner hendent les réactions du Hezbollah et redou¬ du monde, y compris Moscou, estiment que ce tent que celui-ci se laisse entraîner dans un programme n'est pas de nature pacifique. Ainsi, ou attaquer vaste conflit régional qui pourrait se solder par l'option militaire reste ouverte, d'autant plus une nouvelle destruction de leur pays. A mesure que celle-ci bénéficie du soutien implicite de Il y a deux réponses possibles aux fins de que la tension monte entre l'Iran et la com¬ la plupart des puissances moyen-orientales. non-recevoir du régime Iranien, estime The munauté internationale, on s'interroge sur Ces dernières pensent que l'Iran a franchi la Times : soit la communauté Internationale les buts réels d'un Hezbollah armé jusqu'aux ligne Jaune. dents. Son armement ne correspond pas aux parvient à s'unir pour Imposer des sanc¬ A partir de là, nous autres Libanais sommes besoins du Liban, mais aux visées Impériales tions contre Téhéran, et cela nécessitera la ramenés à la question centrale de savoir com¬ iraniennes et à la volonté de la Syrie [de faire coopération de la Russie et de la Chine ; ment le Hezbollah réagira au renforcement des soit Israël déclenchera une action militaire. monter les enchères] face à la communauté sanctions Internationales contre l'Iran, voire internationale. "Une alternative à un front uni est une à la concrétisation de l'hypothèse militaire. attaque d'Israël, une option qui aurait des AN Hamadé, An-Nahar, Beyrouth conséquences imprévisibles. Le régime ira¬ nien a beau être réactionnaire et obstiné, il détruit un site nucléaire en Syrie. Enfin, ne peut pas être indifférent à la pression. Le Les Israéliens ont déjà démontré leur capa¬ monde a été ihcapatile jusqu'à présent cité d'agir : en 1981, Tel-Aviv avait bombardé en mai 2009, le pays a procédé à un exer¬ cice à grande échelle simulant une attaque d'exercer une telle pression : c'est mainte¬ la centrale nucléaire de Tammouz, en Irak. de missiles Iraniens. nant ou jamais", affirme le quotidien. Plus récemment, en 2007, son aviation a «L'Iran s'i^t pn^aré à tout^ tes situations et notiii nation a appris, dumiit ces trente dernières années, à tourner toute situation ensafoveur.» Mahmoud Ahmadinejad hier à la télévision iranienne METFAZ, AUTRE LABO¬ RATOIRE SECRET? L'organisation des Moudja¬ hidin du peuple d'Iran (OMPJ) vient de révéler C'est le nombre de réso¬ l'existence d'un autre cen¬ lutions votées à rencontre tre de recherches qui serait de l'Iran- 1-e Conseil un élément clé du pro¬ de sécurité en a adopté 5, gramme nucléaire iranien. et l'Agence internationale Baptisé Metfaz, ce labora¬ de l'énergie atomique 9. toire serait spécialisé dans la détonique, phase essen¬ tielle de la fabrication d'une arme atomique. La fission nucléaire ne démarre qu'à la suite de la détonation extrêmement sophistiquée d'explosifs conventionnels. De source indépendante, il est impos¬ sible de vérifier l'exactitude Vue satellite du site de Qom suspecté d'enrichir de l'uranium. des déclarations de l'OMPI. 14 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti Herald^Stribune October 2. 2009 Iranians put Arabs on edge vised now to develop strategies on the gional capitals, foreign governments CAIRO assumption that Iran is about to become and reUgious sects, and between people a nuclear power," said Abdul Khaleq and their leaders. An action by one, in Some say military strike Abdullah, a political science professor this case Iran, inevitably leads to a at United Arab Emirates University. chain reaction of consequences. It is too by the West or by Israel "It's a whole new ballgame. Iran is for¬ early to say how the latest revelation would be better for region cing everyone in the region now into an will play out. arms race." Some regional analysts have said that This realization, in turn, is raising new fear of a nuclear Iran could yield posi¬ BY MICHAEL SLACKMAN anxieties and shaldng old assumptions. tive results, possibly inspiring Saudi Arabia and Egypt to work harder at rec¬ As the West raises the pressure on Iran Writing in the pan-Arab newspaper Al onciling with Syria, which has grown over its nuclear program, Arab govern¬ Quds Al Arabi, the editor, Abdel-Beri At- closer to Iran in recent years as its ties ments, especially the small, oil-produ¬ wan, said that with recent develop¬ cing nations in the Gulf, are growing in¬ ments "the Arab regimes, and the Gulf have frayed with Arab states. The report in AI Quds Al Arabi said creasingly anxious. But they are ones in particular, will find themselves concerned not only wath the prospect of part of a new alliance against Iran Gulf states were taking measures to try to persuade Russia and China to stop a nuclear-armed Iran, but also with the alongside Israel." supporting Iran. The report said that more immediate threat that Iran would The head of a prominent research cen¬ Saudi Arabia had offered to buy biUions destabilize the region if the West ter in Dubai said that it might even be of dollars of weapons from Russia if it pressed too hard, according to diplo¬ better if the West or Israel staged a agreed not to sell Iran sophisticated mats, regional analysts and former gov¬ military strike on Iran, rather than let it missiles. And it said Gulf states might ernment officials. emerge as a nuclear power. That kind of join together to offer China one million On Thursday, Iran began meetings talk from Arabs was nearly unheard of visas for its citizens to work in the re¬ with six world powers to discuss a vari¬ before the revelation of the second en¬ ety of issues in the first direct talks be¬ richment plant, and, while still rare, it re¬ gion. The latest conflict over Iran's nuclear tween Washington and Tehran since the flects growing alarm. program has also allayed some long¬ 1979 Iranian revolution. "Israel can start the attack, but they standing fears. Arab capitals aligned Iran appears to have enter the discus¬ can't sustain it; the United States can with the West are now less worried, for sions weakened by a bitter political dis¬ start it and sustain it," said Abdulaziz example, that President Barack Obama pute at home and by the recent revelation Sager, a Saudi businessman and former vn\l strike a deal with Tehran that might of a second, secret nuclear enrichment diplomat who is chairman of the Gulf undermine Arab interests, analysts, plant being built near Qum. But instead Research Center in the United Arab diplomats and regional experts said. of showing contrition, Iran test-fired mis¬ Emirates. "The region can Uve with a siles an example of the kind of behavi¬ limited retaliation from Iran better than But that is a relatively small consola¬ tion, given concerns that Iran might de¬ or that has caused apprehension among living with a permanent nuclear de¬ velop nuclear weapons or, if pushed, ac¬ some of its Arab neighbors. terrent. I favor getting the job done now tivate its allies, Hezbollah or Hamas, The cause and effect of conflict be¬ instead of living the rest of my life vrith a political analysts said. Arab states have tween Iran and the West mainly plays nuclear hegemony in the region that already accused Iran of fueling fighting out in the Middle East, where Iran has Iran would like to impose." between Shiite rebels and the govern^ committed allies like Hezbollah in Leba¬ The Middle East is a region defined by ment in Yemen, and of inciting conflict non and Hamas in Gaza. many competing interests, among re- between Shiite and Sunni MusUms in "If the West puts pressure on Iran, re¬ places Uke Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and gardless of the means of this pressure, Kuwait charges Iran has flatiy additional pressure, increased pressure, denied. Egypt has accused Iran of using do you think the Iranians will retaUate or its ties with Hamas to undermine Pales¬ stand idly by and wait for their fate to fall tinian negotiations with Israel. on their head?" said Ambassador Hos- "There is nb doubt, given the recent sam Zaki, a spokesman for the Egyptian events, that the degree of threat and Foreign Ministry. "The most likely an¬ amount of fear has increased," said An¬ swer is they will retaliate. Where do you war Majid Eshki, director of the Middle think they will retaliate?" East Center for Strategic and Legal Among Iran's Gulf neighbors, there is growing resignation that Iran cannot be Studies in Jidda. But Arab analysts are also not sure stopped from developing nuclear arms, how the United States and its allies though Iran says its nuclear program is should proceed. Mr. Zaki and others for peaceful uses. Some analysts have predicted that a regional arms race will offered Uttle advice, other than to call on Washington to press to resolve the Israe¬ begin and that vulnerable states, like Bahrain, may be encouraged to invite li-Palestinian conflict, which many see as the root cause of regional instability. nuclear powers to place weapons on their territories as a deterrent. The "No one said it was an easy situ¬ ation," Mr. Zaki said. United States already has a navy base ALI SHAIGAN/FARS NEWS. VIA AP in Manama, the capital of Bahrain. Iran's missile tests are the kind of behavi¬ "I think the Gulf states are well ad or that worries some of its Arab neighbors. Mono el-Naggar contributed reporting. 15 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti mû^^^XXkum OCTOBERa.2009 Big powers begin talks with Iran GENEVAi the European Union for what one senior taken as a small gesture and contributes American official called the beginning of in some way, that will be terrific." an "extraordinarily difficult process." Many diplomats and analysts believe Tensions ease as Tehran The United States was represented at that the Qum facility is only one of à seri¬ the meeting by the under secretary of agrees to inspections of ous of hidden installations that Iran has state for political affairs, William J. constructed alongside its public ones for uranium enrichment site Burns, and Iran by Mr. Jalili. Mr. JaliU's what is considered to be a military pro¬ European counterpart is Mr. Solana. gram. Iran insists its program is purely During the morning session, Mr. BY STEVEN ERLANGER peaceful and insists on its rights to en¬ AND MARK LANDLER Burns had a one-on-one meeting with rich, but has regularly Ued to the United Mr. Jalili, said Robert Wood, the deputy Nations and the International Atomic Iran and the big powers opposed to its State Department spokesman. Mr. . Energy Agency about its facilities. nuclear program appeared to make pro¬ Wood said he had no other details on the The United States was thought to be gress Thursday in talks that included private meeting. ' Ukely to offer Iran a repackaged version the highest-level direct discussions with Mr. Burns, a career diplomat with a of something it has offered before: an the United States in many years, as the long history in the Middle East, attended agreement to hold off on new sanctions Iranians pledged to allow foreign inspec¬ a similar meeting with Iran in July 2008 if the Iranians agree to freeze their en¬ tors into a newly disclosed uranium en¬ during the Bush administration, though richment of uranium, so that serious ne¬ richment factory wdthin weeks and both he had instructions not to negotiate. gotiations can take place. The West re¬ sides agreed to hold more negotiations. Washington had hoped to begin bilat¬ mains wary of talking while Iran The talks here defused some of the ten¬ eral talks with Iran on a range of issues, continues enrichment, fecuing a negoti¬ sions that have escalated rapidly in re¬ among them trade and Tehran's support ation without end or result. cent weeks over Iran's nuclear intentions for Palestinian, Lebanese and Iraqi in¬ The proposal had not interested the and represented a victory of sorts for the surgent and terrorist groups, including Iranians before. But officials planned to Iranian govemment of President Mah¬ Hezbollah and Islamic Jihad; try again, hoping that a new American moud Ahmadinejad, whose legitimacy But after new disclosures of a hidden administration, the pressure from dis¬ has not been universally recognized Iranian enrichment facility dug deep in¬ closure of the nuclear enrichment com¬ since his disputed re-election in June. to a guarded mountain near the holy plex, internal divisions after Iran's The tone of the discussions, at least, city of Qum, the focus shifted to per¬ chaotic elections and the ensuing crack¬ was considerably more positive than suading Iran to permit serious nuclear down on demonstrators would make it just a week ago, when the United States inspections and suspend its nuclear en¬ more acceptable, American and Euro¬ and its European allies were threaten¬ richment program. pean officials said. ing Iran with tough new sanctions if it Mr. Solana said Iran had also agreed But some American officials believed refused to halt its nuclear program, to export its own low-enriched uranium that the turmoil in Iran would make, its which they suspect is meant for creat¬ from one specific facility for further en¬ government less willing to compromise ing atomic weapons. richment to make isotopes for medical and appear weak. Javier Solana, the European Union's purposes. Mr. Solana portrayed that foreign poUcy chief and the host of the agreement as progress toward Iran meeting, said Iran had pledged to "co¬ agreeing to limit its own enrichment ac¬ operate fully and immediately" with the tivities in its nuclear program. International Atomic Energy Agency in Iran maintains that all of its uranium allovring inspectors into its new facility, enrichment is for peaceful purposes, and he added that he expected Tehran mostly for energy production. to do so "in the next couple of weeks." On Wednesday, Mr. Mottaki, the for¬ Saeed Jalili, Iran's chief nuclear nego¬ eign minister, visited his coimtry's unof¬ tiator, called the discussions "good ficial embassy in Washington, the first talks that will be a framework for better trip to the capital by an Iranian of that talks." remk in a decade. Mr. Mottaki said Speaking at the United Nations, the Thursday that he had gone to ensure Iranian foreign minister, Manouchehr that the Iranian diaspora in America Mottaki, also described Thursday's dis¬ were being well looked after. cussions as "constructive" and said they The visit by Mr. Mottaki, who had been focused on a wide range of issues Iran at the United Nations, was approved by had lîdd out in a five-page proposal for the White House, and it was seen as an talks, among them a general goal of glob¬ effort'to help thaw the atmosphere as the al nuclear disarmament but no specifics Obama administration put its poUcy of about the Iranian nuclear program. engagement vwth Iran to the test. He added that Iran would be ready to Iran maintains a diplomatic outpost in enhance the level of the talks up to that the Pakistani Embassy in Washington. of a summit meeting, meaning that The last time an Iranian foreign minis¬ heads of state would be involved. ter was permitted to make such a visit Held at the isolated Villa Le Saugy, an was in the late 1990s, during the Clinton 18th-century building in the countryside administration. here, Thursday's meeting brought to¬ "It is an unusueil coincidence ; whether gether Iran, the five members of the it's a happy coincidence, we'll see," said United Nations Security Council Philip J. Crowley, a State Department China, Russia, the United States, France spokesman. "It doesn't meike the serious and Britain along with Germany and issues we confront any easier, but if it's 16 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti n p r Iraqi Arabs Wary Of Joint Patrols OCTOBER 3, 2009 With Kurds In Nortli by QUIL LAWRENCE The hydroelectric Despite a commitment to draw down troops in Iraq, the U.S. commander dam outside the in Iraq, Gen. Ray Odierno, has proposed to step up involvement along a northern Iraqi city tense and violence-prone seam of land in the north that is claimed by both of Mosul (shown Iraq's ethnic Kurds and its Arabs. here in 2007) is the Odierno's proposal for joint patrols in the north involving U.S. troops, country's largest. Kurdish forces and Iraq's predominantly Arab army was initially rejected by A joint security the central government in Baghdad. Iraqi Arab leaders are distrustful of patrol consisting Kurds, who have long laid claim to additional lands outside their autono¬ of Arab and mous region in the north. Kurdish soldiers began protecting American military leaders say that joint security measures are already wor¬ it this year. king in some parts of northern Iraq, though not all of Iraq's politicians are happy about it. and Arabs is still politically sensitive in Iraq. Dam Security Provides Positive Example Arab Opposition To Joint Patrols The largest hydroelectric dam in Iraq is north of the city of Mosul, holding The American proposal for joint Kurd-Arab patrols was immediately back a trillion gallons of water. Earlier this year, the government in Baghdad embraced by Kurdish leaders, who have had good working relations with sounded the alarm after it realized that no government forces were guarding the U.S. Army for almost 20 years. the aging dam. A single car bomb there could unleash a flood that might kill 500,000 people in Mosul and other cities on the Tigris River. But the fact that Kurds liked the proposal may have been enough to make Iraqi Arab leaders wary, especially in an election year with strong Arab Army Brig. Gen. Robert Brown, who commands U.S. forces in the province nationalist feelings. around Mosul, says the government was ignoring the fact that the dam has been guarded for years by Kurdish defense forces, known as peshmerga. The Arab governor of Nineveh province, Atheel al-Nujaifi, rejects the idea The Kurdish forces had recognized the vulnerability of the dam and began of any Kurdish forces in Mosul or the surrounding province. Nujaifi says guarding it in 2004. that even if the Kurdish security were needed in the past to secure the dam, they are not welcome anymore. "The central government in Baghdad said, 'Hey, get the Iraqi army up there!' " Brown says. "I do not know what happened there, and I do not care. Nobody asked them to come. Now we ask them to go," Nujaifi says. When troops from the mosdy Arab Iraqi army reached the dam, they wal¬ ked into a standoff with the Kurdish peshmerga. Iraqi Arab politicians like Nujaifi fear that joint patrols will help the Kurds keep control of hundreds of towns and villages they have occupied since "Both sides think the worst the peshmerga are thinking they're going to 2003. Nujaifi claims the Kurdish soldiers have abused and even murdered kick us out, and the army thinking the peshmerga aren't going to leave," Arabs under their control. The Kurds say they moved into those areas, Brown says. including parts of Mosul, to protect Kurdish civilians from the same sort of It was not the first time that Kurds and Arabs have nearly come to blows. repression. But Brown says the Mosul dam has turned into a positive example. At a news conference after the ceremony at the Mosul dam, Brown was With some help from the Americans, the Kurdish and Iraqi army forces anxious to accentuate the positive, despite the politics back in the capital. started protecting the dam together In fact, when the Iraqi army troops "It's a great success story, and both sides point to that and say we can work arrived, Iraqi officers soon realized they hadn't arranged for supplies, and together to defeat the terrorists. The lower level you get, the less tension the Kurdish soldiers ended up providing them with food and water there is. Distrust can cause rumors. The more you get them together, the Last week, Brown visited the Mosul dam, which is now protected by about more they work together for a brighter future," he said. 450 Kurdish peshmerga and the same number of Iraqi army soldiers. He Brown avoided the subject of wherejoint patrols might take place next, per¬ formally thanked the peshmerga for protecting the dam over the past five haps because the U.S. Army doesn't want the idea to look like it is being years and handed out commendations. imposed by Americans. But almost no Iraqi Arab troops turned up for the ceremony. The Iraqi A senior adviser to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki says the joint army commander in the province. Gen. Hassan Abbas, canceled at the last patrols probably are the best way to prevent conflict between Kurds and minute. Arabs, and that they may start soon along the disputed boundaries of nor¬ The local Kurdish liaison to the Iraqi army says the Arab general often finds thern Iraq. an excuse not to be seen with the peshmerga. Cooperation between Kurds l^assoud Barzani, president of the Kurdish government, called on his Opposition backs prime minister-elect, Barham Saleh, to form a new government based on out of Kurdish experience, not political allegiances. Khalll Ibrahim, a top lawmaker with the KIU, told the Voice of Iraq news government agency that his party would not Join the new government, however. October 5, 2009 Press International, "We have been officially invited to participate in the government, but we have announced our official and final stance," he said. MEMBERS of the opposition Kurdistan Islamic Union announced they Instead, the lawmaker said, the KIU would remain as a viable opposition would not take part in the next government in the Kurdish provinces of operating outside the Kurdistan Regional Government. Iraq. The efforts to form a new Kurdish government come as lawmakers face a The Change List and Kurdistan Islamic Union emerged as an opposition to frustrated population concerned about a lack of public services. The next the incumbent Patriotic Union of Kurdistan and the Kurdistan Democratic government must also tackle territorial disputes and differences over sha¬ Party during parliamentary elections in July in the Kurdish provinces, Erbil, ring the revenue from Iraq's oil with the central government in Baghdad. Dahuk and Sulalmaniya. 17 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Ri'oista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti Rudaw.^^ Kurdish Iranian party: OCTOBER 7, 2009 ^ ^ We are not rejecting the armed struggle they clashed with a very large group from the Revolutionary Guards in the valley between the By Wladimir van Wilgenburg villages of Tomarqamish and Koltepe on the 20th of August. The Peshmergas managed to respond Loghman Ahmedi is the representative of the to the fire by the regime's forces, killing and Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan in injuring an unknown number of them, and flee the United Kingdom. He spoke with Rudaw from the area. about KDP-I's relations with other Kurdish The following morning, on Friday the 21st of parties and the future of the Iranian Kurds. August, the regime gathered forces from all of the sounding areas and attacked the Peshmergas in the villages of Papshkhan and Qere. Can you introduce yourself? Unfortunately, after several hours of fighting, all I was bom in the city of Diwandere in Iranian four of our Peshmergas died in the batde. It is nage and sabotage against our party. Kurdistan in 1983. My family and I had to flee to important for us to underline that our Sweden in 1987. I became active in the Peshmergas were not on a military mission but A couple of weeks ago there were several Democratic Youth Union of Iranian Kurdistan rather on a political one. attacks on Iranian officials in Kurdistan. Are and the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan at there any indications about who is behind Regarding your question about cooperation bet¬ the age of eighteen. Currendy, I have a consulta¬ these attacks? Is there a new Sunni Kurdish ween the Kurdish parties, we have regular mee¬ tive position in our party leadership and work as rival to the secular nationalist Kurdish par¬ tings with Komala and other Kurdish parties the party's representative to the United ties? from Iranian Kurdistan, but we do not have any Kingdom. relationship with PJAK. If you are referring to the assassinations that took Why do you use Twitter? Does it help? place in the city of Sine, the circumstances sur¬ Why did a split occur within the PDKI? rounding these assassinations remain a mystery. I think that the rise of information technology, Aren't the Iranian Kurdish parties divided The same goes for the identity of those who especially in the form of the social networking enough? Can you explain the spUt more for ordered and carried out the assassinations. sites like Twitter, Facebook and Youtube, offer our readers that do not have any knowledge great recourses for everyone that needs to disse¬ about it? The Iranian regime first blamed Kurdish opposi¬ minate information. For a Kurdish opposition tion groups and then foreign agents for the assas¬ It is now almost three years ago that a small party like ours that is struggling against a regime sinations. But in the end, the regime announced minority broke away from our party. Many indi¬ like the Islamic Republic of Iran, information that Sunni extremists linked to Al-Qaeda were viduals in this group have previously at three dif¬ technology is indispensable. Twitter, Facebook responsible for the assassinations. The Sunni- ferent times split from our party. The first time and Youtube have helped us raising awareness extremists that Iran is claiming to be behind the was at our fourth Congress after the revolution in and disseminating information in a way that was assassinations are a network of groups that the Iran. That time they joined the communist Tudeh not possible before. Islamic Republic actually supported, funded and party of Iran. The second time they split from our in some cases even established. Kurdish political How do you get your information about what party was following our eight Congress, after organizations have condemned the assassina¬ is happening in Iranian Kurdistan, via phone which they allied themselves with the Peoples tions. They also warned at an early stage that Iran calls or do you have contacts with people Mujahidin of Iran. And since they did not get a could very well be behind the assassinations in inside of Iranian Kurdistan? majority in the party leadership at our thirteenth order to have a pretext to increase its crackdown Congress, they chose to split from our party Our party has a very large network of members on Kurdish activists. again, and this time they supported Mehdi and supporters that work in underground cells Karroubi in the Iranian presidential elections. The Islamic Republic has pursued a policy in that provide us with information on an hourly There are many different reasons for why they which it attempts to establish and support diffe¬ basis. We receive information from Iranian split from our party, but the main reason is that rent Islamist groups to undermine the support Kiu-distan through different means. For the safety they are only interested in having control of that the secular Kurdish parties enjoy in Iranian of our members in Iranian Kurdistan, I caimot PDKI. If they cannot achieve this, they split from Kurdistan. But this policy has had exacdy the elaborate on those means. our party, but without changing their name. opposite effect, because the Kurdish population Does the PDKI also follow the internal deve¬ is very politically conscious and they know that We think that it is very unfortunate when any lopments in Iraqi Kurdistan with the creation the Islamic Republic is using these groups to Kurdish political party is divided and we hope of the new Kurdish opposition party Change oppress the Kurdish people. that stronger cohesion within the parties will be (Gorran). Do you have any contacts with brought about, but we cannot compromise our Why do Kurdish parties condemn the them, since they won many votes in region political and internal principles to satisfy a small attacks? K they have armed forces, why do where the PDKI camps are located? minority. they not carry out armed operations and tar¬ Our party follows the internal developments in get Iranian officials? Why do Iranian Kurdish groups claim that all parts of Kurdistan. Regarding Gorran, up until Iran is poisoning the Kurdish population with There are two main reasons for why Kurdish par¬ now we have not had any official meeting with drugs? Isn't this because of the proximity of ties have condemned these assassinations. The them and, to my knowledge, they have stated that Afghanistan and Pakistan's drug routes? first reason being that the Kurdish parties have they are not working as a political party but as traditionally not carried out political assassina¬ block in the Iraqi Kurdistan parliament. The large amount of drugs that is spread in tions but we have at several times been subjected Iranian Kurdistan caimot be compared to other Last month Iran claimed it killed fighters of to political assassinations. The second reason parts of Iran and we have a lot of evidence that several Kurdish parties (PDKI, Komala and being that many Kurdish political parties believe Iranian officials are spreading drugs deliberately. PJAK). What is the real background behind that the Islamic Republic might very well be Several witnesses have testified about being for¬ this? Are these parties cooperating? behind the resent assassinations in Sinne ced by Iran's Intelligence Service and the [Sanandaj]. I can only talk about what happened to our Revolutionary Guard to sell drugs. For example, party's Peshmergas. Four of our Peshmergas, by witnesses testified on a Kurdish TV program cal¬ We are not rejecting armed struggle as a method, the names of Yousef Feghehi, Hussein led "God Doesn't Exist Here" about how agents we have waged a armed struggle against the Mohammedi, Azad Barabi and Seifola Dniabi, of Iran's intelligence services forced them to sell Islamic Republic in the past and we would restart were on a political mission in the district of and consume drugs and commit acts of espio an armed struggle if we believed that it was in the Feyzolabegi outside the city of Saghez when interests of our people, but at the moment we 18 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti think that there are other opportunities that are the so-called election results. Our party leader, relations with Iran. If less cosdy in terms of human lives that are worth Mr. Mustafa Hijri, made a statement when the America becomes an 'ally of Iran' (although it's pursuing. regime announced the approved candidates for unlikely), will the the presidential post, in which he oudined our You posted Youtube videos of PDKI training party's position and urged the Kurdish people to Iranian Kurdish parties then turn against its fighters. How many fighters do your PDKI boycott the elections. Moreover, our party pre¬ America? What are they going to do? fraction have? And are you planning to use dicted very early that Ayatollah Khamenei would them? I think that the shift in the United States policy not let anyone except Ahmedinejad to become towards Iran should be seen based on the fact The number of our Peshmergas is not something President. that it seems that they have realized that sanc¬ that I could reveal, but we have enough As a result, the Kurdish people did not turn out in tions, in any form, or aerial strikes targeting Peshmergas to protect ourselves. And as I men¬ large numbers on election-day. Furthermore, die Iran's nuclear sites will not stop Iran from tioned before we are currently not planning to Kurdish people do not want to become pawns of attempting to attain nuclear weapons. The carry out any military operations against the an internal power struggle between the different Americans seem to believe that they do not have Islamic Republic we have military forces in fractions of the Islamic Republic. Another factor any real leverage over Iran, thus forcing them to order to protect ourselves against any possible is the fact that the leaders of the Green propose all kinds of incentives to try to persuade attacks by the military forces of the Islamic Movement take every opportunity to pledge their Iran to give up its nuclear program. This policy Republic of Iran. loyalty to the Islamic Republic's undemocratic will also fail. What the Americans and other What are PDKI's relations with other parties constitution and its theocratic system of gover¬ Western states need to do is to support the demo¬ fighting Iran? Like the Iranian People's nance. They also refuse to even take any of the cratic opposition in order to bring about regime Mujahideen of Iran, nationalist T\irkish Kurdish nation's demands into consideration, change. Azéris or the Baluchi nationalist Jundallah making it impossible for the Kurdish people to I do not think that the United States will become (Soldiers of Allah)? support them. an ally of the Islamic Republic and even if that We have a good relationship with many of the Some Kurds in the Diaspora and even in Iraqi would happen our party would not change its other political organizations that are struggling Kurdistan claim that Iranian Kurds do not care policy towards the United States. Our struggle against the Islamic Republic. The PDKI and about their Kurdish identity in Iran. They mosdy against the Islamic Republic will continue fourteen other political organizations jointly speak Persian and that they are more busy with regardless of the policies and actions of the U.S. established the Congress of Nationalities for a working. What do you think about this? or other powers. The United States was a very Federal Iran in 2005, which seeks to establish a close ally of the former regime and it did not I don't know whom you have been talking to but democratic, secular and federal Iran. affect our struggle. We hope that the U.S. will claims like that just soimds ignorant and ridicu- realize the morally justified and politically pru¬ Regarding the organizations that you mentioned, lious. dent rationale for an alliance with us and the rest we do not have any contact with any of them. Are members of the PDKI or other Kurdish of the democratic Iranian opposition. However, What's PDKI's position on Camp Ashraf near parties still being deported from Ibrkey to our struggle is directed against Iran, not against Baghdad, since it's known that PMOI have Iran and hanged? its current or potential allies. killed Iraqi Kurds in Kirkuk and supported Since 1995, many members of our party, up to How do you analyze the news reports that Saddam in the past? seven thousand, that have sought political refuge claim that the Iranian president has Jewish We have expressed concern about the Iraqi in Europe have been stuck in Turkey waiting for background? Is this a plot by the 'Iranian army's use of violence against the people resi¬ their cases to be handled by international organi¬ reform movement'? ding in Camp Ashraf. From a humanitarian pers¬ zations like UNHCR. Unfortunately, Turkey I really have not given it much thought. It is an pective, we object to the human tragedy that hap¬ have at different times deported some of them to insignificant matter if he has Jewish ancestors or pened at Camp Ashraf. Politically, we have Iran were they have been imprisoned and execu¬ not. It will not change his stance against the expressed concern about the fact that it seems ted. There are also several cases were agents of Jewish people and the state of Israel. But one that die Shiia-led govemment in Bagdad is bent the Islamic Republic have assassinated members should recall that rumors of his purported Jewish on targeting Iranian opposition groups that have of our party in Turkey. Pressure from the background surfaced even before the recent a presence in Iraq. European Union has resulted in some changes in crackdown on the so-called reformists. Turkey's actions against the Kurdish political Regarding the PMOI's involvement in the killing refuges, but Turkey still deports some of them. In the past PKK was supported by Iran, but and oppression of Iraqi Kurds, we have always now they have established PJAK to fight condemned this and it is also one of the main rea¬ Do you think Iran and America can 'solve against Iran. Recently it became know that sons why we have no relationship with the their crisis'? the legal Kurdish party DTP from Ibrkey PMOI. No, 1 do not think that the United States can (which is close to the PKK) has plans of ope¬ Does the PDKI or any other Kurdish Party solve its issues with the current regime in Iran ning ofRces in Iran (Urmiyeh) and Syria. have any ties with Mousavi or the Iranian due to several factors. Regarding the nuclear What does the PDKI thmk of this? 'green movement'? issue, Iran sees this as a long-term strategic issue. The DTP is free to open offices wherever it The regime believes that a nuclear bomb will The PDKI has no ties with the Green Movement wants, it is not up to our party or any other party work both as a deterrent against any force diat is lead by Mousavi or any other individual do judge whedier this is good or bad. attempting to undermine the Islamic Republic's that belongs to the so-called reformist fraction of security. It also seeks nuclear weapons in its pur¬ Why do you think PKK established the the Islamic Republic. But our party has in diffe¬ suit of regional hegemony. The Islamic Republic PJAK? Is it because of the weaknesses and rent statements and actions expressed its solida¬ has since its establishment had an aggressive splits within Komala and PDKI? Are they rity widi the brave people that are standing up foreign policy, in which spreading the Islamic supported by USA? against the regime. We support the political revolution outside Iran's borders is a comers- struggle for liberty and democracy in Iran. This From our point of view, PJAK has only been tone. Thus, it is highly unlikely that Iran will give should be differentiated from taking sides in the created for tactical reasons by the PKK. The up its attempts to attain nuclear weapons. regime's factional infighting between "conserva¬ PDKI and other political organizations in Iranian tives" and "reformists". The same goes for Iran's support to different ter¬ Kurdistan have emerged inside of Iranian rorist groups in the region. Through its support to Kurdistan and have been created by the Kurds in There have been several claims of Iranian protes¬ these groups, Iran has been able to act as a regio¬ this part of Kurdistan. This is very different from tors being killed in nal hegemon. Iran wants to be the only actor that other political formations created by external Iranian cities after the presidential elections, can decide whether there will be peace and stabi¬ actors and imposed on either the people of but there was not much news from the lity in Iraq, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Palestine and Iranian Kurdistan or other parts of Kurdistan for Kurdish region. How so? so forth. So a strategic rapprochement with Iran the parochial interests of such external actors. Such tactics will fail and only turn out to be Due to several factors, the Kurdish people did is impossible for the U.S. counterproductive even for those political orga¬ not take to the streets after the announcement of There are some signs of America resetting its nizations that try to create such secondary orga- 19 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Riinsta Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti nizations for Uieir short-term interests. Regarding the PUK's relationship with Iran, our future; others were citing the recent progress party understands that the PUK needs to have Kurds made in Iraq and 'Hirkey. What's your PDKI seeks good relations with all Kurdish orga¬ relations with Iran due to several factors. This view on the future of Iranian Kurds? nizations in all parts of Kurdistan, including the does not preclude that we have good relations PKK, but we do not think that it is justified for I think that it is very important to stay optimistic with the PUK. If any problems arise between us, any of these organizations to dictate for Kurds in about the fiiture. We have a brutal enemy that we address them through dialogue. We have other parts Kurdistan, either direcdy or through will do anything in its power to destroy us, but done so in the past and will do so in die future in their off-shots, what goals or demands they history has shown that a regime like the Islamic the event of problems of any nature. should pursue. Republic will not be able to continue to mle fore¬ Why is Iran bombarding the border regions of ver. There is a new generation of young Kurds Only the PKK is in a position to answer whether Iraqi Kurdistan? Is it because of the presence that will slowly take over the leadership of the PJAK is supported by the USA. of the PKK, PDKI or Komala? Or is there Kurdish liberation movement and I think that this It's known that PUK has very good relations another explanation? new generation will be more effective in the with Iran and Iran's intelligence services. struggle against the regime and if they do not Iran has bombarded the border regions of Iraqi PUK officials have often called Iran the 'bro¬ succeed there will be a new generation after them Kurdistan since the No-Fly-Zone was set up in thers of Kurds'. The Iraqi Kurdish parties and a new one following them and so on. Some 1991. The Revolutionary Guard has at several were also involved in targeting Iranian Kurds individuals' pessimism, even within our ranks, times also entered Iraqi Kurdistan with large for¬ in the past, but on the other hand they shelter will not constitute any hurdle to the historical ces. In 1996 between 2000-4000 Iranian soldiers the PDKI and Komala. Is the past forgotten? dynamic in the struggle for democracy and natio¬ attacked one of our bases in Koya-Sanjaq, which Why do PDKI and Komala accept these state¬ nal rights in Iran. Like other countries in the is located in the middle of Iraqi Kiudistan. But in ments of PUK? region or other regions that have suffered from general, Iran uses our party and other Kurdish war and dictatorship, Iran too will go down the First and foremost, our party is not being shelte¬ opposition parties presence in Iraqi Kurdistan as path of peace and democracy. There is no reason red by either the PUK or the any other Iraqi a pretext to undermine the seciuity of Iraqi whatsoever to be pessimistic on that historical Kurdish party. One of the reasons why we are not Kurdistan. The bombardment could also be seen end-goal (Photo: lawan.nu). waging an armed struggle against the Islamic as a kind of psychological war with the civilian Republic is because we do not want to become a population of Iraqi Kurdistan. © Rudaw pretext for the Islamic Republic to attack Iraqi Some PDKI members I spoke with in Iraqi Kurdistan. The security interests of Iraqi Kurdistan were not very positive about the Kurdistan are of paramount importance to us. KRudaw.Net The nature of the Iranian regime is OCTOBER 12, 2009 similar to that of Saddam Interviewed by Sabir Qadiri candidates). Because of that I believe there is not even the slightest not only for Kurd but for any other nations (to get their demands). Abul Hassan Bani Sadr, the first president of Rudaw: It has been some years since the Iran Iran (1980-81) after the overthrow of the Shah regime built relation with die Kurdistan Regional regime, says that the problems that now exist Govemment, what is your view on that? in Iran will be over with the end of one of the political factions and he says that the factions Bani Sadr: For the response of this question I of the Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei need accurate information, but what I can say is will topple the Rafsanjani camp. But above all that the relation is not a (genuine) friendship. he says that the end of the theological regime However there must be cooperation, even if it is is approaching, "I see the extinction of the in the lowest level. And this must be considered Islamic republic of Iran." for the assassins from a German merchant. The that the nature of the Iranian regime is similar to merchant confirmed the incident. that of Saddam, and it won't keep any promise. Rudaw: It has been said that you had testified as a witness in the court for the case of assassina¬ Rudaw: The Kurdish political parties of the Rudaw: The western countries especially France ting Dr. Sadiq Sharafkandi, the secretary of the Eastern Kurdistan had for a long time raised the and Germany had put pressure on the Iranian Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran. Can you tell slogan of autonomy, but now they demand fede¬ govemment for repressing die Iranian people us about diat? ralism, what is your view? especially after the presidential elections and because of the nuclear project, do you think that Bani Sadr: I introduced two people who were Bani Sadr: In the past I talked to the late Iran will face more pressure in the fiiture? aware of this assassination. One of them was (Abdulrahman) Qasmlu about the autonomy of Abulqasim Misbahi, who was an official of the Kurdistan and I supported it. It depends on the Bani Sadr: before the elections I issued a state¬ Itlaat (Intelligence) Ministry of Iran and had two sides; they must persuade the public view of ment for die Iranian people and said 'if you don't accurate information about this case. When I par¬ the Iran citizens that the country will not be torn hold Iran's future in your own hands, the pro¬ ticipated in diis court, I talked about how the Iran apart. blems that the high ranked officials created will govemment carries out assassinations in an orga¬ develop to a very dangerous level.'" In present Rudaw: Now you are talking about a suitable nized way and also about the involvement of the condition, the threats of Ahmadinejad might condition for the solution of this issue, but did organizations, governmental establishments and contribute to a war. A while ago Joe Biden, the you push for a solution when you were the presi¬ officials who were connected to Hashmi US vice president, said that they would not pre¬ dent of Iran? Rafsanjani and Ali Khamenei. I also talked about vent Israel from attacking Iran. And according to the groups that are known for carrying out espio¬ Bani Sadr: Yes, at that time I talked with the the Sunday Times, the Saudi officials say that nage and terrorist acts which left no doubt for the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran about auto¬ they will allow Israeli jets to use their airspace to court that high ranked Iranian are involved with nomy for the Kurds and we were working the attack the nuclear facilities of Iran. These are the the assassination (of Sharafkandi). It has been solution of this issue, but the direction of the crises that are happening as a result of the adven¬ proved that these terror acts had been carried out events didn't allowed these efforts to bear fmit. tures of Iran. The eight industrial countries of the by the orders of Khamenei and Rafsanjani. We world said that they want to solve the nuclear Rudaw: Do you think that Kurds will get their brought a person from Iran that talked entirely demands from the Islamic Republic of Iran? issues of Iran through dialogue, but these coun¬ about another group that was involved in this ter¬ tries will not waste their time for the solution of Bani Sadr: The events that we now can see in ror act. The second group that is involved is this issue. Ahmadinejad's group which provided weapons Iran are...brutally (repressing the opposition 20 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti laE FIGARO 8 octobre 2009 e Istanbul Un peuple de .S*^ millions d'individus sans État Ankara® PART DE LA POPULATION KURDE PAR PAYS EN 2000 TURQUIE 23,9% millions g^j / ,..«r' 11,4% 8,4 millions en Iran IRAN ^^24,8% I 5,6 millionsIl i en Irak it 9.3% I 2501cm 1,6 I million ^ Zone de peuplement kurde en Syrie . | Q Kurdistan autonome irakien Sojfce-lnsiltulhiedetfe Paris. L'3mefMjptt*^'SngLBStiquodstisterionde-Ui»i'eTitEL3val(Cuebec) V La voie étroite des Kurdes entre Irak et Turquie Dans leur région LAURE MARCHAND ENVOYÉE SPÉCIALE DANS LE KURDISTAN IRAKIEN autonome bénéficiant ^ Jr" etranché dans sa forteresse de Qandil, d'un quasi-statut d'État I j dans le nord de I'tak, le Parti des tra- ; vailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK), enlutte indépendant, les Kurdes ! ;: contre la Turquie, ne rend pas les i armes. Dans la plaine d'Erbil, les d'Irak n'ont plus , : : checkpoints gardés par les peshmer- : _' _ : j gas et les portraits de Massoud Barza les mêmes intérêts ni, le président de la région autonome lourde en Irak, se succèdent avec la régularité d'un métronome. Passé un que leurs frères du PKK, premier col, la voie se rétrécit et plonge dans les canyons ocre. Oïi rie cfoisé phis guère qiAme mule en lutte contre un chargée de fagots, un troupeau de chèvres, des maison¬ nettes en terre battue. Nouvelle guérite. Cette fois-ci, un drapeau rouge frappé d'tme étoile verte claque au pouvoir turc qui souffle vent. L'étendard du PKK signale l'entrée de la zone contrôlée par la rébellion kurde. Impossible de rater le chaud et le froid. l'immense portrait du leader Abdullah Ocalan, empri- Nous sommes sormé à vie sur une île turque, incrusté siu le flanc de la montagne. Environ 4 000 combattants de l'organisa¬ très clairs: tion rebelle kurde de Turquie seraient retranchés dans branchages, un réchaud, les reliefs escarpés des monts Qandil, en alerte perma¬ il est temps des chaises en plastique, nente poiu contrer toute incursion ou bombardement ime télé, une parabole de l'armée turque. Le PKK ne baisse pas lagarde , malgré d'emprunter plantée dans les herbes. raimonceparAnkarad'un« plan de paix »pourmettre Déjeunes Kurdes, filles et fin au conflit qui a fait plus de 40 000 victimes, majori¬ une voie garçons, kalachnikov en bandoulière, sont en fac¬ tairement kiudes, en vingt-cinq ans. politique Finjuillet, le gouvernement de Recep Tayyip Erdogan tion sur les talus. « Nous sommes très clairs : il est temps s'est engagé à répondre aux revendications des 12 mil¬ et pacifique, d'emprunter une voie politique et pacifique, c'est la seule lions de Kurdes de Turquie. Dans laforteresse de Qandil, solution. En vingt-cinq ans, les Turcs ont essayé toutes les la démarche est perçue comme ime première avancée c'est la seule options militaires, sans succès, juge-t-il, mains croisées positive. Largementinsuffisante, néanmoins, pourren- sur un embonpoint débonnaire. Pour lapremièrefois, ils dre les armes. Murât Karayilan, le chef militaire, reçoit solution ont cessé de nier l'existence du problème kurde et se sont dans l'im des campe¬ engagés à le régler, ce changement constitue indéniable¬ MURAT KARAYILAN, ments de fortune, cachés ment unprogrès. » CHEF MILITAIRE DU PKK dans les bois. Sous les Mais l'absence de propositions suscite la suspicion. 21 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti « Lamarge de manoeuvredevientchaquejowrplus étroite. énergétique. «Les Etats-Unis souhaitent renforcer EnHèuetplaced 'avancées concrètes, la Turquie se borneà l 'affiance turco-irakiennepour contrebalancer l 'influence , énumérercequ'eUeneferapas », résume Murât Karayi¬ del'Iran », estime Murât Karayilan. Dans la perspective lan. La liste est longue : « Pasd'amnistiepourlesrebelles, du départ de ses troupes d'Irak, fin 2011, Washington pas de négociation avec le PKK, pasd'enseignement delà envisage notamment im retrait par la Tiurquie, via le langue kurde dans les écoles, pas d'autonomie pour la Kurdistan. Le pétrole etle gaz irakien, enpartie achemi¬ région kurde, pas de reconnaissance dupeuple kurde dans nés sur la rive tiirque de la Méditerranée, suivent le la constitution turque, pas d'arrêt des opérations militai¬ même parcours. Le couloir énergétique turc, également res... » La fin de non-recevoù- concerne, peu ou prou, emprunté par l'oléoduc Bakou-Tbilissi-Ceyhan et le l'ensemble des reveadicatiqns contenues dans la futur gazoduc Nabucco, doit donc être sécurisé. Tout en « feuille de route » d'Abdullah Ocalan. En revanche, fournissant des renseignements à l'armée turque sur les l'état-major turc a juré de poursuivre « les opérations positions du PKK à Qandil, les États-Unis accentuent la jusqu'à la mort du dernier terroriste ». Presque chaque pression sur Ankara pour qu'il ouvre des négociations. jour, des accrochages dans les montagnes turques Au cours de sa visite en Turquie, en avril, le président allongent la liste des « martyrs » de chaque côté. Et, Obama avait rencontré Ahmet Tiirk, le chef du parti mardi, le parlement turc a prolongé d'un an l'autorisa¬ kiu-de légal (DTP), envoyant un signal très clair à son tion accordée à l'armée de frapper les bases duPKKdans allié tiuc. Enfin, Massoud Barzani, le président de la le nord de l'Irak. région kurde en Irak, a tout à gagner dans la résolution du conflit. Mais le Kiudistan est tiraillé entre son soutien Réformes culturelles à ses frères du PKK et sa nouvelle politique de bonvoisi¬ Quelques réformes culturelles ont bien été aimon- nage avec la Turquie, qui lui permet de consolider son cées. Comme le projet de libéraliser l'usage de la langue statut de quasi-État indépendant. kurde sxu- les chânes de télévision et de radio ou celui de En 2007, sous la pression turque, les autorités laudes redoimer leur nom d'origine aux villages turquifiés. d'Irak ont fermé les bureaux du Parti pour une solution « C'est de lapoudre awcyeux, juge Mehmet, 44 ans. Nous démocratique au Kurdistan (PCDK) , la vitrine locale de avons déjà douze chaînes sur le sateWte, ûvafalloir enfaire la rébellion des Kurdes de Turquie. Un centre de rensei¬ plus. » Engagé dans laguérilladès 1978, il est redescendu gnement tripartite - irakien, turc et américain - pour de la montagne en 2006, côté irakien, avec unejambe en empêcher les attaques du PKK depuis l'frak devrait être moins, mais avec « les idées intactes ». Comme ltd, installé à Erbil. Officiellement, la guériUan'est donc plus reconverti dans le civil comme contremaître sur des la bienvenue. La zone de Qandil montre une réalité plus chantiers de construction, au moins 3 000 vétérans du nuancée. Le Kurdistany envoie les instituteurs. L'orga¬ PKK sont installés au Kurdistanirakien, bénéficiant de la nisation rebelle se charge de faire la police lorsqu'im bienveillance des autorités, à défaut de pouvoir retour¬ problème surgit dans l'un des 100 villages sous son ner en Turquie. « La nuit, mon village me rend visite dans contrôle. Un dispensaire, tenu par des volontaires, mes rêves », soupire Umit, 35 ans, dont près de la moitié assure soins et consultations à la population locale. Et, doimée à « la lutte », et cheveux gris avant l'heure. Pour enjuillet dernier, des biu-eaux de vote avaient été placés cet anciencommandant, quitient aujourd'huiune petite à l'entrée de la zone pour permettre aux habitants de bijouterie, « l'ouverture actuelle n'existerait pas si nous participer aux élections législatives organisées dans la n'avions pas lutté. À l'école, l'instituteur me battoitparce province kiude d'Irak. « Nous l'avons toujours dit, nous que je parlais kurde. Maisje ne connaissais pas d'autres n'avonspascréélePKK,ils'agitd'uneorganisationindé- langues. » Derrière le comptoir encombré de bagues et pendante politiquement avec qui la Turquie doit dialo¬ de boucles d'oreilles, les réflexes de stratège reprennent guer », tranche Fouad Hussein, le secrétaire général de vite l'avantage : « Commepour les Riisses lors de la cam¬ la présidence du Kurdistan. pagne de Napoléon, le temps et la patience jouent en la « Chercher à liquider le PKK ne mènera à rien, affirme faveur de notre peuple. Erdogan veut peser au Moyen- Mehmet. Une autre organisationverralejour, nosenfants Orient. R est obligé de résoudre le problème kurde pour sont prêts à prendre la relève. » À Qandil, au bout d'un atteindre sonbut. » chemin de terre, 197 tombes, toiurnées vers le Levant, remplissent déjà le nouveau cimetière. Dans un cadre Carrefour stratégique jaune, vert etrouge, les couleurs duKurdistan,unepho- Les dynamiques régionales en cours poussent les dif¬ to des derniers « martyrs » a été apposée siu chaque férents acteurs à éteindre ce foyer d'instabUité aucarre¬ stèle. La plupart avaient toutjuste 20 ans. Le 23 septem¬ four de l'Iran, de la Syrie, de la Turquie et de l'Irak. À bre, le PKK a prolongé une trêve tinilatérale. « La suite Bagdad, le présidentirakien, Jalal Talabani, engagé dans dépendra des signaux envoyés par la Turquie, avertit un processus de rapprochement avec Ankara, presse le Murât Karayilan. Si eUejoue lejeu dangereux de donner la PKK de déposer les armes. Les intérêts américains se priorité à sonpUm militaire, au détriment de l'optionpoli- déclinent, eux, entroisvolets : géopolitique, militaire et tique, nos troupes sontprêtes à riposter. » La Turquie prolonge l'autorisation d'opérer en Irak contre le PKK ment du Parti de la justice et du développement (AKP, issu de la ANKARA Le Parlement turc mouvance islamiste) s'apprête a voté hier le renouvellement à présenter prochainement de¬ pour un an de l'autorisation vant les députés des mesures de procéder à des raids contre en faveur de sa communauté les rebelles kurdes en territoire kurde afin d'estomper le sou¬ irakien. La motion gouverne¬ mentale, qui autorise l'armée tien, au sein d'une partie de la à effectuer des opérations mi¬ population du sud-est du pays, litaires contre le Parti des tra¬ dont bénéficie le PKK, en lutte vailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK, armée depuis 1984. Le parle¬ interdit) en territoire irakien, a ment turc a déjà prolongé une été votée à très large une large fois cette autorisation, votée majorité. Ce vote intervient à initialement en 2007. un moment oià le gouverne 22 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti 8 octobre 2009 Dialogue de sourds avec les Kurdes Les chances qu'ait lieu un règlement de la question kurde s'éloignent. Les deux parties campent sur leurs positions, et un compromis semble désormais difficile à atteindre. même longueur d'onde que les autorités. porte-parole du DTP ont posé leiurs limi¬ Le vent d'optimisme suscité au mois La modification éventuelle de la tes. Compte tenu de ces blocages, la pers¬ d'août par le changement d'attitude du Constitution constitue ime autre pierre pective que le front kurde accepte im gouvemement turc à l'égard de la question d'achoppement entre les deux parties. Le compromis semble peu probable. Tous les kurde, avec la rencontre [inédite] entre le ministre de l'ultérieur veut maintenir le conseils suggérant au DTP de "prendre Premier minisfre Erdogan et le leader du chapitre III de la Constitution [établis¬ ses distances avec le PKK" n'ont aucime DTP [prokurde], Ahmet Tûrk, semble sant le turc comme langue officielle], ce prise siu- cette formation, qui ne cesse de retomber. Les propos du ministre de qui signifie qu'ime révision constitution¬ démontrer sa dépendance à l'égard du l'Intérieur, qui a rejeté l'idée d'tme révi¬ nelle n'est pas à l'ordre du jour. Or le PKK et d' Ocalan. Voilà pourquoi il faut sion constitutionnelle pour faire du kurde DTP ne manque jamais tme occasion de admettre que le problème kurde ne se ime langue d'enseignement officielle, ont rappeler que, sans cette révision, ime réglera pas par ime simple poignée de provoqué des réactions négatives du côté solution à la question kurde n'est pas mains sanctionnant ime réconciliation. du DTP. "La montagne n'a même pas envisageable. Le parti veut doimer à Les revendications qui émanent du front accouché d'une soiuis", a déclaré Ahmet l'identité kurde tme reconnaissance DTP-PKK traduisent leva volonté de se Tiirk. Lors d'im meeting organisé le 1er constitutioimelle et insiste fortement poiu- définir "comme une nation [kurde] à part septembre à Diyarbakir [ville du que le chapifre de la Constitution définis¬ entière avec à la clé la recoimaissance et Kurdistan turc], il a défini ses positions sant la notion de "turcité" soit amendé. la proclamation de cette reconnaissance sur le sujet, souUgnant les divergences de L'enseignement du kiu:de est le troisième au niveau constitutioimel". Il s'agit donc vues importantes qui l'opposent au gou¬ point de désaccord. Ahmet Tiirk réclame pour le DTP de passer à im système fédé¬ vemement tiu^c. en effet que le kiu^de devienne tme langue ral. U n'en parle pas ouvertement de cette d'enseignement officielle, tandis que manière, préférant tme "autonomie démo¬ En premier lieu, le désaccord à propos l'AKP [le parti islamiste turc au pouvoir] cratique". Quant au gouvemement AKP, d' Abdullah Ocalan, le leader emprisoimé préfère le cantoimer au statut d'"option". il doit comprendre que, sans tme évolu¬ du Parti des travailleurs du Kurdistan Par ailleiu-s, dans le domaine de l'audio¬ tion de la structure unitaire actuelle vers (PKK). Le DTP insiste pour qu'il soit visuel, il défend le principe de "chaînes im système fédéral binational, sans la partie prenante dans le processus de de télévision kurdes privées". désignation du kurde comme langue négociation. En déclarant que "ceux qui d'enseignement officielle, sans la partici¬ ont sacrifié leiu" vie pour combattre doi¬ Actuellement, le DTP est incapable pation d' Ocalan et sans ime amnistie vent participer à la négociation", Ahmet d'agir indépendamment du PKK et générale pour les militants du PKK, il ne Tiirk a clairement fait allusion au chef du d' Ocalan. Cette réalité a été maintes fois poiura pas compter sur le soutien du DTP PKK. Or ce dernier ne fait pas partie des rappelée par Ahmet Tiirk. En répétant : ni espérer que le PKK abandonne le plans du gouvemement. Sur cette ques¬ "Nous ne sommes pas assez forts, ?pre- maquis dans im geste de bonne volonté. tion, le DTP n'est donc pas du tout siu' la nez Ocalan comme interlocuteur", les 8 octobre 2009 L'inquiétante montée de l'intolérance L'antisémitisme progresse avec, en toile de fond, la situation au Moyen-Orient. Mais les Juifs du pays ne sont pas les seuls à être victimes de ce désamour turc. Toutes les minorités sont concernées. Derya Sazak / Milliyet connu le génocide, Istanbul a incamé im janvier 2009 que le "One minute" du lieu sûr oii pouvaient se réfugier les Juifs Premier minisfre Erdogan à Davos [où il a fuyant l'Allemagne nazie. eu tme altercation publique avec le prési¬ Un sondage financé par l'Union etu"o- dent israélien Shimon Pérès] ont pesé sur péeime, intitulé "La perception du Cependant, la violence de la politique cette enquête d'opinion. Par ailleurs, ce regard sur la judéité et les identités différen¬ israélienne à rencontre des Palestiniens a sondage confirme la baisse du seuil de tes", vient d'être rendu public lors d'tme suscité en Turquie vme réaction qui se tra¬ tolérance de la population turque à l'égard conférence organisée par le centre culturel duit désormais par une hausse perceptible de r"aufre", déjà misent en limiière par de la synagogue de Neve Shalom, dans le de l'antisémitisme. Cette étude sur la "per¬ quartier de Beyoglu, à Istanbul. Bien que la ime autte étude sur les valeurs effectuée présence juive dans ce quartier remonte à ception de la judéité" permet de mesiu^er le par plusieurs imiversités turques. On changement à l'ruvre dans la société tur¬ constate que les Turcs expriment tm rejet plus de cinq siècles, on ne peut que ?consta- que. L'enquête a été réaUsée par téléphone ter l'érosion démographique qui firappe la même à l'égard d'identités à propos des¬ commimauté juive vivant dans cette ville. entre le 18 mai et le 18 juin 2009 dans quelles ils n'ont pourtant aucime informa¬ l'ensemble de la Turqide sur im échantillon tion ! Alors que 75 % des personnes inter¬ Celle-ci connaît, notamment pour des rai¬ de 1 108 persoimes. Tant l'offensive sons de sécurité, im repU sur elle-même. rogées admettent ne rien savoir des Juifs, Pour les hommes et les femmes qui ont israélienne sur Gaza en décembre 2008 et des Grecs et des Arméniens, 42 % décla- 23 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Ri'vista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti rent qu'elles préféreraient ne pas avoir de fiabiUté, 6,8 pour l'assiduité au travail et l'université de Bogaziçi (Istanbul), estime Juifs comme voisins. Ce taux est de 35 % 4,7 pour le respect accordé à l'être que, "au lieu de vivre sur le mythe voulant s'il s'agit de membres des minorités chré¬ humain. Les musulmans sont mieux per¬ que la Tiurquie ait été tolérante au temps de tiennes (et de 52 % s'il s'agit d'athées). Il çus, avec respectivement 7,5, 6,7 et 7,6. l'Empire ottoman, le pays ferait mieux de en ressort donc qu'environ un tiers des regarder en face ses problèmes de discri¬ Turcs ne souhaitent pas vivre aux côtés Une hostilité qui mène à la diabolisation mination". Akile Gûrsoy, de l'université de d'individus appartenant à des minorités. A Yeditepe, explique pour sa part que, pen¬ la question : "Selon vous, les Juifs de L'intolérance à l'égard des minorités dant les vingt-cinq premières années de la Turquie se sentent-ils liés à la RépubUque enregistre ime augmentation inquiétante. République, dix-sept députés appartenant à turque ?" seuls 15 % des sondés ont Selon la sociologue Nilufer Narli, "le dan¬ des minorités ont siégé à l'Assemblée répondu par l'affirmative, tandis que 48 % ger de ces préjugés, que l'on constate en nationale turque, mais qu'au cours des ont répondu non. Les sondés se sont égale¬ particulier dans le cas de l'antisémitisme, soixante années suivantes ce chiffie a spec- ment vu proposer im tableau leur permet¬ c'est qu'ils suscitent une hostilité qui taculairement baissé, pour aboutir à ime tant d'évaluer les citoyens tiurcs apparte¬ confine de plus en plus à la diabolisation sous-représentation parlementaire fla¬ nant à diverses obédiences religieuses sur d'im groupe précis. Ce groupe endosse grante des minorités en Turquie. une échelle allant de 0 à 10. Les Juifs ont tous les défauts et se trouve alors complè¬ été notés de la façon suivante : 3,6 pour la tement déshumanisé". Hakan Yilmaz, de LA TURQUIE VEUT POURSUIVRE LE PKK ET L'IRAK PRÉSERVER SA SOUVERAINETÉ BAGDAD, 15 octobre 2009 (AFP) Le Premier LE PREMIER ministre turc, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a affiché jeudi à ministre irakien Bagdad sa "détermination" à combattre les rebelles kurdes du PKK réfu¬ Prime Minister giés dans le nord de l'Irak et a jugé difficile d'accroître le débit de Nuri al-Maliki l'Euphrate en dépit des demandes de l'Irak frappé par la sécheresse. (D) serrant la main du Premier ministre turc "Nous continuerons à combattre (le PKK) et nous (la Turquie et l'lral<) confir¬ Recep Tayyip mons notre détermination à éradiquer ce terrorisme qui menace nos deux Erdogan à pays", a déclaré M. Erdogan lors d'une conférence de presse, selon la traduc¬ Bagdad le 15 tion arabe de ses propos. octobre 2009 Plus tôt dans la journée, M. Malil Le chef du gouvernement irakien "a demandé de respecter la souveraineté de l'Irak, assurant que personne ne pouvait la violer", a déclaré à l'AFP le porte- parole du gouvemement irakien Ali al-Dabbagh. l'Euphrate pour pennettre à son voisin de lutter contre la sécheresse qui le frappe. M. Maliki "a dit que l'Irak n'avait rien à voir avec les opérations (turques contre le PKK) et cherchait simplement à protéger sa souveraineté", a ajouté le porte- "J'ai donné des ordres pour augmenter le débit vers l'Irak et la moyenne est parole. actuellement de 550 mètres cubes par seconde", a expliqué M. Erdogan, sou¬ lignant qu'un accord de 1987 prévoyait un débit de 500 m3/s. Ali al-Dabbagh Mis en place en novembre 2008, un comité tripartite composé de la Turquie, avait auparavant précisé qu'Ankara laissait actuellement passer 440 mS/s. de l'Irak et des Etats-Unis, est chargé de régler la question de la présence du PKK dans la région autonome irakienne, a-t-il souligné. "J'ai rencontré des députés irakiens qui m'ont demandé plus d'eau, a lancé M. Erdogan. J'ai réalisé qu'ils ne comprenaient pas les détails (de l'accord), ou Mardi devant le Parlement turc, M. Erdogan a indiqué que la question de la alors il y a une autre raison derière leur extrémisme." lutte contre les rebelles du PKK en Irak, figurerait à l'ordre du jour de ses dis¬ cussions. Les députés turcs ont approuvé le même jour le renouvellement pour Lors de cette visite officielle, 48 protocoles d'accord renforçant la coopération un an de l'autorisation de procéder à des raids contre les rebelles kurdes en politique, énergétique et commerciale ont été signés, selon le chef du gouver¬ territoire irakien. nement turc qui était accompagné de neuf ministres. Les rapports turco-irakiens se sont nettement améliorés depuis l'an demier "Les échanges commerciaux représentent 5 milliards de dollars actuellement après que l'administration de Bagdad et celle kurde (nord) se sont engagées et ils passeront à 20 milliards bientôt", a précisé M. Erdogan. à faire en sorte que le Kurdistan irakien ne devienne plus un sanctuaire pour le Parti des travailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK). Les deux dirigeants ont également discuté de la question sensible de l'eau. L'Irak reproche à Ankara de ne pas ouvrir les vannes de ses barrages sur 24 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti StMùnât années du XX" siècle. signent un accord, ce n'est pas qu'affaire diplo¬ 10 octobre 2009 Sous les auspices de la Suisse, Arméniens et matique. On touche au passé. Encore prudem¬ Turcs devaient signer, samedi 10 octobre, à ment, certes : Ankara se refuse toujours à quali¬ Zurich, le protocole d'accord sur l'échange de fier de génocide le massacre des Arméniens ; missions diplomatiques et l'ouverture de la Erevan ne cesse de revendiquer une telle recon¬ frontière entre les deux pays. La version la plus naissance. Les deux pays vont créer une com¬ banale de l'événement conduit à faire l'obser¬ mission historique. Elle devra étudier «de vation suivante : aux confins de l'Europe, deux manière scientifique et impartiale les données Arménie-Turquie pays voisins normalisent leurs relations. historiques et les archives » relatives au drame. C'est toujours souhaitable et, de ce seul C'est un pas. Comment ne pas y voir, en filigra¬ point de vue, l'accord de Zurich - patronné par ne, un geste important d'Ankara, peut-être l'ac¬ Moscou et Washington - est le bienvenu. On ceptation d'une première confrontation de la 'Arménie et la Turquie vont nouer salue au passage les mérites de la diplomatie Turquie avec un passé terrible ? des relations diplomatiques. C'est du football et les gestes de détente qu'autorise Qui s'oppose à l'accord de Zurich ? Les plus une bonne nouvelle. La Républi¬ la passion des uns et des autres pour le ballon ultras des nafionalistes arméniens craignent que d'Arménie, créée par l'URSS en rond : le président turc, Abdullah Gùl, s'est ren¬ que cette normalisation n'enterre l'exigence 1920, a accédé à l'indépendance en du en Arménie pour le match aller entre les de reconnaissance du génocide. Les plus ultras 1991. Mais sans normaliser sa relation avec le deux équipes nationales pour les qualifica¬ des nationalistes turcs redoutent qu'Ankara voisin turc. On imagine pourquoi : le poids du tions à la Coupe de monde 2010 ; son homolo¬ abandonne au passage un de ses protégés régio¬ passé. Erevan, la capitale d'Arménie, se heur¬ gue arménien, Serge Sarkissian, pourrait se naux, l'Azerbaïdjan, avec lequel l'Arménie est tait au refus d'Ankara de qualifier de génocide rendre en Turquie pour le match retour. en conflit. Mais quand les modérés s'enten¬ les massacres dont plus d'un million d'Armé¬ Mais il y a plus. Cette normalisation, si elle dent sur le dos des plus extrémistes, ce n'est niens furent victimes à l'aube de la dissolution est menée à bien, porte en elle une forte charge pas forcément mauvais signe. de l'Empire ottoman, dans les premières symbolique. Quand Turcs et Arméniens ^DfTERNATIONAL, Hèralft^^Sribunc. Qctoberi2,2oo9 For Turkey and Armenia, a historic breakthrough ZURICH With help from Clinton, longtime foes agree to normalize diplomatic ties BY MARK LANDLER ANDSEBNEMARSU T\irkey and Armenia have signed a his¬ toric agreement to establish normal dip¬ lomatic relations and reopen their bor¬ ders after a last-minute dispute over wording sent diplomats into frantic ef¬ forts to salvage the deal. For IXirkey and Armenia, neighbors sundered by a century of bitterness over the mass killing of Armenians by Ottoman Turks, the tumultuous events Saturday illustrated how hard it was to POOL PHOTO BY PATRICK B. KRAEMER Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian, left, shaking hands Sunday with his Turkish coun¬ heal the wounds of history. For Secre¬ terpart, Ahmet Davutoglu, as Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, right, looked on. tary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, nine months into her job, it was a bra¬ ferences between the Armenian foreign have come too far,' " she recalled. Mrs. cing taste of down-to-the-wire lim¬ minister, Eduard Nalbandian, and his Clinton declined to describe the differ¬ ousine diplomacy. Turkish counterpart, Ahmet Davutoglu. ences between the sides. The arduous negotiations between the Mrs. Clinton continued her efforts in¬ Shortly after 8 p.m., three hours late, countries had been actively encouraged the two men sat down to sign the agree¬ by the Obama administration, and With side vyith Mr. Nalbandian and then gave an agreement in sight, Mrs. Clinton flew . him a ride to the University of Zurich, - ments, though in a compromise worked to Switzerland to witness the signing as where the ceremony was to be held. By - out beforehand, neither delivered^ state¬ a show of American support. Instead, her own account, she did most of the ment. To take effect, the agreement must she found herself performing triage. talking on the brief trip, appealing to him be ratified by the parliaments of both Sitting in a black BMW at a hilltop not to letmonths of talks go up in smoke. countries, by no means a sure thing. hotel in Zurich, with aides thrusting pa¬ ' 'There were several times I said to all Any easing of tension between T\irkey pers at her, Mrs. Clinton worked two cell¬ the parties involved, 'This is too impor¬ and Armenia was bound to be fragile. The phones at once as she tried to resolve dif- tant, this has to_^ seen^through, vve ^eal faces particularly fierce opposition 25 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti from Armenia's far-flung and politically the massacre. Some Armenians fear this pa^ty holds a clear majority in Parlia¬ potent diaspora. Many Armenians insist would produce a revisionist history that ment, has threatened to delay ratifica¬ that ties should not be normalized until dilutes the enormity of the killing. tion of the deal until Armenia cedes the Turkey acknowledges that the killing of The countries would have to open territories. more than one million Armenians at the their borders within two months after For the United States, a reconciliation end of World War I constituted genocide. ratification and estabUsh the historical between TUrkey and Armenia would al¬ Most" scholars agree that those commission within four inonths. ter the strategic balance in southeast¬ killings fit the definition ofgenocide. But For their part, TXirks protest that Ar¬ ern Europe. It could open new routes for menia has yet to setfle an ugly fight with oil and gas pipeUnes to the West, as well TXirkey has vehemenUy denied that Azerbaijan, its neighbor and a close ally as an alternative supply Une for U.S. judgment, and the government has sup¬ of Turkey, over Nagorno-Karabakh, a troops in Afghanistan, though adminis¬ ported the prosecution of T\irks who breakaway enclave. TXirkey sealed its tration officials insisted that had noth¬ have spoken out about the issue. border with Armenia in 1993 in solidar¬ ing to do with their eagerness for a deal. As part ofthe agreement, the two coun¬ ity with Azerbaijan after Armenian tries would pledge to establish an inter¬ troops occupied territories around national commission to research World Nagorno-Karabakh. The TXirkish prime War I-era archives to clarify the extent of minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose Op-Chart JASON CAMPBELL, MICHAEL O'HANLON, JEREMY SHAPIRO and AMY UNIKEWICZ States of Conflict: An Update problems." jure the officials who were at the gather¬ The first bomb Sunday exploded ing, the authorities said. about II a.m. outside the headquarters Bombings The bombings, which occurred in Ra- of Ramadi's main govemment building, madi, the capital of Anbar, were the where the provincial governor and latest in a string of deadly attacks in that .council have offices. province during the past few months in succession The Iraqi police said a car in a parking that have focused on tribal leaders and 05 lot adjacent to the building was detonat¬ O members of Iraqi security forces and o ed as a meeting took place inside on re¬ IN Awakening Councils. strike Iraq conciliation efforts between the Shiite- The province had been among the led government of Prime Minister Nuri more peaceful in Iraq during the past Kamal al-Maliki and local Sunni Arabs. U BAGHDAD two years after many tribal leaders CQ About seven minutes after the first O dropped allegiances to Al Qaeda in bomb, a second car in the parking lot ex¬ Mesopotamia, an extremist Sunni Arab ^ O Over 20 killed in blasts ploded, wounding security force mem¬ group, and joined Awakening Councils o bers and others who had responded to aimed at reconciliation linked with the U.S. miUtary and the the original explosion, officials said. Iraqi government. meeting; officials unhurt Many of the victims of the bombings Hekmet Jassim Zeidan, the deputy were taken to Ramadi General Hospital. governor of Anbar, said the province's About one hour after the first two bomb- BY TIMOTHY WILLIAMS police officials had been negligent. irigs, a man driving a car filled vrith ex- "The police commanders are not do¬ A series of apparentiy coordinated 'plosives tried to speed through a securi¬ ing their job the way it should be done," bombings aimed at a meeting for na¬ ty: checkpoint near the hospital, the he said. "We have pointed out the mis¬ tional reconcihation killed at least 23 police said. He was shot by the police takes and failures among the poUce, but people and wounded 60 others in west¬ but managed to explode the car, killing no one has done anything to correct the ern Iraq on Sunday, but they did not in himself and wounding two others, offi¬ cials said. 26 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti DNO Letter to distinguished leaders in OctoberlO, 2009 KRG and Iraq By The Kurdish Globe DNO Company, From what we know today, it is dear that the KRG bought the Norway, Iraq, DNO shares from DNO and this was done legally. and Kurdistan flags wave at the Tawke oil DNO International ASA field in Iraqi Kurdistan - To: Excellency Jalal Talabani 2009 President, Republic of Iraq Excellency Masoud Barzani President, Kurdistan Region ofIraq which was to demonstrate its ability to export oil from the Kurdistan Excellency Kamal Kirkuki Region of Iraq. Speaker ofParliament, Kurdistan Region ofIraq Had it not been for this assistance from the KRG in the very difficult financial market at the time, we would not have been able to accom¬ Excellency Nechirvan Barzani plish the important goal of commencing oil export from the region, Prime Minister, Kurdistan Region ofIraq which was successfully achieved on 1st of June, 2(K)9. This was one of the most important events in the recent history of the Kurdistan Region 5 October 2009 of Iraq, which you witnessed yourselves and where you delivered your own speeches accordingly. We were proud to be part of that achieve¬ Your Excellencies, ment under your exemplary policy to establish a modem, effective and transparent oil industry in your Region. With reference to recent events, we would like to express our regret for the harm and the difficulties caused to the Kurdistan Regional We would like to reassure you that nothing improper has taken place in Govemment (KRG), and Dr. Ashti Hawrami, the Minister of Natural these share transactions. It has been clearly demonstrated that the Resources in particular, as a result of DNO's internal disagreements account was in the KRG's name and not that of any individual. We are with the Oslo Stock Exchange (OSE). The KRG is not, and has never therefore witnessing wrong and speculative information appearing in been, under any investigation by the OSE in relation to the issue. the media where some elements of the press are inventing stories with the view to damaging the reputation and integrity of Dr. Hawrami and This has recently been confirmed by the OSE itself in their official sta¬ hence to undermine the achievements of die KRG. tement dated 28th September 2009, in which the OSE stressed that the exchange does not have any issues with the KRG and that the KRG has Once again, we are greatly troubled by the fact that our disagreements not at any time been subject of investigations by the exchange. with the OSE were exploited to create unfair and damaging insinua¬ tions, designed to undermine the KRG's policies. Therefore, we will do From what we know today, it is clear that the KRG bought the DNO all that we can to find out the motives for these deliberate and unjust shares from DNO and this was done legally, officially and using the actions which were orchestrated from our countty. KRG's funds directly. The sale of the shares was approved by the Board of Directors of DNO International ASA. The fact that this was done under a nominee account set up for the KRG by HSBC is a very stan¬ Yours Sincerely, dard practice used by Governments, organizations and companies to On behalf of the Board ofDirectors of DNO International ASA protect their privacy. Berge Gerdt Larsen The purchase of the shares by the KRG was done to facilitate funding for DNO to complete the outstanding work program in the Duhok pro¬ Chairman of the Boarda vince and to therefore enable the KRG to achieve its primary goal. TheNational OCTOBER 14, 2009UAE Chaos over Iraq's oilfields spills over Tamsin Carlisle supporter of the Iraqi prime minister Nouri al Maliki, could also face a vote of confidence as preparations are under way for national elec¬ It is business as usual in Iraq's chaotic oil tions in January. patch, with prospective deals inflaming a Dr al Shahristani said yesterday a consor¬ conflict between the country's parliament and its tium led by Italy's Eni had agreed to Baghdad's oil minister. offer of US$2 (Dh7.34) a barrel to lift output The ministry has also released conflicting from the Zubair oilfield in southern Iraq to information on a high-profile auction of hcen- 1.125 million barrels per day (bpd) from about ces and Iraqi Kurds have suspended crude 227,000 bpd within six years. He said two com¬ exports from their semiautonomous northern peting teams, led respectively by the US oil enclave. company ExxonMobil and Russia's Lukoil, No sooner had Baghdad announced that wealdi. were willing to accept $1.90 a barrel for raising three teams of foreign energy firms had agreed The minister, Dr Hussain al Shahristani, production from the West Quma field. to the ministry's tough terms for developing would face questioning on October 27, said Long-term contracts to develop the two oil¬ two of Iraq's biggest oilfields, than the Iraqi Jabir Khalifa Jabir, a member of the parlia¬ fields, each containing billions of barrels of parliament summoned the oil minister for ano- ment's oil and gas committee. reserves, were among those snubbed in June by ther grilling over his handling of haqi oil Analysts said the minister, who is a key 27 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rimsta Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti foreign oil firms at Iraq's first post-war auction But Paolo Scaroni, the Eni chief executive, cmde output to between 10 million and 12 mil¬ of oil and gas licences, after most participants said that as far as the Zubair agreement was lion bpd within six years, more than doubling baulked at the government's tough terms. Only concerned, some as yet unspecified elements of its previous target. One conflict that is unlikely one contract emerged from the bidding round, the deal had been sweetened considerably to to be resolved soon, however, is Baghdad's pro¬ after Britain's BP and China National Petroleum compensate for the lower per barrel remtmera- tracted dispute with the Kurds over territory and Corporation agreed to halve the payment they tion. "You cannot compare the $2 today to the resource jurisdiction, which has ahready stalled wanted for increasing output from Iraq's biggest $4.80 (sought) two months ago," he said. for two years the passage of a crucial federal oil oilfield, Rumaila. That could make it difficult for Dr al law for Iraq. Dr al Shahristani nonetheless claimed the Shahristani and Mr al Maliki to sell the politi¬ Yesterday, the Kurdistan regional govem¬ bidding roimd was a success, because it had cally charged contracts to a hostile parliament, ment said Kurdish oil exports had been halted yielded an agreement that would enable the said Samuel Ciszuk, the Middle East energy because the foreign companies pumping the oil ministry to achieve its goal of raising Iraq's oil analyst at the consulting firm IHS Global had not been paid. output to 4.5 million bpd by 2015 from about Insight. "Oil exports from Kurdistan's fields have 2.5 million bpd and had been a model of trans¬ The contracts would need to be ratified by been stopped until an agreement is reached with parency. But now, parliamentarians are reviving an "increasingly moribund" Iraqi cabinet, he the Iraqi oil ministry for mechanisms to pay the their previous objections to direct negotiations added. dues of the oil companies working in the between the ministry and foreign oil companies But Dr al Shahristani is pulling out all stops region," said Ashti Hawrami, the Kurdish natu¬ and to any contracts for foreign firms to work to ensure his oil development programme ral resources minister. According to Mr Ciszuk, on fields already producing oil. unfurls swiftly in the months leading up to the Baghdad has responded by disqualifying "After a major effort from the oil ministry, election. A second bidding round is scheduled China's Sinopec from participating in the our price was accepted," Dr al Shahristani said for December, the ministry said yesterday, after Zubair development consortium over its recent yesterday in reference to the negotiations over announcing on Tuesday that it would be postpo¬ agreement to purchase Addax Petroleum, one of West Quma. "Iraq has an opportunity to go ned for a month. the companies producing Kurdish oil. ahead and sign this contract with Iraqi condi¬ Dr al Shahristani told reporters yesterday tions." that Baghdad was now aiming to raise Iraq's SlftejN^clirîIflïkSime^ qctqber i3, 2009 Baghdad originally refused to export their production over its pipelines. The cash-poor govemment eventually relented, however, Defying Baghdad, Kurds Halt giving its approval in late May. Exports from Tawke and from a second Oil ESports Over Payment site in Kurdistan, at the Taq Taq field, started June 1, but Baghdad has refused to pay the By TIMOTHY WILLIAMS companies for the oil because it continues to regard their contracts with Kurdistan as ille¬ BAGHDAD The semiautonomous gal. Kurdish region has reopened a rift with the Meanwhile, officials in Kurdistan said cential govemment after announcing that it they could not afford to pay because revenue had halted all petroleum exports from from the fields went directly to Baghdad. Kurdistan until Baghdad pays the internatio¬ DNO has a 55 percent share in the Tawke nal companies that are pumping oil in the field; Genel Energy owns 25 percent; the region. remainder is owned by the Kurdish govem¬ Oil extracted in Kurdistan can be exported ment. only through Iraqi govemment pipelines run¬ Dr. Hawrami, who oversees Kurdistan's The Iraqi government has refused to reco¬ ning to Turkey, giving Baghdad a stranglehold oil sector, said the Norwegian and Turkish gnize the contracts of foreign companies on the fransport of oil produced there. At the companies, which had invested $500 million operating in fields like Tawke in same time, the govemment needs all the reve¬ in Kurdistan, had not received a penny so far contracts to international oil companies nue it can get to pay for a host of pressing for their exports. during the past few years over the objections needs. Khalid Saleh, an adviser to Hussain al- of Baghdad, which has baaed international The amount of oil involved currently, Shahristani, Iraq's oil minister, confirmed companies working in Kurdistan from compe¬ about 100,000 bartels a day, is relatively small Monday that oil exports from Kurdistan had ting for oil contracts in the rest of Iraq. compared with Iraq's total production of 2.4 stopped. He said the govemment had no plans Kurdistan began signing its own deals million bartels a day. But with production to abide by the terms of the Kurdish contiacts. with foreign oil companies after becoming from the Kurdish areas likely to increase mar¬ "At this moment, the govemment is not impatient with the central govemment's inabi¬ kedly in coming years, the dispute has taken willing to pay," he said. lity to adopt a national oil law tiiat would on added importance. Dr. Hawrami also acknowledged in the regulate the industry. The Iraqi Parliament Kurdistan's minister of natural resources, letter a complex web of financial artange- still has not approved an oil law, but earlier Ashti Hawrami, said in a letter dated Oct. 9 ments that the Kurdish govemment had with this year Baghdad began seeking oil produc¬ and posted on the Kurdish govemment's Web the two companies, including secret govem¬ tion deals of its own with international compa¬ site Monday that the decision to stop exports ment investments and loans of as much as $50 nies, including a preliminaty agreement with a had been made in concert with the two inter¬ million. consortium of British Petroleum and the national companies now exti-acting oil there. The deals, which were negotiated with the Chinese National Petroleum Company to "We have jointiy agreed that no free oil permission of the president of Kurdistan, develop the enormous Rumalia field in sou¬ will be pumped for export, and payments have Masoud Barzani, were intended to bolster the thern Iraq. to be made," Dr. Hawrami wrote in the letter. financially strained oil companies so they After DNO, a Norwegian company, and "We will only resume exports with guaranteed could continue exploration in Kurdistan, Genel Energy, a Turkish company, stmck oil payments." according to the letter. Kurdistan has awarded more than 30 at the Tawke field in Kurdistan this year. 28 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rimsta Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti Associated Press Trouble for Iraqi elections brewing in oil hub OCTOBER 10, 2009 BRIAN MURPHY Associated Press The deputy parliament speaker, Khalid al-Attiyah, told The Associated Press that the parliamentaty elections cannot be delayed and "must take place in all provinces." BAGHDAD (AP) - Iraqi lawmakers appear to be snagged again at This would mean a showdown to force a deal over Kirkuk in the coming a familiar impasse: how to settle power-sharing disputes in the oil- months or use the existing election mles that had no power-sharing pacts rich city of Kirkuk before important national elections. and gave most seats to Kurds - whose near-autonomous northern region Parliament officials have scheduled a Thursday session to seek some does not include Kirkuk, though the city is considered by many Kurds to compromises in the three-way dispute that has held up critical laws on be part of their historical territoty. oil investment and increased worries about more ethnic-driven violence. Rebwar Talabani, a deputy head of the Kirkuk provincial council and a But each side - Kurds, Arabs and Turkomen clans - has shown little sign Kurd, said the election must go ahead in Januaty as planned, but it's pos¬ of giving in as they did in January's races for provincial councils. sible the voting "could be suspended for Kbkuk" until some kind of com¬ At stake is political control of Iraq's northern oil field and its hub city. promise is reached. But the Kirkuk showdown is fiirther tangled by historical claims and U.S. diplomats and militaty commanders have often described Kirkuk as rivalries in one of Iraq's most ethnically mixed regions. one of the linchpins for long-term stability in Iraq. During a September Arabs and Turkomen - both minorities in the region - boycotted prelimi¬ visit to Iraq, Vice President Joe Biden noted that Iraq's law on foreign oil naty parliament discussions on Kirkuk on Wednesday, claiming the investment is still not on the horizon - an indirect reference to the stale¬ Kurds are unwilling to consider any proposals that could threaten their mate over Kirkuk. control of the Kirkuk city council and parliament seats in the area. The The ethnic friction in Kirkuk is centuries old but was enflamed in past Arabs and Turkomen seek a new formula that would guarantee an equal decades by Saddam Hussein's program to move tens of thousands of split in political clout. Arabs into the area in an attempt to shift the demographic balance. "We cannot make Kirkuk a stumbling block on the path to the elections," Kurds currendy make up an estimated 52 percent of Kirkuk's population, said Hadi al-Amiri, head of the defense and security committee in parlia¬ compared with Arabs at 35 percent. Turkomen make up about 12 percent. ment. Also, about 12,000 Christians live in Kirkuk. But so far appeals have failed to nudge the three sides closer to a pact In April, a U.N. report recommended giving Kirkuk a "special status" over sharing political power and resources. The dispute could also com¬ with oversight by both the near-autonomous Kurdish region and the cen¬ plicate the expected political dealmaking at the national level after the tral govemment in Baghdad. Jan. 16 election, which will stand as a test of the political strength of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Iraq's majority Shiites should claim most of the seats in the voting but will need alliances with Sunni Arabs, Kurds and others to effectively govern. iDfflfSZftMAI OctoberlO, 2009 Mourners pay respects to Kurdish intellectual Firat in modest funeral TODAY'S ZAMAN d'état, which resulted in the execution of the prime minister and two other ministers. Firat was also sentenced to execution, but his sentence Prominent Kurdish politician Abdulmelik was later commuted to imprisonment. Firat, who died of leukemia in Ankara on In 1991, he entered politics under the True Tuesday, was laid to rest yesterday in his Path Party (DYP) but subsequently left the party hometown of Erzurum. because he did not agree with its policies toward The 75-year-old Firat died in the intensive Kurds. He was sent to prison again for hwo care unit of Guven Hospital in Ankara, where he months on charges of helping the outlawed PKK. was taken early this week for deteriorating health due to complications from leukemia. He was A harsh critic of the PKK, he remained on the buried in the Hints district of the eastem province political scene and finally established HAK-PAR of Erzurum following a funeral. No memorial in 2001. He left three years ago because of ceremony was held for the former deputy in health problems and handed over the post of the Pariiament as he had said prior to his death that party's presidency to Sertaç Bucak. Firat also mer leader of the now-defunct pro-Kurdistan he did not want an official ceremony at lent his support to the govemment's recent Wori 29 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti Iraq Kurdistan denies REUTERS # wrongdoing in DNO affair BAGHDAD 9, 2009 - Dr Ashti Hawrami, Kurdistan Regional IRAQI KURDISTAN'S oil minister has denied wrongdoing in a Govemment minis¬ murky stock deal that has left some outsiders raising questions about ter of natural resour doing business in a relatively stable comer of Iraq. ces Ashti Hawrami, natural resoiurces minister of the semiautonomous Kurdish region in northern Iraq, defended financial assistance made pri¬ vately over the past year to two foreign companies working in the region's Tawke oilfield. Hawrami issued a wide-ranging, nine-page statement late on Friday. said. Earlier, in Oslo, Norwegian authorities pushed for an investigation of He wrote that "the $50 nullion sum involved, which I used for both pur¬ transactions made in shares of oil company DNO International, including poses (initially for DNO and later on for Genel), was approved by my trades involving the Kurdish Regional govemment. prime minister. It is important to realize that we had dear justifications to Hawrami also vowed Kurdistan would not export oil until a row with help DNO and Genel, as that was to our own self interest." Iraq's central govemment over payment to foreign companies was set¬ Kurdistan is feuding with the Oil Ministry in Baghdad as it seeks to tled. exploit its considerable energy resources independently. The ministry DNO International sold 44 million of its own shares last year to the deems Kurdish contracts such as the one with DNO illegal. Kurdish Regional Govemment (KRG), which ended up in the hands of privately held Turkish company Genel Energy, in the process of merging While exports from Kurdish fields began this year with backing of the ministry, foreign companies working in Kvurdistan have not yet been paid with Heritage Oil a London-listed oil company active in Kurdistan. for those exports. After the sale became public last month, the KRG suspended DNO's acti¬ There are few signs the central govemment, whose oil marketing agency vities for allegedly tarnishing its reputation, but the firm's local opera¬ tions have since restarted. is actually exporting the Kurdish oil, is going to budge on its refusal to provide Kurdish officials with that money. In the statement, Hawrami said he arranged assistance for the compa¬ "We will only resume export with guaranteed payments," Hawrami nies, whose financial woes he said were due partly due to oil export res¬ trictions imposed by Iraq's central govemment, in order to keep the wrote. region's energy plans on track. The minister also blamed political opponents for trying to exploit the DNO situation, faulted the bank which facilitated the stock deal for fai¬ "The reasons for the help were very clear and sounded. Failure of these ling to provide complete information and heaped criticism on the Iraqi two companies would have meant failure of the KRG's overall policy," he Oil Ministry. Aswat al-lraq I Kurds and Shiites^ though splits would make October 17, 2009 fine bedfellows, say Kurdish writers ARBIL / Aswat al-lraq: Two Kurdish political analysts ruled out the Shiite lack Iraqi consensus. Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council (SIIC)'s backpedaling on the idea of federalism "There are some views within the SIIC that federacy as a project to build a new in central and southern Iraq would have negative impact on its alliances with state Is not ripe on the Shiite street now and that perhaps the adoption of a the Kurdistan leaders. federacy has Impinged upon the SIIC's popularity. On the other hand, the other They agreed that Kurdish alliances with the SIIC and other powers would be Shiite adversary, the Dawa ferty (of Prime Minister Nouri al-Mallkl) fended off determined by their stance on Kurdish demands, noting the Kurds' alliance the Idea and focused Instead on security and service trump cards, let alone Its with the Shiite parties, though split into two separate lists, is still the best calls for setting up a powerful government In Baghdad, which earned It sup¬ option for the stakes on the Sunni powers would not be that high. port by Iraqi Shiites," said Rassoul. "The SIIC, as an organization, is still seeking a federacy and believes in its He added that the provincial councils elections have brought about changes importance for the building of a stable Iraq. Accordingly, the recent statements within the Shiite and Sunni ranks alike, which Impose on the Kurdistan made by SIIC chief Ammar al-Hakim to the media about federacy not being a Alliance, the second largest bloc In the Iraqi parliament, to re-draw the map of priority for them are part of election and political tactics," RIbeen Rassoul told Its alliances accordingly. Aswat al-lraq news agency. "The Sunnis are no longer represented by one single front led by the Iraqi Ammar, the son of late Shiite leader Abdulaziz al-HakIm and who succeeded Islamic F^rty, nor are the Shiite by one alliance a single coalition led by the him as SIIC chief, had said In statements that many of the concepts, slogans SIIC. Based on this, the KA should re-draft its alliances and election strategies and platforms of the council need to be upgraded while others would not be to be In harmony with the new state. The KA should never rely on a friendship accepted by the Iraqi man In the street at present. "It is not part of the SIIC's of one party or coalition. Rather, It should expand Its alliances and stand on agenda at the moment to focus on federacy In central and southern Iraq. This one equal space from all parties," he said. Is a right for the Iraqi people as guaranteed by the constitution and only the Dawa leader Mallkl had announced the formation of the Dawlat al-Qanoon people would decide whether they want this right fulfilled or postponed." coalition, in which more than 40 political parties and movements are partici¬ Rassoul pointed out that the SIIC might not fully back down on Its pro-fede- pating to prepare for the lanuary 1 6, 201 0 parliamentary elections, versus the racy position but it would not concentrate on this for the time being. SllC-led Iraqi National Coalition which comprises the Sadrist Movement, or Iraqis loyal to Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr, the Fadlla (Virtue) F^rty and other "This new attitude by the SIIC was mainly driven by Its decline in the provin¬ political powers. cial councils elections early this year, which prompted it to reconsider some of the general policies and to re-arrange priorities anew based on the notion This should lead to the re-drawIng of alliances with powers outside the Shiite that the people today need to have services and living standards problems house after the expiry of the honeymoon between the Dawa and the SIIC, addressed," Rassoul said. which entered the 2005 general elections together on the United Iraqi Alliance (UIA) list that grabbed the majority of the seats In parliament. He viewed that the council will most probably steer clear of any issues that 30 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti t^^tl Accepter r« autre » de l'Europe 13 Llntégration d'Ankara à TUE correspond à une réalité de plus en plus multiculturelle On s'est rappelé en Turquie, ' ^Ê^^^^miÊÊÊÊ^^Êmm dans un cadre commun. Les avantages le 31 juillet dernier, le cin- _ . , potentiels d'une population jeune, l'at- quantenaire de la relation CeUQlZ Aktar ^'^^ économique d'un marché non saturé formelleavecl'Unioneurb- ' -r^vuctx de 75 millions de consommateurs, les éco- péenne. 11 n'y a pas eu dé ^ [i^ , - - -- nomies d'échelle dans le voisinage immé- célébration, tout juste la Politologue a l' université diat et asiatique, la valeur stratégique de la projection d'un documentaire reUsant le Bahçesehir (Istanbul) seconde armée de l'OTAN, la position géos- passé, le présent et l'avenir de la relation tratégique sur les routes d'énergie, ont, à dans le marc de café. Dans la salle, on a V": " , "" moment ou un autre, compté dans la beaucoup gloussé ^t^tte--. Dans le cadre prise de decision. Or voilà que ce conte de Aucun membre de l'Union n'a attendu ^^^^-2^^" de la Saison de fées s'épuisa en Europe pour laisser la pla- autant que la Turquie, mais aucun n'a F^nceTUnlver- ce au doute, voire au mépris et à l'ignoran- bénéficié autant de la dynamique euro- | Imi1λH11 site de tous les ' ce, provoquant ladésillusion côté Turquie péenne lorsque celle-ci se faisait tangible. VÊm^g}!} savoirs ortrani où l'on s'est de plus en plus senti ostracise. En effet, il y a eu des hauts et des bas dans , ^g^/J seuncvclede C'est que le débat sur l'adhésion turque cette longue relation, d'ailleurs plutôt des ^ ^^^^-^ dix conférences a été victime de ce que l'on appelle la « fati- bas que des hauts. Les moments forts de ce consacrées au gue de l'élargissement », pour finir par se récit dèmi-centenaire sont 1963 où l'on -lèsent et à l'avenir de ce navs du fourvoyer dans un sens où la Turquie est signel'accordd'Ankara-acteorigineltou- OaulSoCtobre à l'université ' traitée comme un fardeau. En particulier jours en vigueur ; 1987 où la Turquie fait paris-Descartek Pour tout rensei- ' ^" ^''^nce où la droite, mue par un oppor- une demande formelle d'adhésion -reje- » voir le site www utis fr ' tunismeélectoraliste scandaleux et fondé tée; 1995 où l'on signe une union douaniè- » ' ...""..:". .."!...... sur l'islamophobie, ne s'est pas embarras- re toujours en force, chaudement ; séed'utiliserledossierturcàsaguise.alter- conseillée à l'époque par Raymond Barre; ,.... nantislamophobieetturcophobieàvolon- 1999 où la candidature turque est réaffir- 1 exception de la Yougoslavie -et a installe ^^ mée à la suite de la chute du Mur et l'arri- les bases d'une paix et d'une prospérité Concrètement, aujourd'hui le souver- véedenouveauxcandidats,décisiondans f durables, vitales pour le continent tout ^^^^^^ ^^ empêche à Bruxelles laquelle le président Chirac a pesé; 2004 entier. Qui se le rappelle aujourd hui dans : l'ouverture des négociations de chapitres où la Turquie satisfait suffisamment au la cacophonie européenne ? réputés en rapport direct avec l'adhésion critère politique et passe à la dernière éta- En 1999 la Turquie a été conviée à ce pleine et entière de la Turquie à l'Union, pe de l'adhésion, les négociations, qui grand projet, et elle a su s'en servir remar- [ en contradiction totale avec les actes débutent en 2005. quablement pour se réformer et se traris- signés par ses prédécesseurs et les règles former. Le désir de changement des Turcs établies des relations internationales, yy Aucun membre propulsé par le vent d'Ouest a, malgré tou- _ Mais il y a plus. Exacerbé par la perspec- W de l'Union n'a attendu tes les adversités, métamorphosé le pays tive de l'adhésion turque, le débat euro- de fond en comble. Dix ans après, la Tur- péen d'aujourd'hui porte sur l'identité et autant que la Turquie » quie estaujourd'hui un autre pays. , les frontières de l'Europe. Bien que légiti- L'Uhion avait vu juste lorsqu'elle avait mes, ces interrogations sont mues parl'an- pris la décision de composer avec elle. xiété et ont du mal à saisir le réel, Exacer- A l'ouest du continent régnait un esprit Après l'autre Europe, accepter !'« autre» bées par la crise économique, elles inci- fort de SQlidarité et de partenariat avec de l'Europe signifiait un défi immense tentàsemurerdanscettesupposéeidenti- l'Est, doiit le point culminant a été atteint dont la portée dépasserait les protagonis- té et ces frontières qui, pourtant, ne corres- à Laeken, ce bourg de Bruxelles, en décem¬ tes pour avoir une portée universelle. pondent pas à la réalité d'une Europe déjà bre 2001. Les Occidentaux ayant généreu¬ I Accepter de composer avec la figure sécu- foiicièrement multiculturelle. Or cette sement pris en charge l'autre Europe laire de l'altérité, héritière d'un Empire perspective positive et constructive se depuis le fait accompli de 1989, ils se sont ottoman porte-flambeau de l'islam trouve également dans le partenariat avec résolus à couronner la résurrection du conquérant, demande en effet un courage la Turquie. Le débat sur l'arrivée d'un par- continent en lançant les travaux d'une politique et une solide vision de l'Europe. tenaire de type nouveau dans la famille Constitution européenne. On connaît là Convier la Turquie à l'Union était une européenne est à peine amorcé, sa pour- suite. politique rationnelle qui se basait sur les suite en toute honnêteté est dans l'intérêt Le traité constitutionnel a avorté après intérêts réciproques et communs. Aider de tous, même si beaucoup feignent de les référendums français et hollandais, ce pays à jeterles bases d'une stabilité poli- l'ignorer. l'esprit de solidarité qui régnait sur le tique et économique allait contribuer à la continent s'est essoufflé pour faire place paix et à la stabilité du continent, comme aux petits calculs blasés, malgré les succès pour les pays d'Europe centrale. pourtant avérés du projet « Europe ». Ancrée à l'Europe et membre de Le coût de l'élargissement, par exem¬ l'Union, la Turquie pouvait devenir un ple, que l'on s'est plu à exagérer à plaisir pôle d'attraction pour les pays du sud de la fut le vingtième de ce que le plan Marshall Méditerranée, du Moyen-Orient et du Cau¬ avait déversé sur l'Europe occidentale. Ses case, et y exporter sa stabilité. Des ques¬ bénéfices, en revanche, n'avaient pas de tions en suspens comme la situation à prix. C'est grâce à des sommes modiques Chypre, les disputes avec la Grèce, la ques¬ que l'Europe a su éviter l'embrasement tion kurde, la migration clandestine, etc., généralisé dans l'ère postcommuniste -à pouvaient être résolues plus aisément 31 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti LE KURDISTAN CESSE D'EXPORTER SON PÉTROLE EN RAISON D'UN CONFLIT AVEC BAGDAD ERBIL (Irak), 14 octobre 2009 (AFP) LA RÉGION AUTONOME du Kurdistan Irakien a cessé d'exporter son pétrole en raison d'un conflit avec le gouvemement central sur le paie¬ ment des compagnies étrangères qui exploitent les gisements, a annoncé mercredi à l'AFP le ministre kurde des Ressources naturelles. "L'exportation du pétrole provenant des champs situés au Kurdistan a été stoppée jusqu'à ce qu'un accord soit trouvé avec le ministère irakien du Pétrole sur la manière de payer les compagnies qui travaillent dans notre région", a déclaré Ashti Hawrami. "Il est indispensable de trouver un moyen de les payer", a-t-il ajouté. Le Kurdistan irakien avait commencé le 1er juin à exporter du pétrole pour la première fois de son histoire, dans un climat d'hostilité avec Bagdad qui nie à Depuis, ni DNO ni Genel n'ont été payées par le gouvernement irakien. sa province du nord le droit de signer des contrats sans son aval. "Nous devons connaître les détails des contrats et le montant qui est versé à Avec l'entrée en exploitation de deux champs pétroliers, 90.000 barils étaient ces compagnies", avait affirmé mardi le ministre irakien du Pétrole, Hussein acheminés quotidiennement vers l'oléoduc reliant Kirkouk au port turc de Chahristani, lors d'une conférence de presse. Ceyhan. "La responsabilité du gouvernement central est d'exporter le pétrole irakien Dans une lettre publiée le 9 octobre sur le site du gouvemement du Kurdistan, par l'oléoduc national vers Ceyhan et de reverser les revenus au budget de M. Hawrami indiquait qu'en 2008, les compagnies norvégienne DNO et turque l'Etat", a souligné mercredi à l'AFP le porte-parole du ministère, Assam Jihad. Genel avaient investi chacune 500 millions de dollars. La première exploitait Pour sa part, un haut responsable de ce ministère a été encore plus clair: "Le le gisement de Tawke, près de Dohouk, avec une capacité d'exportation de gouvemement irakien n'a signé aucun contrat avec ces compagnies et n'a 50.000 barils par jour (bj) et la seconde celui de Tak Tak, avec 40.000 bj. pas vu le détail des contrats signés par la région du Kurdistan. La règle veut Mais Bagdad a refusé de reconnaître les contrats pétroliers conclus par le que les revenus pétroliers soient versés au budget de l'Etat qui reverse Kurdistan avec des sociétés étrangères et veut des contrats de service, rému¬ ensuite 17% à cette région". nérant les compagnies pétrolières au baril extrait plutôt que par un partage L'Irak produit 2,4 millions de barils/jour dont 2 millions vont à l'exportation. des bénéfices tirés de l'exploitation des ressources. IRAK: LES TENSIONS ENTRE ARABES ET KURDES FACTEUR PRINCIPAL D'INSTABILITÉ (ARMÉE AMÉRICAINE) BAGDAD, 12 octobre 2009 (AFP) Selon le général Lanza, tout an'angement devrait être accepté par le Premier ministre irakien Nouri al-Maliki et le président kurde Massoud Barzani, ne pas violer l'accord de sécurité signé en fin d'année dernière entre Washington et LES TENSIONS entre communautés arabe et kurde dans les territoires Bagdad, et assurer que l'engagement des troupes américaines ne serait que du nord et de l'est de l'Irak sont le facteur principal d'instabilité dans le temporaire. pays, a jugé lundi un haut responsable militaire américain à Bagdad. Le gouvernement kurde, qui contrôle trois provinces (Erbil, Souleimaniyeh et Dohouk), réclame aussi la province riche en pétrole de Kirkouk ainsi que les Par ailleurs, les influences "malignes" de la Syrie et de l'Iran sont sur le déclin parties majoritairement kurdes des provinces de Ninive et Diyala, ce que mais sont toujours une source d'inquiétude, a ajouté le général Steve Lanza, Bagdad refuse. porte-parole des forces américaines en Irak, lors d'une conférence de presse. Concernant les interventions étrangères en Irak, le porte-parole militaire à "Nous considérons les tensions arabo-kurdes comme le facteur numéro 1 de fustigé "l'influence maligne de certains (...) qui veulent briser ce pays et (...) l'instabilité en Irak", a déclaré le général Lanza. ne veulent pas que les élections (législatives de janvier 2010) se passent de manière crédible et légitime". "Nous travaillons très dur pour aider à réduire les tensions dans le nord" du pays, a-t-il ajouté, soulignant qu'un comité composé de hauts responsables "Que des combattants étrangers entrent en Irak depuis la Syrie n'est pas un militaires américains, des représentants du gouvemement autonome kurde à secret", a-t-il dit. Mais leur nombre a baissé de façon spectaculaire". Erbil ainsi que le gouvernement central irakien étaient réunis pour discuter "Il y a une influence maligne de l'Iran, par l'argent, l'entraînement, l'aide ou d'initiatives visant à faire renaître la confiance. les systèmes d'armement qui sont entrés dans le pays", a-t-il expliqué. Aucune mesure concrète n'a encore été décidée mais en août, le général Ray Dans la province de Missane (sud), nous trouvons encore de caches de sys¬ Odiemo, commandant des troupes américaines en Irak, avait émis l'idée tèmes d'armement, dont certains viennent d'Iran, selon le général Lanza. d'une coopération des ses militaires avec les forces irakiennes et kurdes Mais, a-t-il souligné, "je dirais que ces deux choses ont connu une baisse". dans les territoires disputés du nord. Selon le militaire, Al-Qaïda "a une ouverture (dans ces régions) pour conduire des opérations, attaquer des cibles vulnérables et poursuivre ses tentatives d'implantation". Une coopération permettrait aux peshmerga (combattants kurdes) et à l'ar¬ mée irakienne "de refermer ces ouvertures où Al-Qaïda a une liberté de mou¬ vement", a-t-il souligné. 32 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti IMWÊGêkWfï 16 octobre 2009 avec leurs voisins, en particulier Tensions arabo-kurdes en Irak: la Turquie, avec laquelle les Kurdes d'Irak coopèrent désor¬ Washington lance un SOS mais. Et ce contre leurs frères kurdes du PKK, réfugiés dans Par Georges Malbrunot kienne. Mais en face, les solides leurs montagnes. peshmergas campent sur leur A Bagdad, Nouri al-Maliki Les tensions entre les commu¬ refus de céder du terrain. Les entretient de très mauvais rap¬ nautés arabes et kurdes dans Américains avaient proposé une ports avec le président de la coopération de leurs militaires le nord et l'est de l'Irak sont le région autonome kurde, principal facteur d'instabilité avec les forces irakiennes et Massoud Barzani. Mais il a dans le pays. C'est l'avertisse¬ kurdes, mais en vain, là encore. besoin des députés kurdes, s'il ment que vient de lancer un haut Conséquence du statu quo : veut se succéder à lui-même responsable militaire américain la situation continue de pourrir comme chef de cabinet, à l'is¬ à Bagdad le général Steve sur le terrain. A Kirkouk, la cité sue des élections législatives de pétrolière arabisée par Lanza. voisins arabes protestent janvier. Face aux Kurdes, la Après la menace terroriste Saddam Hussein revendiquée aujourd'hui. marge de manfuvre de Maliki représentée par Al Qaida en aujourd'hui par les Kurdes. Près A l'époque, les Kurdes est donc réduite. 2006-2007, après le conflit de Mossoul, où les peshmergas étaient avec les chiites - mais à « Nous travaillons très dur interchiite de 2008, ces tensions sont également déployés. Tout un degré moindre - les princi¬ pour aider à apaiser les tensions représentent la « troisième comme plus au sud vers paux alliés des Américains. Ce dans le nord », poursuit le gai Khanaqin, non loin de la fron¬ phase de la crise » que vit sont eux qui ont par exemple Lanza. Un comité composé de l'Irak depuis le renversement du tière iranienne. Autant de foyers rédigé, avec le pro consul amé¬ hauts responsables militaires régime de Saddam Hussein en de tensions entre Arabes et ricain, Paul Bremer, la américains, des représentants 2003, souligne im expert fran¬ Kurdes, dont profite localement Constitution fédérale post du gouvemement autonome çais de retour d'Irak. la mouvance terroriste Al Saddam, dont l'Irak a tant de kurde à Erbil ainsi que du gou¬ Ces frictions sont nées de la Qaida. mal à se défaire six ans plus vemement central irakien sont décision américaine autorisant Profitant du parapluie amé¬ tard. réunis pour discuter d'initiati¬ leurs alliés kurdes d'occuper 80 ricain, les Kurdes sont allés loin Comment faire rentrer les ves visant à faire renaître la 000 km2 le long de leurs trois dans leurs exigences autono¬ miliciens kurdes dans leurs trois confiance. Mais plus le temps mistes depuis 2003. Trop loin provinces du nord, dans la fou¬ provinces du nord ? C'est toute passe, plus le fossé se creuse lée de l'invasion de l'Irak en peut-être ? « Ils savent qu'entre la question. Le Premier ministre entre communautés. Bagdad et Erbil, leurs parrains avril 2003. « 80 000 km2, Nouri al Maliki s'y essaie américains choisiront in fine c'est trois fois la superficie de depuis des mois. Il teste ses voi¬ l'Irak », avertit la source. D'où leurs trois provinces », rappelle sins kurdes en envoyant ici ou la révision de leurs relations l'expert. Pas étonnant que leurs là une brigade de l'armée ira avait ajouté le général, soulignant qu'un IRAK: 11 MORTS DANS UN des frères du sergent tué, lui aussi policier, 'ïi^aB ATTENTAT CONTRE UNE avait aussi été grièvement blessé. L'attaque du 9 juillet était la plus meurtrière MOSQUÉE DANS LE NORD TURQUIE depuis le retrait américain des villes irakien¬ MOSSOUL , 16 octobre 2009 (AFP) nes, le 31 juin. L'armée et la police irakien¬ nes assurent désormais la sécurité dans les ONZE FIDÈLES ont péri et plus de 40 ont été blessés vendredi dans un localités alors que les forces américaines, attentat suicide contre une mosquée dans le nord de l'Irak, a-t-on appris de qui font profil bas, se cantonnent désormais source médicale. dans des patrouilles en dehors des agglo¬ mérations. "Nous avons reçu 11 corps jusqu'ici et plus de 40 blessés, et d'autres blessés ont été transportés dans des structures de soins près du lieu de l'attentat", a Selon un rapport récent du groupe de déclaré à l'AFP le Dr Hani Mohammed, de l'hôpital de Tal Afar (380 km au nord réflexion International Crisis Group (ICG), ARABIE SAOuorre de Bagdad) où s'est produit l'attentat. la province de Ninive pourrait être un impor¬ tant foyer de déstabilisation de l'Irak, où les Un premier bilan fourni par la police locale faisait état de huit morts et 25 bles¬ violences ont fortement diminué même si sés. elles sont encore très fréquentes. "Le kamikaze, qui se trouvait dans une mosquée sunnite de Tal Afar, a tiré sur Le nord de la province comprend plusieurs zones que se disputent les commu¬ l'imam durant son prêche avant de se faire exploser parmi les fidèles", a indiqué nautés arabes, turcomanes et kurdes. Les autorités kurdes souhaitent rattacher un responsable policier local. ces zones à leur région autonome, ce que Bagdad refuse. Tal Afar, dans la province de Ninive, est une localité habitée majoritairement par "La violence est plus faible presque partout en Irak par rapport aux années pré¬ des turcomans chiites mais avec une forte minorité sunnite. Le réseau Al-Qaïda cédentes mais à Ninive, le carnage se poursuit", éaivait ICG. y était bien implanté et cette ville a connu de sanglants attentats. "Les groupes d'insurgés restent actifs (...) même s'ils sont fortement diminués", Le 9 juillet, 35 personnes avaient été tuées et plus de 60 blessées dans un dou¬ ajoutait le rapport, précisant que le "conflit qui se poursuit risque d'entraîner d'au¬ ble attentat suicide dans un quartier résidentiel de la ville. tres parties du pays sur une mauvaise pente". "Un kamikaze a visé un sergent de la police, Ali Nouh, dans sa maison du cen¬ Ce nouvel attentat intervient alors que les violences ont baissé de moitié en sep¬ tre de Tal Afar. Il était vêtu d'un unifonne de police quand il a frappé à la porte tembre par rapport à août, avec 203 morts dans le pays, selon des chiffres offi¬ de l'officier. Ali Nouh, sa femme et sa fille ont été tués" dans l'explosion, avait ciels publiés au début du mois. affimié à l'AFP le général Khaled Al-Hamdani, chef de la police dans la province de Ninive. Le bilan de septembre était le plus bas depuis mai, quand 155 personnes avaient été tuées en Irak. "Quand des gens sont venus à l'aide, le deuxième kamikaze s'est fait exploser", 33 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti Bo^^for Bruxelles réclame à la Turquie des progrès sur la liberté d'expression et la justice Dans son rapport annuel sur l'élargissement, la Commission recommande de ne pas alourdir les sanctions à propos de Chypre Bruxelles avions ch5rpriotes. M. Rehn recom¬ ce des chambres régionales d'ap¬ Bureau européen mande néanmoins, contre l'avis pel. La Commission se plaint aussi de Chypre, de ne pas alourdir les des lacunes dans la lutte contre la OUI Rehn, le commissaire sanctions déjà prises en décem¬ corruption. Elle note en revanche européen chargé de l'élar¬ bre 2006, lorsque les Vingt-Sept « certains progrès » dans le domai¬ gissement, fait tout pour avaient décidé de geler l'ouverture ne des droits fondamentaux, mais éviter la suspension des négocia¬ de huit chapitres de négociations elle souligne qu'en dépit des lois tions d'adhésion ouvertes depuis liés à l'Union douanière. «Ajouter interdisant ces pratiques, « les allé¬ quatre ans avec la Turquie. Cela ne de nouvelles sanctions reviendrait gations de torture ou de mauvais l'empêche pas de dresser un état à suspendre defacto un processus traitement et l'impunité des res¬ des liçux en demi-teinte du proces¬ de négociation déjà très laborieux, ponsables restent une source depré¬ sus en cours dans son rapport déclare un haut fonctionnaire occupation ». annuel sur les pays de l'élargisse¬ européen. Personne ne veut de Toujours dans le domaine judi¬ ment, présenté mercredi 14 octo¬ clash surChypre, alors que lespour¬ ciaire, M. Rehn se réjouit des amen¬ bre à Bruxelles. Tout en constatant parlers sur la réunification de l'île dements apportés au code pénal des «progrès», le document note sont en cours.» turc pour limiter les poursuites que « des préoccupations demeu¬ contre des journalistes au nom de rent dans un certain nombre de « Allégations de torture » l'article 301, longtemps dénoncé domaines, comme la liberté d'ex¬ Dans son édition 2009, le rap¬ par rUE. «Des instructions et des pression, la liberté de la presse, la port insiste sur le chantier de la condamnations sont toujoursfon¬ liberté de religion, les droits syndi¬ réforme du système judiciaire dées sur un certain nombre caux, le contrôle civil sur l'armée, turc. La Commission soutient les d'autres articles du code pénal», les droits des femmes et l'égalité efforts entrepris cette année par le regrettent ses services. des sexes». gouvernement de. Recep Tayyip La Commission salue enfin la Les Vingt-Sept espéraient Erdoganafin de réduire la mainmi¬ mise en place d'ime chaîne publi¬ qu'Ankara normalise, d'ici la fin de se des forces laïques et nationalis¬ que diffusée en kurde, mais attend l'année, ses relations avec la Répu¬ tes sur la justice du pays. « Des pré¬ davantage de la part des autorités blique de Chypre, membre de occupations demeurentau sujetde turques au sujet de cette minorité : l'Union européenne (UE) depuis l'indépendance, de l'impartialité et « L'initiative du gouvemement sur 2004, mais que la Turquie refuse de l'efficacité du système judiciai¬ la question kurde devrait mener à de reconnaître. L'exécutif euro¬ re », observe l'exécutif européen. des mesures concrètes garantis¬ péen constate qu'«aucun pro¬ M. Rehn regrette l'absence de pro¬ santaux citoyens turcs des droits et grès » n'a étéfait à ce sujet, les ports grès dans la composition du Haut libertéspleins et entiers, quelle que et aéroports turcs restant,, entre Conseil de la magistrature, un bas¬ soit leurorigine. » autres, fermés aux navires et tion nationaliste, et la mise en pla P. Ri. ScMûnàt conservateurs-, la prison emblénia- le pouvoir s'en prend à M. Karoubi, tique de Kahrizak, où des cas de 15 octobre 2009 son journal, Ettemad-e-Melli a été mort suspecte avaient été dénon¬ fermé il y a quelques semaines et Mehdi Karoubi poursuivi cés, a été fermée et une commission la presse officielle a plusieurs fois d'enquête a finalement examiné réclamé son arrestation. ses accusations. Le mois demier, la Rienne dit que l'action en justice par la justice iranienne commission les a pourtant rejetées contre M. Karoubi ira à son terme, affirmantqu'elles n'étaient pas fon¬ ni quelle serait dans ce cas la senten¬ Le religieux, figuré de proue de la contestation, dées et a menacé de poursuivre en ce, mais ce « nouveau pas » pour a dénoncé le viol et la torture d'opposants arrêtés diffamation ceux qui porteraient réduire au silence une des voix les de telles accusations. plus dérangeantes de la contesta¬ Un dossier, selon l'agence offi¬ tion, discrète mais toujours vive en En Iran, quatre mois après du 12 juin s'est imposé comme le cielle Ima, a été constitué à rencon¬ Iran a été ressenti conmie une tenta- l'élection contestée du prési¬ porte-parole le plus pugnace de la tre de M. Karoubi et transmis au tived'« intimidation» parplusieurs dent Mahmoud Ahmadine¬ critique contre les méthodes de la bureau du procureur révolution¬ commentateurs réformateurs. Au jad, la répression se poursuit à ren¬ pohce. U a été le premier à dénoncer naire Abbas Jafari-Dolatabadi; même titre que la condamnation à contre du mouvement de protesta¬ que des manifestants avaient été «Karoubiest un religieuxet sespro¬ mort (en première instance) de tion. La justice iranienne a engagé torturés. Et parfois aussi violés pos devront être examinéspar une trois manifestants, ces derniers des poursuites contre l'un des prin¬ dans des prisons «secrètes » tenues commission spéciale pour le cler¬ jours. Condamnation qui a suscité cipaux animateurs de la contesta¬ parles services de renseignements gé», a-t-il déclaré, mardi i3octo-. la « vivepréoccupation » de la haut- tion, le dirigeant réformateur liés aux milices bassidji, très acti¬ bre, ajoutant, selon les agences de commissaire de l'ONU pour les Mehdi Karoubi. Ce religieux de ves lors de la répression des mani¬ presse, que «certaines personnes droits de l'homme. Navy Pillay, qui 72 ans, autrefois proche du fonda¬ festations post-électorales. ont également été convoquées en a demandé un «réexamen soi¬ teur de la République islamique, Devant l'insistance de M.Karou- lien avec cette affaire ». gneux de leurs cas en appel ». l'ayatollah Khomeyni, ancien prési¬ bi-et certaines demandes d'explica¬ Marie-Claude Decamps dent du Parlement et candidat mal¬ tion formulées au sein même du intimidation heureux à l'élection présidentielle Parlement, y compris dans les rangs Ce n'est pas la première fois que 34 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti Icralbifelribune. October m, 2009 oil will be pumped for export, and pay¬ ments have to be made," Dr. Hawrami wrote in the letter. "We will only resume exports with guaranteed payments.'' Kurdistan has awarded more than 30 Kurdistan halts oil flow contracts to international oil companies during the past few years over the ob¬ and angers Baghdad jections of Baghdad, which has barred international companies working in enue it can get to pay for a host of press¬ Kurdistan from competing for oil con¬ tracts in the rest of Iraq. BAGHDAD ing needs. The amount of oil involved currently, Kurdistan began signing its own deals BY TIMOTHY WILLIAMS about 100,000 barrels a day, is relatively with foreign oil companies after becom¬ small compared vsrith Iraq's total pro¬ ing impatient with the central govern¬ The semiautonomous Kurdish region duction of 2.4 million barrels a day. But ment's inability to adopt a national oil has reopened a rift with the central gov¬ wdth production from the Kurdish areas law that would regulate the industry. ernment after announcing that it had likely to increase markedly in coming The Iraqi Parliament has still not ap¬ halted all petroleum exports from Kur¬ years, the dispute has taken on added proved an oil law, but earUer this year distan until Baghdad pays the interna¬ Baghdad began seeking oil production importance. tional companies that are pumping oil in Kurdistan's minister of natural re- deals of its own with international the region. companies; soiu-ces, Ashti Hawrami, said in a letter Oil extracted in Kurdistan can be ex¬ dated Oct. 9 and posted on the Kurdish On Tuesday, Oil Minister Hussain al- ported only through Iraqi govenunent govemment's Web site Monday that the Shahristani aimounced that three inter¬ pipelines running to Tlirkey, giving decision to stop exports had been made national oil consortiums had accepted Baghdad a stranglehold on the trans¬ in concert with the two international Iraq's tenns to develop two fields and port of oil produced there. At the same companies now extracting oil there. submitted revised offers. The Associ¬ time, the government needs all the rev "We have jointiy agreed that no free ated Press reported. ., INTERNATIONAI. îîcralb^^Sribunc October le, 2009 Iraq asks Turkey to stop cross-border raids on Kurds Mr. Maliki also told Mr. Erdogan that responsible for the explosions, which BAGHDAD TXirkey should search for a peaceful happened within minutes of one anoth¬ solution through talks among the two er Wednesday at a shopping center, FROM NEWS REPORTS countries and the United States over the near a poUce checkpoint and inside a Iraq asked TXirkey on Thursday to re¬ P.K.K. incursions, Mr. Dabbagh said. parking garage. All were near the spect its sovereignty and stop cross-bor¬ Alsoon the agenda between the prime Husseni and Abbas shrines in Karbala, der military operations agcdnst Kurdish ministers was finding a solution for a about 80 kilometers, or 50 miles, south of rebels, a government spokesman said. water dispute. Iraq has accused Turkey Baghdad. The raids have been a sore spot in of taking too much water from the rivers The blasts struck areas crowded with TXirkish-Iraqi relations, which have and their tributaries that flow into Iraq, people but outside the security cordon been warming since the 2003 U.S.-led in¬ which has been stricken by drought. that surrounds the shrines, said Amal vasion toppled Saddam Hussein. Last month, TXirkey agreed to in¬ al-Dheen al-Hir, governor of Karbala Prime Mmister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki crease water flow to Iraq. Province. Shiite mosques and shrines delivered the message to his T\irkish The talks between the two leaders have been a frequent target of bombers counterpart. Prime Minister Recep come at a time when Iraq is still strug¬ in the sectarian violence that has en¬ Tayyip Erdogan, during a meeting in gling to rebuild, more than six years gulfed Iraq since the U.S. invasion. The Baghdad before the signing of agree¬ after war began, and reconstruction and mayhem has sharply decUned in recent ments enhancing economic ties, said Ali economic improvements have become months, but sectarian killings and ven¬ al-Dabbagh, a spokesman for Mr. Maliki. leading campaign issues with those run¬ dettas remain a problem, along with "Iraq's prime minister reiterated that ning for office. other violent crime. the government will not allow any Despite the drop in violence in Iraq, This week, a draft report by the Iraqi forces to cross Iraqi borders," Mr. Dab- insurgents continue to attack Iraqi se¬ Human Rights Ministry said that from bagh said. curity forces throughout the country. 2004 to 2008 die period of the bloodi¬ The Kurdistan Workers' Party, or est sectarian strife 85,694 people had P.K.K., which is considered a terrorist been killed and 147,000 wounded. Turkey recently intensified its organization by the European Union The ministry's calculation of fatalities offensive eigainst P.K.K. rebels. and United States, has been fighting for was based on the issuance of death cer¬ autonomy from Turkey since 1984 in the tificates and vvould thus be very conser¬ region along the border with Iraq. The On Thursday, a roadside bomb struck vative. The report is the first Iraqi gov¬ group uses strongholds in Iraqi Kur¬ an Iraqi Army patrol in Baghdad, kiUing ernment study on the subject, (ap.iht) distan for cross-border raids. one Iraqi soldier, a police officiad said. Turkey recently intensified its offen¬ The attack came a day after three sive against the P.K.K., while Baghdad homemade bombs exploded without has been Umited in its ability to act warning amid crowds that had stopped against the rebels and has been preoc¬ to gather for evening prayers in the holy cupied with violence elsewhere in Iraq. Shiite city of Karbala, kilhng 6 people Iraq has been trying to step up protec¬ and wounding 45 others, police and gov¬ tion of its borders as it takes control of ernment officials said. the country from U.S. troops. It was not immediately clear who was 35 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Ri'vista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti THE DAILY STAR Critical moments lie ahead in Octoberl2, 2009 Kurdish-Arab relations in Iraq ther, but the two Kurdish blocs undermined by disagreements security forces. Though smaller have agreed to pool their votes over who is eligible to register in scale, the idea resembles the By Michael Knights in the national Parliament. as a resident of the province. US surge deployed to reduce This means that Kurds are Although the United sectarian violence in central likely to win some 50 out of 275 Iraq in 2008. The Kurdistan Regional Nations Assistance Mission in seats, likely forming the largest Government (KRG) Iraq has convened a task force The next year will be a criti¬ single parliamentary bloc. If Parliament elected in July of senior federal and Kurdish cal moment in Iraqi federal- electoral legislation is passed as convened for the first time on leaders, the key external Kurdish relations. Some hard¬ it currently stands, the Kurds August 20, ushering in a new influence on federal-KRG line advocates of an indepen¬ will also probably receive a seat political era in Iraqi issues remains the United dent Kurdish state in northern on the three-member presi¬ Kurdistan. States. The US military pre¬ Iraq believe that the KRG will dency council alongside a While the bloc including sence in Iraq is due to decline eventually be better offwithout Shiite Arab and Sunni Arab the long-dominant Kurdistan during 2010 and largely disap¬ Iraq and will instead form mili¬ representative, allowing them Democratic Party (KDP) and pear either at the beginning of tary and economic ties with to veto legislation or prevent its Patriotic Union of Kurdistan 2011 (if the January 16, 2010 Turkey, providing Ankara with passage unless Parliament (PUK) currently controls a referendum rejects the US-Iraq a stable southern border and an achieves the difficult task of majority of 59 out of 111 seats, security agreement) or by the interlocutor in its struggle with mustering a two-thirds majo¬ the new Gorran ("Change") end of 2011 at the latest. This Kurdish nationalism. rity. Party has 26, and the Services puts Washington under pres¬ Other Kurdish leaders such and Reform bloc (including These factors could make sure to move the political pro¬ as KRG Prime Minister Islamists and socialists) has 13, the Kurds an indispensable ally cess forward, and to prevent Barham Saleh have consis¬ in addition to a few seats won in forming the next Iraqi local clashes between Arabs tently looked to Baghdad as the by smaller parties and 11 set government, particularly if and Kurds in the meantime. KRG's long-term partner. The aside for Turkmen and Arab factions remain divided When Prime Minister new parliamentary balance in Christian minorities. along factional and sectarian Nouri al-Maliki came to the KRG has potentially given Moreover, because Gorran is lines. Washington last July, every US more strength to Kurdish advo¬ led by PUK founder While there is now less risk official he met advised him to cates of a compromise with Nawshirwan Mustafa and drew of an anti-Kurdish theme boost his political efforts to Baghdad. Strong US pressure is its votes mainly from PUK emerging in the coming elec¬ reach an accommodation with pushing toward a federal-KRG areas, the new situation is tions, as well as strong poten¬ the Kurds. When a string of deal. The major Arab factions likely to spur calls for reform tial for a post-electoral compro¬ senior US military leaders visi¬ will probably need a Kurdish and leadership change wdthin mise on federal-KRG revenue- ted the KRG in late summer, political ally to form a nationd the PUK. That would make it a sharing, agreeing on the joint they also strongly urged the govemment. These factors, less reliable partner for the administration of disputed ter¬ Kurdish leadership to take combined, suggest that there KDP, and will increase the like¬ ritories will be more complex. steps to reduce tensions. These may be hope for the beginning lihood of heated debate and The first problem to resolve is twin pressures - the political of an Arab-Kurdish compro¬ multi-party bargaining in provincial elections in Kirkuk, importance of the Kurds within mise in 2010. Parliament. the only govemorate outside Iraq as well as US lobbying - This political change in the the KRG not included in the induced Maliki to make his first Michael Knights is the KRG coincides vrith an impor¬ January 31, 2009 provincial visit to the KRG on August 2, Lafer International Fellow at tant period in relations vrith the elections. Kurdish groups were where he publicly congratula¬ the Washington Institute for federal government in unable to obtain the holding of ted President Massoud Barzani Near East Policy. This com¬ Baghdad, as Iraq prepares for a national census on October on his re-election and made a mentary is reprinted ivith per¬ national elections on January 24, 2009, which was cancelled well-received symbolic speech mission from the Arab Reform 16, 2010. It is not yet clear how due to the political sensitivity at Halabja, the site of 1988 che¬ Bulletin. It can be accessed large a role Kurds will play in of the issue. The KDP and PUK mical weapons attacks that kil¬ online at: www.camegieen- the campaign. It is possible that now want to hold provincial led more than 5,000 Kurdish dowment.org/arb, © 20og, Iraqi political campaigns wdll elections in Kirkuk to coincide civilians. Carnegie Endowment for stress Arab nationalist themes with the January 16, 2010 On August 18, the US mili¬ International Peace. at the expense of the Kurds; or national elections. Turkmen tary commander, General Ray alternatively that various fac¬ and Arab groups in Kirkuk Odiemo, proposed a temporary tions will court Kurds, knowing want a special election law to increase in the presence of US they will need their votes in the be passed that allocates more forces along the federal-KRG new Parliament. seats on the provincial council disputed internal border. This to each ethnic group. Both At present, the scenario of force would form tripartite US- other factions courting Kurds sides appear to recognize that federal-Kurdish security head¬ Kurds now significantly out¬ seems more likely. The KDP quarters along the disputed number other ethnic groups in and PUK vrill contest the natio¬ areas to coordinate security Kirkuk, though polling or nal elections as one list and and reduce the risk of clashes voting in the region would be Gorran v«ll compete as ano between Arab and Kurdish 36 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Ri'vista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti OCTOBER 12, 2009 i^'JÛI^ Càmli] JjiM MIDDLE EAST ONUNE US general blames Arab-Kurd tensions on Iraq unrest Lanza says US is working on reducing tensions between Arabs, Kurds seen as main driver of Iraq unrest. By Prashant Rao - BAGHDAD Tensions between Arabs and Kurds along a tract of disputed ter¬ ritory in northern and eastern Iraq are the top driver of instability in the country, a senior US general said Monday. Brigadier General Steve Lanza, the spokesman for US forces here, added that "malign" influences from Iran and Sjrria are on the decline but remain a concern. "We assess Arab-Kurd tensions as the number one driver of insta¬ bility in Iraq," Lanza told reporters at a press conference in cen¬ tral Baghdad. "We are working very hard to help reduce tensions in northern Iraq," he noted, adding that a committee made up of top US com¬ 'Malign influences from Iran and Syria are on the decline' manders, senior members of the Kurdish government in Arbd, ment of US troops is temporary. and the central government in Baghdad are meeting to discuss confidence-budding initiatives. "We are going through every procedure possible right now to bring those two (Iraqi and Kurdish) armies together for the good of Iraq," He noted that no such initiatives have yet been tabled, but he said. General Ray Odierno, the top US conunander in Iraq, said in August that the US was discussing arrangements that could see On foreign interventions in Iraq, Lanza said that "the malign its troops work alongside Iraqi and Kurdish forces in disputed influence of some ... would indeed Uke to fracture this country and areas of northern Iraq. ... would not Uke the elections to occur in a credible and legitimate manner," referring to nationwide parUamentary elections due in Kurdish leaders have long demanded that their autonomous January. region comprising three provinces be expanded to include histori¬ cally Kurdish-inhabited parts of Nineveh and Diyala as well as all "It is no secret that foreign fighters have come into Iraq from S3n:ia. of Kirkuk. "There is influence from Iran, there is maUgn influence in this Baghdad, however, says the Kurdish region's borders should not country, whether it be in money, whether it be in training, whe¬ extend past Arbd, Sulaimaniyah and Dohuk provinces. ther it be in resources or weapons systems that have come into this country." Lanza said any initiatives will need the approval of Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-MaUM and Kurdish President Massud Barzani, He continued: "I would say in both those both foreign fighters must be in accordance with a Washington-Baghdad security coming in from S3Tia and maUgn influence not only from Iran but agreement signed last year and should ensure that any involve- from other countries we have seen a downturn." THE WALL STREET JOURNâL Big Attacks in Iraq Decrease, Octoberl2, 2009 but Arab-Kurd Tensions Remain By GEVA CHON next year. Gen. Lanza said the U.S. mili¬ more than 90% since June 2007. tary would make an assessment about 30 to But tensions between Arabs and Kurds, BAGHDAD -- While large-scale 60 days after Iraq's elections to determine particularly in disputed areas that are clai¬ attacks in Iraq are decreasing, tensions bet¬ the next steps in the U.S. forces withdra¬ med by both ethnicities, are a major ween Arabs and Kurds remain high and wal. There are currentiy about 120,000 concern for the U.S. military. Iraqi and represent the top driver of instability in the troops in Iraq, but that figure is scheduled Kurdish regional governments, along with country, U.S. miUtary spokesman Brig. to go down to about 50,000 by next American commanders, are looking at Gen. Stephen Lanza said Monday. August. ways to jointiy patrol those areas, where In a news conference. Gen. Lanza also He made his comments a day after at officials fear a security void caused by the said he thinks the Iraqi parliamentary elec¬ least 25 people were killed in western tension can be exploited by al Qaeda-affi- tions scheduled for next January would Anbar province by three car bombs that liated groups and other insurgents. take place on time, despite concems from went off near govenunent buildiags and a Gen. Lanza also said that foreign figh¬ Iraqi politicians that continued wrangling hospital in Ramadi. Gen. Lanza said ove¬ ters are still entering Iraq through Syria. over an elections law could delay the vote. rall, security has improved dramatically in The Iraqi govemment has blamed a series The parUament will meet later this week to the former insurgent stronghold of Anbar, of blasts in Baghdad on al Qaeda, but it consider the elections law, which needs to and he said high-profile attacks have also has blamed members of Saddam be passed by Thursday to give poll organi¬ decreased by 51% so far in 2009, compa¬ Hussein's Baath Party operating in Syria. zers enough time to prepare for the vote. red to the same period in 2008. Iraq and Syria have severed diplomatic ties Those elections are a key barometer for Attacks across Iraq are at their lowest because of Iraq's demand for Syria to hand U.S. officials gauging stability and plan¬ levels since January 2004, while casualties over suspects related to those bombings. ning for a large-scale U.S. troop drawdown among American forces have decreased by 37 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Ri'vista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti STARS^STRIPES OCTOBER 10, 2009 SEEKING CONSENSUS IN IRAQ'S DIVIDED NORTH aimed at easing ethnic tensions In Iraq's sniffed Col. Khamees Sulaiman Raja disputed north. Ahmed, the local Iraqi army comman¬ "The No. 1 threat is the Sunni insur¬ der, himself a Sunni. By Heath Druzin, Stars and Stripes gency," Schmidt said in response to an Khamees' Kurdish counterparts then Iraqi commander's question about the jumped in and the meeting descended COMBAT OUTPOST COBRA, Iraq - most pressing security concern for nor¬ into chaotic bickering, the cross talk Capt. Michael Schmidt stepped on a thern Diyala province. growing so loud and rapid-fire that the cultural land mine during a recent mee¬ "When you say the Sunni Insur¬ interpreter stopped trying to translate. ting with Iraqi military commanders gency, you are associating all Sunnis," The meeting abruptly broke up, and the Arab and Kurdish factions ate lunch separately at the base dining hall. It was a stark reminder of the monu¬ mental task the U.S. faces In trying to mediate what so far has remained an intractable land dispute. Neariy two months after Gen. Ray Odierno, the top commander in Iraq, announced plans to establish trilateral patrols and checkpoints manned by U.S., Arab and Kurdish forces to relieve tension in areas claimed by both Arabs and Kurds, negotiations are moving slowly and communities in the region that would benefit from increased cooperation and trade continue to lan¬ guish. A swath of northern Iraq, including B(WS-«i the oil-rich region surrounding the city of Kirkuk, is claimed by both Kurds and Arabs and both the central government AfSmt and Kurdistan Regional Government have been trying to increase their influence by sending soldiers to the 78 Km area. Several incidents have threatened to turn violent. Odierno's plan for the Sewos rnfcitït'fenSI Cn*i» Ssjup; -StasantSli^ea- trilateral patrols is Intended to keep the i^asoclBtfcn ot tha UntiSd StBtee Ainiy peace and help resolve the long-simme¬ ring land dispute. The region: A primer ^We are all Iraqis' The current dispute betvvern Iraqi Kurds and Arabs is over land and potential oil reve¬ At the heart of the conflict along the nues in the north of the country, particularly in the area of Kirkuk, but the roots of so-called Green Line a boundary that conflict are far deeper. has marked the semiautonomous region Great Britain took- control of what is today Iraq after World War I and the collapse of of Kurdistan since 1991 is who should the Ottoman Empire. qualify as a resident for a long-promised census that is supposed to set the stage Britain Imposed a monarchy on Iraq and defined its borders without taking into for settling the boundary questions once account the politics of the different ethnic and religious groups in the country, inclu¬ and for all. ding the Kurds. During the British occupation, both Shiitcs and Kurds fought for inde But carrying out that census will be pendence. complicated because during the 1970s Inspired by Egypt's Gainai Abdel Nasser, liaqi militaiy officers overthrew the monar¬ and '80s, Saddam Hussein forcibly chy in 1958. Saddam Hussein rose to power, and conducted mass killings and the removed many Kurds and flooded the "Arabization" of the legion. north with Arabs, while many Arabs The Kurds have continually sided with the U.S. in hopes of sclf-govcrnancc. accuse the KRG of sending waves of Kurds into the areas after the U.S. inva¬ Now, security forces from both Baghdad and the Kurdish region are vying for power in sion in 2003. the area. The Iraqi government is not much closer tOvCpinplying with Article 140 which requires a census-'and-a referendumUa?rèsolve Vvhether Kirkuk and other dispu- "What we want to try to do is conti¬ nue to reduce tensions in the disputed ted areas are part of Iraq or the KurdisW^semi-autonomous zohe^ than when the constitution was written m 2005. '"'.^^.^'- '~-''W^-' * :' areas so we don't allow tensions to lead j . --'ïi' .' .^.: to some sort of violence which could Further complicating the difficùlt,task of sôrtm^ô^it ivh^-^^o'rigsSn Jihêsèareas, there really impact the overall stability Inside was an influx of Kurds Into tho^disputed^zpnca^tcr thggbMi^SÏirîvasiorl. Some, were of Iraq," Odierno told reporters eariier reclaiming land forcibly- taken- by Saddam s regime.BuCmaS^Âcabs £laim some- were this month. sent by the three-p'roviree-province Iraqi KurdistarTto inflate Kurcr'^^*'population ' numbers'-* In public, both Arab and Kurd com- 38 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti manders preach togetherness. them," he said. tor." "It is a shame on all of us to mention The people most affected by the ongoing disagreement are residents of nationalities he is Kurd, he is Arab," Waiting for the census said Lt. Col. Ahmad Nuri, a commander the disputed areas, and many say they What most Iraqi officers seem to of Kurdish national police in northern that while both the central and Kurdish agree on is that trilateral military patrols Diyala province, during the meeting at governments claim the land, neither are unlikely to lead to the census, which Cobra. "We are all Iraqis." government offers much in the way of is promised in Article 140 of Iraq's services. Privately, though, both sides ack¬ constitution. nowledge deep divisions, and are skep¬ "The problem here is not safety, it's Under that article, the government tical that trilateral patrols will lead to that people don't know, do we belong to must conduct the census of the disputed progress on resolving the land dispute. Baghdad or the KRG?" said Staff Sgt. Ali areas and then hold a referendum to Hamid, a police officer in the city of A senior Kurdish military officer, who allow residents to decide whether they Khanaqin. "When we go to the Diyala works at a joint command center with want to be under direct control of Iraq's government, they say, "You belong to both Arab and Kurdish forces and is central government or become part of the KRG,' when we go to the KRG they involved in negotiations over trilateral the Kurdish semi-autonomous zone. say, 'You belong to Diyala.'" patrols, blamed Arab abuses of Kurdish Brokering the Kurd-Arab meetings civilians for the tension in disputed Abdullah Muhammad Suleiman, the are commanders such as Lt. Col. Joseph areas. mayor of the mostly Kurdish town of Davidson, who said he is optimistic the Kulajo, says both the Sunni Arab-domi¬ "Most of it comes from the Iraqi sessions will help solve the land dispute nated provincial government and the army," said the Kurdish officer, who but conceded that talks about trilateral Kurdish government ignore his pleas for requested anonymity because of the patrols are still in the eariy stages. clean drinking water and better electri¬ sensitivity of the topic. "Only the "I wish Article 140 would have been city. Kurdish people are coming to us com¬ solved. My job would have been a lot plaining." He turned to a U.S. Army lieutenant, easier. But it's not and that's my mis¬ and said hopefully, "You can talk to the Khamees dismissed Kurdish com¬ sion," he said. "We're trying to say, 'Hey, Diyala province government for us?" plaints about the flood of Arabs who you guys can work together'" came in under Saddam, skewing popu¬ Davidson said his main aim is to lation figures. keep the peace, while being fair to both "We all believe in democracy and if groups. anyone wants to move to Baghdad, "Really I'm maintaining the status Sulaymaniyah or Irbil, we can't prevent quo of security," he said. "I'm a medla- October 19, 2009 S.ÇS Auficles rnnis Disputes over Kirkuk delay new election law would pre-assign the province's 13 seats including the Kurds - would prefer to Liz Sly in Baghdad to Kurdish, Arab and Turkoman candida¬ have a closed list. tes. Another proposal suggests dividing Also, if the 2005 law is adopted, there Kirkuk into regions in such a way as to is a real danger that Arabs and The thorny question of how to organize guarantee representation to Turkomans Turkomans will boycott the poll in voting in the disputed province of and Arabs as well as Kurds. Kirkuk. If the Kurds don't get their way, Kirkuk is threatening to undermine the But in negotiations today, the Kurds they may boycott. integrity of crucial national elections that said they would reject any special arran¬ It's an arcane dispute, and it may yet the U.S. military hopes will pave the way gement for Kirkuk as anti-constitutional get resolved by one of those eleventh- for a mass drawdown of American troops. and instead proposed the formation of a hour compromises that have salvaged The Iraqi parliament today missed a committee to vet voter registration lists Iraq in the past. No one is yet talking second presumed deadline for passing an in all Iraq's provinces ~ something that about delaying the election. election law to regulate the poll, schedu¬ could prove a lengthy exercise. But the dispute over Kirkuk is real led for January, because of the dispute Many legislators suspect delaying tac¬ and extends far beyond the immediate over voting procedures in the oil-rich tics. If no agreement is reached on a new problem of how to organize voting there. province, which is claimed by Kurds, election law in time for the Jan. 16 poll to The question of who should control the Arabs and Turkomans. be organized, the 2005 election law will province remains perhaps the biggest At issue is the question of whether all kick in. That would give all Kurds in unresolved issue hanging over Iraq as the current residents of Kirkuk should be Kirkuk the right to vote ~ and it would U.S. troops prepare to withdraw. Many eligible to vote. In recent years, thou¬ also mean that all Iraqis would vote on legislators are starting to worry that a fai¬ sands of Kurds have moved into the area the basis of a so-called "closed-list" sys¬ lure to compromise on Kirkuk could call ft-om Kurdistan, supposedly to reverse tem instead of the "open list" provided into question the legitimacy of the entire the Arabization policies of Saddam for in the new election law. election. Hussein, who expelled Kurds and settied Under a closed-list system, Iraqis get And as the recent experiences of Iran Arabs there. to vote only for party names. An open list and Afghanistan have demonstrated, a But Arabs and Turkomans say the would allow them to choose individual flawed election can serve as a major trig¬ Kurdish influx has far exceeded the candidates, something it is presumed expulsion of Kurds during the Hussein ger for new instability. That's the last would favor the slate of candidates hea¬ thing the U.S. military needs as it packs era and that special measures needed to ded by Prime Minister Nouri Maliki, who up its gear and prepares to head home. be taken to avoid the Kurds having an is personally popular. Though public opi¬ unfair advantage in îCirkuk. nion and the powerful Shiite clergy favor Various proposals have been mooted, an open list, many of Maliki's rivals - including one suggested by the U.N. that 39 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti Endgame for Iran: No bomb required? RIYADH mood to accept any serious limits on the The United States negotiated directly expansion of their program," said Flynt with Iran and, perhaps more important, Leverett, director of the Iran Project at Analysts suggest Tehran Iran walked away with an implicit ac¬ the New America Foundation. "From ceptance of its right to continue enrich¬ might have goals short their point of view, they already suspen¬ ment on its own soil, which it considers . ded enrichment for almost two years, a matter of national sovereignty. of a weapon in mind from 2003 to 2005, and from tiieir per¬ "They are already where they spective, they got nothing for that, and wanted to be," Abbas Milani, head of BY MICHAEL SLACKMAN they're not going to do that again." Iranian studies at Stanford University, But Mr. Leverett said Iran saw "that said even before the Geneva meeting. Iran says it has no plans to build nuclear by expanding, they've gotten the atten¬ "They are virtually a nuclear state; the weapons. Western nations say they do tion of the international community, and issue of national pride is resolved." not believe Iran and periodically release they have cards to play." Writing in his blog, Informed Com¬ intelligence reports that they say prove And that may have been Iran's ment, Juan Cole, an expert on Iran and it has been working on building a bomb. primary goal from the start. the contemporary Middle East, de¬ For years, that has been the point of Many analysts inside and outside Iran scribed Tehran's goal as "nuclear contention in an intractable internation¬ say that Tehran's objective has been to latency," which he said explained why al dispute. master or at least appear to master the leadership had insisted it was not try¬ But as the United States and its West¬ the process of preparing nuclear fuel, ing to build weapons while also driving ern allies prepare for a second round of hard to master construction of a bomb. direct negotiations with Tehran this "Nuclear latency has all the "Nuclear latency has all the advant¬ month, that may no longer be the cen¬ advantages of actuid possession ages of actual possession of a bomb tral question. The more pertinent point, without any of the unpleasant con¬ Iran experts and regional analysts say, of a bomb without any of the sequences, of the sort North Korea is is that Iran finally may be ready to make unpleasant consequences." suffering,' ' Mr Cole wrote. a deal. When Iran met with Western powers The analysts cite a confluence of in Geneva, it offered what appeared to factors, from Iran's internal political fashioning a warhead and providing the be a compromise. It said that it would al¬ crisis to the change in leadership in means to deliver that warhead, but not low inspectors into a recentiy disclosed Washington, and one overriding point: actually to build a weapon. enrichment facility near the holy city of Iran's leadership may have achieved This is in line with a recent report Qum, and it agreed to send its modestly much of what it set out to accomplish from the International Atomic Energy enriched fuel to Russia to be processed when it stepped up its clandestine nu¬ Agency, which found that Iran had ac¬ further clear program in 1999. quired "sufficient information to be able Tehran also agreed to keep talking, In contentious, high-stakes negoti¬ to design and produce a workable" nu¬ which seemed to contradict President ations, deals are possible when both clear weapon but did not present evi¬ Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's insistence sides have a chance to declare victory, dence that it was trying to produce one. that Iran would deal only with the Inter¬ and that point may have been reached. Iran's supreme leader. Ayatollah Ali national Atomic Energy Agency about "If the Iranian endgame is to keep en¬ Khamenei, issued a fatwa, or religious its nuclear program. richment, and if the United States' end¬ edict, in 2005 banning the production of game is to make sure there are no nucle¬ nuclear weapons. Mono El-Naggar contributed reporting ar weapons in Iran, then it can be a win- Tehran knows that actually deploying from Cairo. win," said Trita Parsi, author of a book a weapon could undermine its regional on Iran and president of the National strength by driving smaller, oil-rich Iranian American Council, an independ¬ neighbors to seek their own nuclear um¬ China to build ties to Iran ent advocacy group in Washington. brella, presumably from the United Prime Minister Wen Jiabao said Thurs¬ "Those who have been criticizing the States. Rather, experts say, Iran's inten¬ day that China intended to strengthen administration for compromising or tion all along was to strengthen its hand its cooperation with Iran as Beijing giving Iran a concession, they are in dealing with the West, to achieve le¬ joined Russia in signaling opposition to wrong. It is not a concession to adjust to gitimacy, security and recognition of its any new U.N. sanctions against Tehran an unchanging reality.' ' regional leadership. Iran's meeting with for its nuclear program. The Associated For Iran, this is not exactiy about the United States and Western powers Press reported from Beijing. compromising which it has shown in Geneva at the beginning of this month China will "enhance mutual under¬ little appetite for as much as cooper¬ brought it within reach of those goals. standing and trust" with Iran, Mr Wen ating. For the West, it is not about win¬ The meeting included the five perma¬ said, according to the official Xinhua ning concessions but about developing nent members of the U.N. Security News Agency. verifiable assurances that Iran is not Council China, Russia, the United On Wednesday, Prime Minister Vladi¬ producing weapons. States, France and Britain along with mir V. Putin of Russia said talking about "I think the Iranians are simply in no Germany and the European Union. sanctions was "premature." 40 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti -^^ d k.lNTERNATIUNAL^^ ^ 4 OCTOBER 16, 2009 A new role for Turkey protected by riot police. The potent Armenian- them. No country's diplomats are as welcome Stephen Kinzer American lobby also rallied against the accord. in both Tehran and Jerusalem, Moscow and If President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran Tblisi, Damascus and Cairo. As a Mushm coun¬ proposed that impartial historians examine try intimately famiUar with the region around the question of whether the Holocaust actually it, TXirkey can go places, engage partners, and make deals that the United States cannot. Reaching last weekend's diplomatic break¬ happened, most Jews would presumably ac¬ This new TXirkish role holds tantalizing po¬ through between TXirkey and Armenia was not cept happily. The failed rebeUion by Armeni¬ tential. Before TXirkey can play it fully, though, easy. It took six weeks of secret talks in ans in the diaspora suggests that some are it must put its own house in order. That is one Switzerland, seven last-minute phone calls trapped by the past; Their cousins back home, reason its leaders were so from Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clin¬ meanwhile, seek a better future. eager to resolve their coun¬ ton to the two countries' foreign ministers, and "There is no alternative to the establishment Neither Egypt try's dispute with Armenia. a vrtld ride in a Zurich police car, lights flashing of relations with Turkey without any precondi¬ nor Pakistan, TXirkey has one remaining and siren shrieking, for a Turkish diplomat tion,' ' Mr Sarkisian said as the new accord nor Iran have was signed. "It is the dictate of the time.' ' international problem to re¬ carrying a revised draft of the accord. emerged to solve: Cyprus. Then it must This breakthrough could also be said to have Both parliaments must ratify the accord. lead the Is¬ solidify its democracy at taken 16 years, the length of time the TUrkey- There will be disagreements over the lamic world home. That means lifting re¬ Armenia border has been shut, or 94 years, the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave; which Armenia their soci¬ strictions on free speech and time that has passed since Ottoman Turkish occupies but which the rest of the world con¬ eties are too fully respecting minority forces slaughtered hundreds of thousands of siders part of Azerbaijan, Turkey's ally. None¬ rights not just those of Armenians in what is now eastern TUrkey. theless, both countries seem resolved to thaw fragmented. Kurds, whose culture has In the end, pragmatism prevailed over emo¬ this long-frozen conflict. They will probably do been brutalized by decades of repression, but tion. Armenia is a poor, landlocked country whatever necessary to overcome remaining also those of Christians, non-mainstream that desperately needs an outiet to the world. obstacles. TXirkey is a booming regional power, but suf- - The accord will allow trade between the two MusUms, and unbelievers. Under other circumstances, Egypt, Pakistan, fers from its refusal to acknowledge the mas¬ countries to resume. It will also make it easier or Ircm might have emerged to lead the Islamic sacres of 1915. With this accord, each side helps for Armenians to visit magnificent monuments world. Their societies, however, are weak, frag¬ solve the other's problem. The border is to be from their past that lie within modern-day TXir¬ mented, and decomposing. Indonesia is a more reopened and diplomatic relations restored, key. Beyond that, it has far-reaching geopolit¬ promising candidate, but it has no historic tradi¬ giving Armenia a chance to rejoin the world. ical importance. tion of leadership and is far from the center of Questions about what happened in 1915 was For nearly all of its 86 years as a state, Tur¬ Muslim crises. That leaves TXirkey. It is trying to it genocide? wriU be submitted to historians key has kept a low profile in the world. Those seize this role. Making peace with Armenia was for "impartial scientific examination." days are over. Now Turkey is reaching for a an important step. More are likely to come soon. The most bizarre aspect of this process was highly ambitious regional role as a concihator the effort by Armenians in France and the and peacemaker. United States to derail it. Earlier this month in When Turkish officials land in bitterly di¬ STEPHEN KINZER IS the author of "Overthrow: America's Century ofRegime Change From Paris, President Serge Sarkisian of Armenia vided countries like Lebanon or Afghanistan was met by shouts of "TVaitor!" and had to be or Pakistan, every faction is eager to talk to Hawaii to Iraq." îlfralo,és^feC>nbune October it-is, 2009 Attacker hits a mosque in northern Iraq sectarian violence in Iraq in 2006, and said he had arrived late to Friday Pray¬ al-Jobouri. BAGHDAD Also Friday, Ali al-Musawe, an ad¬ violence has continued there even as it ers with his 11-year-old son. "We sat on viser to Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al- has ebbed in much of the rest of Iraq. In the ground on the outer yard of the Maliki, said the authorities in Malaysia Imam was killed first; one of the deadUest attacks since the mosque," he said. "A few minutes later, had arrested a former member of the American invasion, a truck bomb ex¬ we heard what sounded like a loud argu¬ gunfire and bomb leave Iraqi Parliament accused of planning ploded in am^rket there in March 2007, ment inside the mosque^ which was fol- several deadly attacks, including a sui¬ 15 worshipers dead killing 152 people and wounding 347. lo\yed by shooting. I immediately held cide bombing in the Parliament's cafete¬ The mosque, which was attacked Fri¬ ria in 2007. The Iraqi government has day just after noon, was one attended "When the ammo weis BY TIMOTHY WILLIAMS formally requested the extradition of primarily by Sunni Arabs. The prayer lïnishéd, he blew himself up." AND SA'AD AL-IZZi the former Sunni lawmaker, Mo¬ leader, Abdel Satar Hassan, was a mem¬ hammed al-Dayni, Mr. Musawe said. A man stood up during Friday prayers ber of the Iraq Islamic Psu'ty, the coun¬ in a violence-plagued town in northern try's largest Sunni Arab political group. my son to me and then the explosion happened, My son is in a state of shock." Iraq and shot the prayer leader at point- Witnesses said they heard gunshots, 30,000 migrate to U.S. blank range with an assault rifle before and then an explosion followed by a thick At one of the local hospitals where the More than 30,000 Iraqis have moved to spraying the kneeling worshipers cloud of dust and dirt that rose into the wounded were taken, Omran Ahmed, an ambulance driver, said the floor of the the United States under a resettlement around him and detonating a suicide air, adding to the confused scene inside. program that began in 2007, while much belt, killing 15 people, witnesses said. "I \yas sitting in the back rows in the mosque had been littered with the dead smaller numbers have gone to other The attack wounded 100 inside the mosque when one of the worshippers in and wounded. Blood, he said, stained countries, the United Nations refugee Taqwa mosque in Tal Afar, a town in the the front stood up and loudly interrup¬ Korans and the carpet. agency said Friday, The Associated northern province of Nineveh that is ted the imam while he was preaching," Under a pile of bodies near the front of Press reported from Geneva. among several areas contested by vari¬ said Akram Haseeb, who.had shrapnel the mosque, he said, he found the lower The U.N. High Commissioner tor ous ethnic and religious groups in the wounds to his head and chest. "He half of the man suspected of being the suicide bomber, and an unexploded Refugees has recommended to the par¬ north of Iraq. raised his assault rifle and shot the im¬ ticipating countries the names of 82,500 The town, which is about 65 kilome¬ am dead first, and then turned and shot grenade next to the remains. Iraqis who should be moved, but so far ters, or 40 miles, from Iraq's border with the people around him. When the ammo After the bombing, roads in and out of only 33,000 have been able go to their Syria, is made up primarily of Shiite was finished, he blew himself up." Tal Afar were closed as the police new homelands, said an agency spokes¬ Turkmen. It has been the scene of Ameer Issa, who was also struck in searched for accomplices, said the town's police commander. Col. Ibrahim man, Andrej Mahecic. dozens of attacks since the outbreak of the head and chest by flying shrapnel. 41 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti IRAK t^lÇrf DU .15 AU 21 OCTOBRE 2009 Le pél-role ne fail* pas le bonheur La population est peu satisfaite des retombées liées à l'implantation d'entreprises étrangères. Les habitants d'ALMazzagh, au sud de Bagdad, sont les premiers à en témoigner. Infrastructures pétrolières '^ Principaux champs BBC (extraits) pétrolifères Londres == Oléoducs C'est la première compagnie pétrolière étrangère à conclure un accord de pro¬ duction avec l'Etat irakien depuis 2003 [chute du régime de Sad- dairi Hussein] . ironie du sort, elle est originaire d'im pays qui fait de plus en plus figure de grand rival des Etats- Unis : la Chine. Un an après avoir signé un contrat de 3 milliards de dollars [2 milliards d'euros] pour l'exploita¬ tion pendant vingt-trois ans du petit gisement d'Al-Ahdab, dans la pro¬ vince de Wasit, au sud de Bagdad, la China National Petroleimi Corpora¬ tion (CNPC) a déjà trouvé du pétrole. Mais, à Al-Mazzagh, le village voisin, la grogne gagne les habitants. Ds se plai¬ Groupes ethniques et religieux gnent d'avoir été oubliés. (et part dans la population totale) L'accord avec les Chinois montre Arabes chiites (60 %) f/S^^ ^îHk. que l'Irak est prêt à accueillir des Arabes sunnites (20 %) ffdm ^'efs te go/fe groupes pétroliers étrangers. BP, SheU Kurdes sunnites (17 %) '^^ 9BÊM^t ^^^'"' ^^^^'1"^ et de nombreux autres géants occi¬ Zones peu peuplées dentaux se bousculent pour accéder à * l'ers l'Arabie ce que le ministre du Pétrole, Hussein Sources : cartottiëque de l'univeisîté (iu Texas, 0 300 km^ lesquelles sont décidées à saisir une protègent l'une des plates-formes de Si le ministre du Pétrole exhorte chance qui ne s'était pas présentée forage chinoises. "Ils m'ont promis de les habitants à la patience, il prévient depuis des dizaines d'années. Les m'indemniser, explique-t-il. Maisje n'ai qu'il faut tenir compte de leurs inté¬ réserves de l'Irak figurent au troisième toujours rien reçu." L'arrivée des pétro¬ rêts. "Nous demandons aux compagnies rang dans le monde et comprennent liers avait également fait espérer la créa¬ pétrolières de construire les routes, les ponts de nombreux gisements encore inex¬ tion de nombreux emplois. "On croyait et les autres infrastructures prévues par les ploités. Et, comme beaucoup de com¬ que tout le monde trouverait du travail", contrats signés avec l'Etat, defaçon gue la pagnies étrangères sont habituées à se souvient Zahi. Jusqu'à présent, la population locale ait l'impression qu'elles CNPC n'a engagé que quelques vigiles. sont là pour développer la région et pas travailler dans des régions difficiles, Elle assure ne pas pouvoir faire plus seulement pour extraire le pétrole et l'em¬ la situation toujours délicate sur le pour les gens du coin. "Nous sommes porter aiUeurs."Line. nouvelle ruée vers plan sécuritaire ne sera pas de nature désolés, mais ils ne possèdent pas les com¬ l'or noir se prépare peut-être en Irak. à les décourager. pétences nécessaires et ne parlent pas Mais la production va représenter la Les autorités régionales du Kur¬ anglais", justifie un cadre de la CNPC. partie la plus facile de la tâche qui distan irakien ont signé quelques Même si, au village, certains conti¬ attend les Chinois et les nombreux accords séparés avec des pétroliers nuent à dire que les Chinois sont les groupes étrangers qui rêvent de s'y étrangers. Mais le gouvemement central bienvenus, le climat s'est détérioré. Des implanter. Pour le moment, tme seule de Bagdad a jusqu'ici refusé de les actes de sabotage ont été signalés. Par route goudroruiée mène aux maisons reconnaître, et menace d'interdire aux exemple, des lignes électriques des¬ d'Al-Mazzagh. Rares sont les villageois compagnies signataires de participer servant les installations de forage ont à avoir vm emploi stable. L'électricité aux appels d'offres pour d'autres été coupées. Le gouvernement irakien est pratiquement absente et les loge¬ contrats. Toutefois, la plus grosse diffi¬ a renforcé la surveillance du complexe, ments n'ont pas l'eau courante. "La culté viendrait des Irakiens vivant dans et des hélicoptères d'une base améri¬ vie n'a pas changé depuis le départ de les zones productrices, comme les Chi¬ caine des environs survolent parfois le Saddam Hussein", rappelle un homme. nois s'en sont aperçus à leurs dépens. site. Une fois que la production aura Andrew North 42 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti 20 octobre 2009 Sommes-nous en train de perdre la Turquie ? Les choix de la Turquie constituent - remise en cause des grandes orientations l'un des phénomènes les plus pas- , stratégiques : l'ancrage dans l'OTAN sionnants à suivre sur la scène inter- AnalVSG depuis 1952 et la candidature à l'UE. La Tur- nationale. Ils touchent aux grands enjeux -^ quie entend concilier la diversification de du fameux arc de crise qui court du Proche- sa diplomatie avec la préservation des Orient à l'Afghanistan. Ils soulèvent la Natalie Nougayrède alliances. Elle se dit en mesure d'apporter question de l'évolution identitaire d'un service International ^^"** " P'"* " ^ l'Europe. pays soucieux de s'affirmer, à la confluen- -..**?.. ..-. Le débat n'est pas clos. Aux Etats-Unis, ce de l'Europe, de l'Orient, de l'Asie. la question « Sommes-nous en train de La diplomatie turque est active. Elle Parfois surnommée « nëo-bttomane », perdre la Turquie ?» est apparue en 2003, assume une posture de puissance régiona- cette diplomatie- soulève chez certains au moment dés désaccords à propos de la le et ne recule pas devant des gestes suscep- alliés de la Turquie de fortes interroga- guerre d'Irak. Le rééquilibrage de la diplo- tibles de bousculer les paramètres. La Tur- fions. La Turquie se détournerait-elle peu à matie américaine par Barack Obama quie a conclu ce mois-ci un accord ouvrant peu de ses attaches euro-atlantiques ? Cer- devrait recréer des synergies, notamment la voie à une normalisation des relations tains se sont demandés si le phénomène de sur l'Afghanistan. Mais beaucoup doutent avec l'Arménie. l'AKP ne cachait pas des ambitions cachées de convergences sur l'Iran, Ankara s'oppo- de panislamisme. Les contacts avec le sant à un scénario de sanctions. Là TurClUiG entend Hamas, la volonté de ménager l'Iran mal- La Turquie a, de son côté, discrètement .,." ^ J. .ç. . gré ses travaux nucléaires ou encore les demandé le soutien de Washington sur la concilier 1B OiyerSinCâtlOn suggestions de dialogue avec les talibans question chypriote. L'Europe se pose-t-elle de S3 diDlomStie relèveraient, selon cette logique, d'unefilia- la question du danger de « perdre » la Tur- ' ' ij tion idéologique. quie? Ses propres enjeux de voisinage suffi- 3.VeC 13 preservation La Turquie a aussi accéléré son rappro- raient à le justifier. des âlliSnCeS chement avec la Russie, suscitant d'autres Dans la zone mer Noire - Caucase, la Tur- questions. S'agit-il de sceller l'option «eura- quie ne perçoit pas l'UE comme un vérita- - sienne»? Cette relation s'est en grande par- ble interlocuteur. Seule le face-à-face avec La Turquie vient d'évincer Israël d'exer- tie nouée autour des approvisioimements la Russie compte, comme l'a montré l'initia^ cices militaires communs, pour marquer énergétiques et des projets de gazoducs, tive de la « Plateforme pour la coopération sa désapprobation de la guerre de Gaza. Le La Russie fournit 66 % du gaz importé par et la stabilité dans le Caucase », réactivée en premier ministre turc, Recep Tay3npErdo- la Turquie. Le récent rapprochement urgence pendant la guerre de Géorgie en gan, a annoncé qu'il serait prochainement turco-arménien a été facilité par Moscou, août 2008, sans consulter aucun des alliés, reçu par Barack Obama à Washington, et II a mit sous pression l'Azerbaïdjan, pays La Turquie se prépare à devenir un pays qu'auparavant il se rendrait en Iran, rappe- dont Gazprom voudrait contrôler les majeur pour le transit de gaz naturel vers lant ainsi la volonté turque de jouer les réserves énergétiques. l'Europe en provenance de la Russie, de la médiateurs sur les dossiers brûlants. Ayant le sentiment d'être rejetée par Caspienne, d'Irak, et un jour peut-être En avril, le voyage de deux jours du pré- l'Union européenne, du moins par cer- d'Iran. C'est parce que la Turquie a le senti- sident américain en Turquie avait souli- tains de ses dirigeants, qui répètent que ment d'être au c d'une nouvelle géopo- gné l'importance conférée à ce pays, perçu les négociations avec Bruxelles n'ont pas litique qu'il lui est difficile de se contenter comme un appui stratégique et un sjrmbo- vocation à déboucher sur une adhésion, la d'un statut de candidat à l'UE. le fort pour le dialogue recherché avec le Turquie semble chercher des amis sous Selon un récent sondage du German monde musulman. d'autres deux. Marshall Fund, seuls 35 % des Turcs jugent La Turquie veut accroître sa visibilité Les représentants de l'AKP expliquent l'OTAN indispensable à la sécurité du pays sur les grands dossiers, mettant en que le pays ne fait là que s'adapter à de (contre 53 % en 2004). 48 % restent favora- les concepts de «prq/bndeur stratégique» nouvelles circonstances. La fin de la blés à l'entrée dans l'UE (contre 73 % en et de « zéroproblème » avec ses voisins mis guerre froide a élargi les options de la Tur- 2004), mais 65 % sont convaincus que cela au point par Ahmet Davutoglu, le nou- quie. Il est naturel qu'elle utilise des cartes n'arrivera jamais. Deux fois plus de Tiu-cs veau ministre des affaires étrangères. Cet régionales, au sud, à l'est, au nord, le long (43 %) veulent que le pays agisse seul, plu- intellectuel est à l'origine des orientations de nouveaux axes commerciaux. tôt qu'en concertation avec l'UE. prises par les néo-islamistes du parti AKP, Rien de tout cela, insistent les responsa- au pouvoir depuis 2002. blés turcs, n'entraîne une quelconque Courriel: [email protected] 43 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti LE FIGARO 2i octobre 2009 Ankara libère des rebelles kurdes du PKK Le gouvernement turc encourage les combattants à « rentrer dans leur pays ». LAURE MARCHAND ISTANBUL TURQUIE Les autorités mrques ont libé¬ ré, hier, cinq membres du PKK qui s'étaient présentés volontairement à la frontière, narco^irakienne, la veille. Ils restent inculpés d'appartenance à un groupe terroriste, im crime passible d'une peine de prison. Mais cette déci¬ sion de la justice turque apparaît comme le premier résiUtaf concret de « l'ouver¬ ture démocratique » lancée par le gou¬ vernement tvu-c cet été pour mettre un terme au conflit avec la guérilla kurde. Lundi, après avoir quitté la base arrière du PKK dans les monts Qandil, au nord de l'Irak, huit militants se sont rendus au poste-frontière de Silopi. Ils étaient accompagnés par 26 réfugiés kurdes, dont des femmes et des enfants, qui I vivaient dans le camp de Makhmour, également au Ktrrdistan, depuis les années 1990. Les procvueurs turcs dépê¬ chés à la frontière n'avaient placé en gar¬ de à vue que cinq persoimeS sur 34. En envoyant ce «groupe de paix», Mardi après-midi, après la remise en, dénouement était « extrêmement positif selon l'appellation du PKK, et dépêché liberté des rébelles, des milliers de sym¬ et plaisant » et a encouragé tous les par son leader Abdullah Ocalan, l'orga¬ pathisants kurdes ont acclamé le groupe rebelles « à rentrer dans leur pays sans nisation kiude souhaitait tester la volon¬ venu d'Irak, qui a pris place à bord d'un tarder ». Pour déposer les armes, la té du gouvernement de s'engager dans la bus en faisant le signe de la victoire. rébellion kurde réclame notarmnent une résolution du problème kiude. L'ambiance festive n'avait rien à voir amnistie générale, incluant ses chefs avec la dernière opération de ce type : en « Établir la paix » militaires, et la reconnaissance de 1999, la délégation envoyée par le PKK l'identité kurde dans la Constitution Ses émissaires sont porteurs d'une lettre avait été arrêtée, condamnée à une peine turque. « Un accueil positif envers un destinée aux autorités tiu-ques. « Nous de prison et certains de ses membres sont groupe de paix ne suffira pas à faire venons en Turquie pour participer à l'éta¬ toujours derrière les barreaux. redescendre le PKK de la montagne », a blissement d'une base réelle pour la Cette fois-ci, le premier ministre, déclaré Cemil Bayik, un commandant du paix », expliquent-ils dans la missive. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a estimé que ce PKK en Irak.» LE FIGARO 19 octobre 2009 suimite au Baloutchistan survient à la veiUe enrichi pour qu'il soit traité à l'étranger afin d'une rencontre cruciale à Vieime, dans le de servir de combustible pour un réacteur cadre de rAIEA,'déstinée à mettre en de recherche aux applications uniquement l'accord conclu le 1er octobre à Genève civiles . Accepteront-ils de livrer entre l'Iran et la commimauté internationale. tout le minerai enrichi dont ils disposent ? La rapidité avec laquelle Téhéran a accusé Ou bien vont-Us chercher à en conserver, Pierre Rousselin les Etats-Unis d'être à l'origine de l'attaque à en dissimuler et à susciter de nouveaux contre les gardiens de la révolution problèmes pour gagner du temps ? est révélatrice. Ali Laridjani s'est saisi De deux choses l'ime. Ou bien un Iran: l'heure de l'attentat pour dénoncer une preuve mécanisme peut être mis en place poxu' ' de r « animosité » américaine et affirmer : assiu'er une désescalade dans cette affaire. du choix « Obama a dit qu'il tendait la main à l'Iran, Téhéran choisirait de rentrer dans le rang mais, avec cette action, il s'est brûlé tout en sauvant la face afin de pouvoir ' L'attentat qui a causé la mort, la main. » Cette réaction du président concentrer sort énergie siu- le règlement hier, de cinq gardiens du Parlement.iranien trahit la hantise de ses problèrties intérieiu-s. de la révolution confirme créée au sein du régime des mollahs Ou bien, au contraire, la fragilité croissante la dégradation de la situation par la politique d'ouvertiu-e de Washmgton. du régime iranien le conduit à se crisper intérieirre dans la République Comment réagir aux offres de dialogue et à tenter de refaire l'unité en suscitant islamique au moment alors qu'il était si facile de se contenter un réflexe nationaliste. où le dossier du nucléaire de profiter du très large rejet que suscitait Des deux hypothèses, la première n'est pas u-anien retrouve sa place en tête l'Administration de George W. Bush ? la plus probable. 11 faut toutefois espérer des priorités des préoccupations . À Vienne, lés Iraniens vont devoir répondre qu'elle prévaudra. La rencontre de Vienne internationales. à cette question. Ils ont accepté, à Genève, devrait nous fournir une boime indication L'attentat svdcide revendiqué par un groupe de livrer l'uranium qu'ils ont faiblement de l'orientation choisie à Téhéran. 44 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti TURQUIE: MANIFESTATION POUR LES REBELLES REVENUS D'IRAK, ANKARA CRITIQUÉ DIYARBAKIR, 21 cet 2009 (AFP) ENVIRON 100.000 personnes ont accueilli en héros à Diyarbakir (sud-est de la Turquie) les rebelles kurdes revenus d'Irak dans un geste de soutien à une résolution du conflit kurde, tandis que le gouvernement d'Ankara était sous le feu des critiques pour sa gestion de cette affaire. Sous un feu d'artifice, les huit militants du Parti des travailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK, interdit) qui sont arrivés lundi en territoire turc de leur base dans la nfion- tagne irakienne, ont salué la foule dans la principale ville du sud-est, peuplé majoritairennent de Kurdes, a constaté un journaliste de l'AFR Les manifestants brandissaient les enseignes du PKK et des posters de son chef emprisonné à vie en Turquie, Abdullah Ocalan. "Vive la paix", chantaient- ils, dansant aux mélodies des chansons folkloriques. Les huit rebelles, ainsi que 26 "civils" venant d'un camp de réfugiés kurdes de "Combattants du peuple libre, bienvenue dans votre capitale", pouvait-on lire Turquie dans le nord de l'Irak, ont été libérés mardi, une décision judiciaire sur une banderole. d'une mansuétude inhabituelle en Turquie, où la simple expression de sympa¬ Mehmet Serif Gençdag, l'un des rebelles rentrés d'Irak, en uniforme gris-vert et thies pour le PKK peut conduire en prison. pantalon bouffant, est intervenu devant la foule, indiquant qu'ils n'étaient pas Le PKK a dépêché en Turquie ces "groupes de paix", à l'appel d'Ocalan, pour revenus pour demander pardon. Il a affirmé que leur retour avait été planifié par marquer son soutien aux efforts du gouvemement, qui s'apprête à présenter au Ocalan, exhortant le gouvemement à "bien saisir" leur geste de paix. Pariement des réformes améliorant les droits des Kurdes et visant à résoudre D'autres groupes, notamment d'Europe, sont attendus en Turquie dans les pro¬ le conflit kurde, qui a fait quelque 45.000 morts depuis son commencement en chains jours, selon les autorités turques. 1984. A Ankara, le gouvemement turc a fait l'objet mercredi de vives critiques de l'op¬ Balayant les critiques, le Premier ministre Recep Tayyip Erdogan s'est réjoui de position et des milieux nationalistes après la décision prise la veille de mainte¬ l'amvée des rebelles et a dit espérer que "beaucoup plus vont venir". "Nous nir en liberté un groupe de rebelles kurdes . allons Insister sur ce processus (...) et j'ai l'espoir que nous allons le mener à Le principal parti d'opposition, le Parti républicain du peuple (CHP) s'est indi¬ son terme", a-t-il déclaré, cité par l'agence de presse Anatolie. gné de "l'amnistie de fait" offerte selon lui aux huit rebelles. "Nous avons fait ce que nous avions à faire", a pour sa part affirmé Murat "Les politiciens qui ont préparé le terrain à cette initiative commettent une tra¬ Karayilan, le chef militaire du PKK, cité par l'agence Firat News. "Nous allons hison (...) La nation les en tiendra pour responsables", a pour sa part déclaré voir à présent ce que va faire le gouvernement (...) Avant tout, les opérations Hamit Kôse, président d'une association de familles de soldats tués par le PKK. (militaires) doivent cesser et un dialogue doit commencer." IRAK : LE PARLEMENT ECHOUE A SE METTRE D'ACCORD SUR UNE LOI ÉLECTORALE BAGDAD cet. 2009 - De Ammar KARIM (AFP) Le président LE PARLEMENT IRAKIEN a échoué mercredi à trouver un accord sur une du Parlement nouvelle loi électorale, rendant problématique la tenue d'élections généra¬ irakien, lyad les à la mi-janvier, étape cruciale au moment où les forces américaines al-Samarrai, le s'apprêtent à se retirer. 17 octobre 2009 à Bagdad A Washington, la sous-secrétaire à la Défense Michèle Flournoy a ainsi fait valoir devant le Congrès que les incertitudes électorales pourraient avoir des "consé¬ quences" sur le retrait américain. Si le scrutin est reporté, l'armée américaine devra se coordonner avec Bagdad pour "s'organiser sur la façon de sécuriser les élections (...) et cela pourrait bien avoir des conséquences", a-t-elle dit devant la commission des Services armés sieurs reprises qu'il lui fallait 90 jours pour préparer ce scrutin décisif. de la Chambre des représentants. Les Kurdes exigent d'être majoritaires dans cette province de 900.000 habitants, Mais, a-t-elle ajouté, "notre idée est de s'en tenir à la date actuelle". qu'ils veulent annexer à leur région autonome, alors que les Arabes et turcomans Auparavant, à Bagdad, le président du Parlement, lyad al-Samarraï, avait accusent ces derniers de s'y installer en masse pour modifier l'équilibre démo¬ annoncé à la presse que "les groupes politiques" n'étaient "pas arrivés à un graphique. accord sur la question de Kirkouk". "Cette question est devenue encore plus "Je fais porter la responsabilité (de cet échec) aux députés qui ne cessent d'af¬ compliquée malgré les négociations et les médiations", avait-t-il noté. ficher leurs points de vue devant les médias, a pour sa part déclaré M. Samarraï. M. Samarraï avait ajouté avoir "transmis la loi électorale au Conseil politique de Tout ceci a conduit (...) à l'impossibilité d'arriver à un accord." sécurité nationale pour qu'il prenne une décision d'ici dimanche". "S'il y arrive, le La question de Kirkouk avait déjà conduit au report des élections provinciales Parlement se réunira lundi pour voter la nouvelle loi". dans ce gouvernorat en janvier demier. Le Conseil politique, organe consultatif, rassemble le Conseil présidentiel, le Premier ministre, les deux vice-Premiers ministres et les chefs des principales Les partisans du chef radical chiite Moqtada Sadr ont annoncé qu'ils boycotte¬ formations politiques du pays. raient le Conseil politique. "La décision doit être prise au Pariement car c'est la seule instance élue et transférer le dossier à une autre instance va retarder Les élections sont prévues le 16 janvier et la Commission électorale a dit à plu- encore l'adoption de la loi", a expliqué le porte-parole du mouvement, Salah al- 45 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Ri'vista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti Obeidi. tion de la loi électorale". "Le Pariement démontre son incapacité à légiférer et, en transmettant le dossier Le président Barack Obama avait appelé mardi au vote rapide de la loi électo¬ au Conseil politique, la présidence a planté le dernier clou au cercueil du rale par le Pariement pour que les législatives puissent se tenir en janvier Pariement", a affimné Haïdar al-Abadi, député du Dawa, proche du Premier comme prévu, après avoir reçu Nouri Al-Maliki à la Maison Blanche. ministre Nouri Al-Maliki. Mercredi, dans un communiqué transmis avant la décision du Pariement, l'en¬ "C'est une honte d'avoir envoyé le texte au Conseil politique car c'est à nous de voyé spécial du secrétaire général de l'ONU en Irak, Ad Meikert, avait de son légiférer", a commenté le sunnite indépendant Hatchem al-Hassani. côté souligné que le temps devenait "critique". "Tout report dans l'adoption de la loi risque d'affecter la crédibilité du processus électoral", avait-il Le président de la commission électorale Faraj al-Haïdari a lui jugé que son ins¬ noté. tance se trouvait "dans une situation critique à cause du retard pris dans l'adop LES REFORMES EN FAVEUR DES KURDES DEPENDENT DE LA REDDITION DES REBELLES (ERDOGAN) ANKARA, 23 cet 2009 (AFP) que le gouvemement s'apprête à présenter au Pariement pour améliorer les droits des Kurdes et faciliter une résolution du conflit Les plans du gouvemement turc en faveur d'une amélioration des droits qui a fait 45.000 morts depuis 1984. de la minorité kurde risquent d'être bloqués si les rebelles kurdes ne s'en¬ "Cela pourrait affecter négativement le pro¬ gagent pas fermement sur la voie de la reddition, a affirmé le Premier cessus (...) Ce n'est pas ce que nous vou¬ ministre Recep Tayyip Erdogan, cité vendredi par la presse. lons, mais cela pourrait nous ramener à la L'avertissement intervient alors que le gouvernement est vivement critiqué pour case départ, a-t-il déclaré, soulignant que son attitude jugée laxiste à l'égard d'un groupe de rebelles, rentrés lundi de le processus ne pourrait continuer dans de bases irakiennes du Parti des travailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK), en geste de sou¬ bonnes conditions que si les rebelles dépo¬ tien au plan de réformes pro-kurdes. saient les armes et se rendaient. Laissés en liberté après une série d'interrogatoires, les huit rebelles, accompa¬ "Nous attendons qu'elles (les redditions) continuent. Si ce n'est pas le cas, n'y gnés de 26 "civils" venant d'un camp de réfugiés kurdes de Turquie en Irak, ont a rien que nous puissions faire", a-t-il affirmé. été accueillis dans la liesse par des dizaines de milliers de Kurdes scandant des Le PKK, qui ne parle pas de "reddition" mais de "groupes de paix" dépêchés en slogans pro-PKK, organisation considérée comme terroriste par Ankara. gage de bonne volonté, a annoncé l'arrivée prochaine d'un nouveau groupe, en Dans des commentaires publiés par plusieurs joumaux, M. Erdogan a prévenu provenance d'Europe. que le malaise créé par cet accueil pourrait mettre à mal les projets de réforme IRAK: L'AMBASSADRICE AMERICAINE A L'ONU AU KURDISTAN POUR DISCUTER DES ÉLECTIONS ERBIL (Irak), 24 cet 2009 (AFP) L'ambassadrice américaine à l'ONU, Susan Rice, s'est rendue samedi au Kurdistan irakien pour s'entretenir avec le président de la région autonome Massoud Barzani notamment des élections, a-t-on indiqué de source officielle. "Aussitôt après son arrivée à Erbil, elle s'est entretenue avec M. Barzani des questions politiques, des prochaines élections (législatives) et des relations entre le gouvernement régional du Kurdistan et les Etats-unis", a indiqué à la presse un responsable des média au gouvernement kurde. Le Parlement irakien a échoué mercredi à trouver un accord sur une nouvelle loi électorale, rendant problématique la tenue d'élections générales à la mi-janvier, étape cruciale au moment où les forces américaines s'apprêtent à se retirer du pays. Samedi matin, Mme Rice avait rencontré à Bagdad le chef la diplomatie ira¬ A Washington, la sous-secrétaire à la Défense Michèle Flournoy a ainsi fait valoir kienne Hoshyar Zebari et avait visité le siège du ministère qui a été ravagé par devant le Congrès que les incertitudes électorales pourraient avoir des "consé¬ un attentat au camion piégé le 19 août. quences" sur le retrait américain. L'Irak a exigé une commission d'enquête internationale pour déterminer les cer¬ La question la plus ardue demeure la région disputée de Kirkouk. Les Kurdes veaux de cet attentat qui se trouvent, selon lui, en Syrie. affirment être majoritaires dans cette province de 900.000 habitants, qu'ils veu¬ Vendredi, Mme Rice avait discuté à Bagdad des moyens permettant à l'Irak de lent annexer à leur région autonome, alors que les Arabes et Turcomans accu¬ sortir des sanctions imposées par les Nations unies à la suite de l'invasion du sent ces derniers de s'y installer en masse pour modifier l'équilibre démographi¬ Koweït par les troupes de l'ancien président irakien Saddam Hussein en 1990. que. "Le Premier ministre Nouri al-Maliki a insisté sur la nécessité pour le comité de Jeudi soir, les dirigeant kurdes avaient rejeté tout régime spécial pour cette suivi irako-américain de mener les actions nécessaires pour faire sortir l'Irak du région. "Nous refusons l'adoption d'une loi électorale spéciale pour Kirkouk nous Chapitre VII (...) et l'ambassadrice américaine à l'ONU, a renouvelé lors de sa n'acceptons pas une distribution des sièges selon un quota décidé à l'avance", première visite à Bagdad, l'engagement des Etats-Unis de permettre à l'Irak de avait alfinné M. Barzani. sortir de ce Chapitre", a indiqué un communiqué du bureau de M. Maliki "Les élections à Kirkouk doivent avoir lieu en même temps que le reste du pays Lundi, après avoir reçu le chef du gouvemement irakien à Washington, la secré¬ et nous refusons la création dans ce gouvernorat de circonscriptions électorales taire d'Etat Hillary Clinton avait indiqué que les Etats-Unis et l'Irak avaient l'inten¬ sur une base ethnique", avait-il ajouté. tion d'établir un comité commun "afin de discuter des problèmes relatifs au cha¬ pitre VII". 46 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti 23 octobre 2009 Accueillis en héros, des rebelles kurdes du PKK rentrent en Turquie dans Tespoir de négociations avec Ankara Le gouvemement turc a supervisé l'opération du « retour à la maison » de Kurdes exilés dans le nord de l'Irak. Une étape dans le processus qui vise à mettre fin à vingt-cinq ans de conflit Des rebelles kurdes à leur retour dans le Sud-Est turc, lé 21 octobre - ici à Diyarbaltir-, au lendemain de leur reddition, ap Istanbul de légal, les attendaient au point « retour à la maison » de ces com¬ me Abdullah Demirbas, le maire Correspondance de passage. Après avoir été briève¬ battants et réfugiés, exilés depuis de l'arrondissement central de ment interrogés par la justice tur¬ plus de dix ans, a été salué comme Diyarbakir, dont le fils, âgé de Depuis qu'à la fin juillet, le que, les rebelles ont été laissés en un pas «positif» par Recep Tayyip 17 ans, a rejoint le maquis du PKK. gouvernement de Recep liberté. Et depuis deux jours, ils Erdogan, dont le gouvemement a «Nous avons montré notre déter¬ Ta5^p Erdogan s'est enga¬ sont fêtés en héros sur leur par¬ supervisé l'opération. La man mination àfairelapaix. L'Etat doit gé à trouver une solution politi¬ cours par des dizaines de milliers vre a été rendue possible par une maintenantautoriserceux qui des¬ que au « problème kurde », les évé¬ de supporters accourus de toute la concertation, depuis plusieurs cendent de la montagne à rejoin¬ nements semblent se précipiter. région. «Bienvenue aux ambassa¬ mois, entre les institutions étati¬ dre la vie politique. Ilfaut égale¬ Pour la première fois en vingt- deurs de la paix, le Kurdistan est ques et les différentes composan¬ ment modifier la Constitution», cinq ans de conflit entre l'Etat turc fier de vous », scandaient les mani¬ tes du PKK, mais aussi avec le prési¬ ajoute l'élu du DTP. Dans la monta¬ et la rébellion du Parti des tra; festants, alors que les membres du dent de la région kurde d'Irak, Mas¬ gne de Qandil, un porte-parole du vailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK), un PKK faisaient le V de la victoire. A soud Barzani. PKK se satisfait lui aussi de la réus¬ groupe de 34 membres ou proches Le ministre turc de l'intérieur, site de cette démonstration média¬ des groupes combattant a été auto¬ Seize militants BesirAtalay, a déclaré que lé mouve¬ tique, mais « i7 nefautpas s'atten¬ risé à rentrer en Turquie, lundi ment de reddition se poursuivrait dre à ce que des centaines de gens 19 octobre, relançant l'espoir de réfugiés en Europe dans les prochains jours et qu'il descendent», avertit-il. trouver une issue au conflit qui sont aussi attendus espérait voir revenir au moins 100 Le gouvernement de M. Erdo¬ sévit depuis 1984 dans le sud-est à 150 Kurdes du camp de Makh¬ gan est désormais attendu au tour¬ du pays. Le «groupe de la paix», à l'aéroport d'Istanbul mour, en Irak : ce dernier abrite nant. « Il est grand temps d'annon¬ envoyé par le PKK pour apporter 12000 personnes chassées de leur cer ce que contient concrètement son soutien à la politique « d'ouver¬ leur arrivée, mercredi, à Diyarba¬ village par l'armée turque dans les l'ouverture démocratique », souli¬ ture démocratique » du gouverne¬ kir, près de 100000 personnes armées 1990. Un groupe de 16 mili¬ gne l'avocat kurde SezginTanriku- ment turc, rassemblait huit com¬ célébraient leur libération. Les tants réfugiés en Europe est aussi lu. Le détail des réformes doit être battants désarmés des monts Qan¬ chants à la gloire de la guérilla et attendu à l'aéroport d'Istanbul. présenté au Parlement : les noms dil, la base arrière située dans le les feux d'artifice se sont prolon¬ En ouvrant la voie à un retour «turquifiés» des villes kurdes nord de l'Irak, et des familles du gés toute la nuit. des rebelles et à une amnistie, la pourraient être abandonnés, la dif¬ camp de réfugiés de Makhmour. En 1999, après l'arrestation du Turquie a répondu à la main ten¬ fusion d'émissions en langue kur¬ A peine franchie la frontière leader du PKK, Abdullah Ocalan, due par le PKK d'Abdullah Ocalan, de libéralisée... M. Atalay a aussi turco-irakienne à Silopi, le convoi une délégation similaire avait été qui avait annoncé la pubhcation annoncé que l'administration se de 4 X 4 a été accueilli dans la liesse. envoyée à la frontière turque pour d'une feuille de route pour la paix, préparait à mettre fin à l'isole¬ Plus de 50000 Kurdes, et les res¬ négocier avec l'Etat, mais tous ses au milieu de l'été. «Ce retour, c'est ment total d'AbduUah Ocalan sur ponsables du parti pour une socié¬ membres avaient été immédiate- l'avancée la plus importante, mais son île prison d'imrali. té démocratique (DTP), le parti kur rrient emprisonnés. Cette fois, le ilfaut aue cela se poursuive », esti Guillaume Perrier 47 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Ri'oista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti RudawjNet Kurdish president rules out operations against PKK OCTOBER 15, 2009 Barzani said there should come an end to Erbil - The president of the Regional armed environment, because this doesn't Govemment of Kurdistan Massoud Barzani solve the Kurdish issue in Turkey. The said in an interview on Thursday on CNN Kurdish president also expects a Turkish TURK that he supports the Kurdish opening consulate to be opened in Erbil soon. of the Turkish govemment and better rela¬ Recently the Turkish parliament appro¬ tions, but he ruled out support for military ved cross-border operations of the Turkish operations against the PKK. army against the Kurdistan Workers Party On a program shown on CNN TURK, located in Iraqi Kurdistan. The Iraqi govem¬ expect military operations of the Kurdish the Kurdish president said that he supports ment called on Turkey to stop the military military forces against the Kurdistan the Kurdish opening of the government. But operations, but recently the Kurdish border Workers Party. "We support a peaceful solu¬ despite of this he said that Turkey shouldn't regions were fired upon by Turkish military tion". forces (Photo: Rudaw). Iran's enemy â. within striices again October 19, 2009 Press International, THE WEEKEND slaughter of several Revolutionary Guards generals In suicide bombings In the border province of SIstan-Baluchlstan marked a sharp intensification of a slew of simmering insurgencies throughout Iran's restive frontier regions. Tehran has accused the United States, Britain and Pakistan of Residents of tiie south east of Iranian city of Zahedan attend the October 19, 2009 funeral ceremony of victims of fomenting the violence. All have denied any Involvement, but over a suicide bombing attack that killed seven Revolutionary the years all have had reasons for stirring up trouble in the Islamic Guards commanders and 37 others in the Sistan-Beluchistan Republic, as have Saudi Arabia and Israel. province on October 18,2009. UPI/ISNA News Agency | The violence has been growing since 2004 a year after the Americans Invaded neighboring Iraq and found themselves trapped serious threat to Iran's cohesion and territorial Integrity, it is widely In an Insurgency that was frequently fanned by the Iranians. feared that ethnic tensions could be exploited by Western powers, some of which are already active in intelligence-gathering and sabo¬ Amid a steady stream of bombings, assassinations and attacks on tage operations in some provinces," said analyst Mahan Abedin of military personnel, Tehran has executed dozens of "traitors and cri¬ the Jamestown Foundation, a Washington think tank that specializes minals" and conducted mass arrests. In terrorism issues. But the unrest has continued. The twin suicide bombings in Only about half of Iran's 70 million people are ethnic Persians, Baluchistan Sunday, probably the work of the minority Sunni although some 90 percent of the population adheres to the Shiite Jundallah, or Soldiers of God, group, was the deadliest strike yet by branch of Islam, which Is the state religion. any of the Insurgent forces and will likely trigger heavy retaliation by Tehran. Most of the estimated 15 million Azéris, Iran's second-largest mino¬ rity, are Shiite, but most of the 5 million to 7 million Kurds and 4 mil¬ So far, the violence has been largely confined to the republic's peri¬ lion Baluchls are Sunni. pheral regions oil-rich Sunni-dominated Khuzestan In the south¬ west; the opium-smuggling region of Baluchistan in the southeast, The 2 million Arabic-speaking Iranians In Khuzestan are overwhel¬ also Sunni; the Kurdish provinces in the west; and the Azeri region mingly Shiite, but they are looked down upon by ethnic Farsl-spea- in the northwest that has produced many prominent Iranian leaders. klng Iranians and are among the most disadvantaged groups. As the Iranians have sought to exploit the bloodbath in Iraq, the These Shiites have become more restive and critical of Tehran's rule Americans and their regional Sunni allies have sought to destabilize since their cousins In Iraq, Iran's western neighbor, were catapulted the Tehran regime and keep It off balance In the confrontation over into power In Baghdad by the U.S.-led Invasion of March 2003 that Iran's nuclear program. toppled Saddam's minority Sunni regime. It is unclear whether these covert efforts will continue as Washington Tehran has proved itself adept at rallying Iranians against foreign and Tehran engage In public diplomacy to find a political accommo¬ threats and Is pulling out all the stops in the current confrontation dation In Iraq, but Sunday's slaughter Indicates the stakes may be with the West. rising. But this resonates largely with the ethnic Persians rather than with The Americans could decide that continued internal unrest would be the minorities who are more prone to outside influences. a useful, and deniable, means of pressure on Tehran. Of all the regions gripped by anti-Tehran unrest, Khuzestan Is the Most analysts say that despite Iran's ethnic diversity, a strong sense most strategic, and thus the most attractive target In any U.S. or of nationalism is likely to hold sway over ethnic separatism, as It has allied effort to undercut Tehran's economic stability. In the past. The province contains 66 percent of the country's recoverable oil and Saddam Hussein sought to exploit an ethnic uprising when he Inva¬ nearly 22 percent of Its natural gas deposits. ded Arab-dominated Khuzestan, the heart of Iran's energy Industry, According to 2006 statistics, it also holds 28 percent of Iran's refi¬ In 1980. But his rhetoric only united the country rather than divided ning capacity, 34 percent of its gas plants, 25 percent of its electri¬ it. city generating plants and 26 percent of Its petrochemical facilities. "While ethnic separation is not in the short-term at least a 48 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti [ REUTERS #1 Turkey, Iraq eye doser ties with deals on gas, PKK BAGHDAD, October 15,2009 (Reuters) - By Pinar Aydinli Erdogan meets "* Neighbours sign up to 44 agreements Talabani during Iraq Iraqi gas exports to Turkey to start at 8 ban - min visit * Talks held on PKK rebel group Agreements signed included one on security cooperation. TURKISH PRIME Minister Ta)ryip Erdogan and Iraqi premier Nuri al-Maliki on Thursday signed deals from energy co-opera¬ Other agreements focused on water sharing, transportation, tion to water sharing and fighting Kurdish rebels. health, agriculture, education and engineering. Relations between Ankara and Baghdad have been strained in the past by the presence of Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) rebels who ENERGY CORRIDOR launch attacks on southeast Turkey from northern Iraq. Under international sanctions imposed on Saddam, trade between But trade and diplomatic ties have bloomed since the 2003 U.S.- Turkey and Iraq choked to a trickle. Turkey's complaint that led invasion of Iraq that ousted Saddam Hussein as regional hea¬ Baghdad was doing little to crack down on PKK rebels also poiso¬ vyweight Turkey has sought to expand its influence in the Middle ned ties. But trade improved dramatically after the 2003 U.S.-led East vmder Erdogan's Islamist-rooted AK Party govemment. invasion of Iraq, with Turkish companies playing a leading role in At a news conference with Maliki, Erdogan said trade between reconstruction. their countries was worth $5 billion, a figure he said he hoped to On Thursday, Turkish Energy Minister Taner Yildiz said Ankara increase fourfold as soon as possible. would seek the involvement of Turkish firms in the construction "A new stage has begun in our bilateral relations," Erdogan said of a 15,000-megawatt (MW) gas-fired power station Iraq wants to through a translator. build. Iraq is expected to tender next month for $500-600 milhon of gas-fired power station projects, he said. European Urûon-candidate Turkey aims to position itself as a vital energy and trade corridor with its eastem neighbours, including Iraq will also start natural gas imports to Turkey at a level of 8 bil¬ Iraq, Iran, Syria and the South Caucasus. lion cubic metres, Yildiz said. Turkish and Iraqi officials signed more than 40 agreements, inclu¬ Govemment sources said Iraqi gas would be sent on to Europe, ding a memorandum of understanding to transport Iraqi natural which would add to Turkey's plans to become a major regional gas to Europe via Turkey, Turkish officials said. energy hub for European supplies. While Maliki hailed strengthened ties with Turkey, he made no It was not clear whether the gas would go through the 7.9 billion mention of the PICK, and said he hoped relations would be "far euro European Union-backed Nabucco pipeline project, aimed to from interference in each others affairs". cut European dependence on Russian gas. Maliki said at a signing ceremony for the project in July that Iraq could supply 15 bilhon Govemment spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh had earlier said the two cubic metres of natural gas to Europe. countries had agreed to "respect each other's sovereignty". Turkish officials said the two countries also planned to extend an The comments could be a reference to Turkish miUtary strikes agreement over an Iraq-Turkey oil pipeline, complete new shared against PKK rebels in northern Iraq, which usually involve shel¬ power lines and boost the capacity of existing ones. ling and airstrikes, but have also included land offensives, raising the ire of some officials in Baghdad. In September, Turkey agreed to release more water from the Euphrates river to drought-ravaged Iraq, increasing the outflow However, Washington and Baghdad both consider the PKK terro¬ to between 450 and 500 cubic metres per second until Oct. 20. rists, and Iraq has pledged to crack down on the group. Months before that, Iraqi lawmakers agreed to block any pact "We confirmed our steadfastness in ending the terrorism that signed with Turkey, Iran or Syria that did not include a clause threatens both countries," Erdogan said, referring to the PKK. giving Iraq a fairer share of water resources. UNAMI urges Kurdish, in terms of concerns expressed by local residents. ê Negotiations centered on ways to resolve land and property Baghdad dialogue Issues in the disputed territories and considerations for native languages. October 19, 2009 Press International, Analysts describe tensions between the KRG and Baghdad as potential security concern as U.S. forces prepare to wrap up their mission In Iraq. THE U.N. Assistance Mission in Iraq described its efforts at fin¬ ding a political solution to disputed boundaries in the ethnically Ad Meikert, the U.N. special envoy to Iraq, said political dialogue diverse north as positive. was the best way to avoid an escalation of the disputes. The central government In Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional "Dialogue between the government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Government are at odds over northern territories along a de Region remains critical for the stability of the country and for facto border stretching from Sinjar near Syria to Khanaqin in the addressing numerous outstanding issues that are central to its eastern province of Diyala. functioning," he said. UNAMI said talks on disputed Internal boundaries made progress 49 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti Kurdi.«an Region Presidency I OCTOBER 19, 2009 President Barzani Praises Turkey^s Efforts to Engage with Kurds KRP.org .i..'9!../...î...9../..?...9...9...'9! Winter snow is melting away and we are on the eve of spring in our relations. I am very President Barzani's interview with optimistic about the future of these rela¬ CNN Turk tions and to develop strong relations. CNN Turk: How about the possibility of Translation of thefull excerpts of the opening a Turkish consulate in Erbil? interview by President Masoud Barzani President Barzani: No doubt Turkey's to the CNN Turk TV channel on 15 current policies vdll have an affect on the October 2009 relations between Kurds and Turkey. We view the opening of a Turkish consulate in unwi' Btrtssî 6â;o!< .'««c* «lAi-s Erbil as a great, beneficial step toward the hands of a Kurd will only pave the way removing any obstacles in our way. CNN Turk: Mr. President, thank you very for more bloodshed. I have always empha¬ CNN Turk: Mr President, you just much for this interview. The time of using sised this. It is therefore important that the said that your relations with Turkey violence and force is coming to an end; the political rights of Kurds in that area are not are improving; do you have plans to PKK is laying down their arms. What do denied. I believe what is happening in visit Turkey? Would you accept an you have to say about this? Turkey now will pave the way for a more invitation from Turkey? comprehensive resolution. These policies President Barzani: First of all, you are are courageous and strong. We are certainly President Barzani: I have respect for very welcome here in Kurdistan and I am prepared to support these steps. Turkish people and I always reiterate this. I pleased to have this interview. We have would gladly visit Turkey anjftime I receive never supported, support or wall support an invitation. the use of force. It is not right; it is wrong. CNN Turk: You, Mr President, commend Problems have always been resolved CNN Turk: As the President of the this project, if we can call it the opening up through political means and dialogue. We Kurdistan Region, you are one of the key of Turkey [towards the Kurds], or know that Turkey is now taking this route. leaders of Iraq. How do you evaluate rela¬ Erdogan's [Turkish Prime Minister] project tions between Turkey and Iraq, and the CNN Turk: How do you see the process in or the national project; but in what way relations between the Kurdistan Region Turkey, opening up to the Kurds? would the President support this project? and Turkey within this framework? President Barzani: We certainly see this President Barzani: The Kurdistan Region as an important political step and the cor¬ President Barzani: We have never sup¬ has a legal and constitutional status within rect one. We are always prepared to be part ported the use of force in order to reach a Iraq. Our rights are respected in the Iraqi of any peaceful process because we no lon¬ resolution and will not do that. We would Constitution. We are obviously part of Iraq ger need the use offeree. like a peaceful atmosphere to emerge and and we work within this framework. CNN Turk: Mr. President, you consider we would like an end to violence and the Through this fi-amework, we are always this process as important. In what way use of force. I don't believe that when there working to improve relations between could you help Turkey in this respect? is the possibility of a peaceful resolution, we Turkey and Iraq. We would like to build need the use of force and arms, because President Barzani: I believe that follo¬ strong relations between Iraq, Kurdistan [using force] will not resolve anything. Of wing through with peaceful policies and and Turkey. We should not forget that Iraq course one needs to look at each place means is the best way forward. The PKK is borders Turkey through the Kurdistan [country] according to its particular dyna¬ beginning to appreciate this and I don't Region and therefore the Kurdistan Region mics. I said that Turkey is taking important believe they vnA carry on with armed strug¬ is a gateway between Iraq and Turkey. steps and it could take even greater strides gle forever. We are willing to play a role in CNN Turk: Do you also believe that forward. However, what is being done in any peaceful initiatives, as we have done in improving economic relations between you Turkey is less than that which has been the past and we will continue vnXh this and Turkey is also important? done in Iraq and in Iraqi Kurdistan. No policy. I am not going to delve into the comparisons have been made with the President Barzani: Turkey is obviously details of how to resolve the Kurdish ques¬ model in Iraqi Kurdistan. Notwithstanding, an important country to us. Neighbourly, tion. We leave this for the Turkish state. I believe that the culture that is beginning cultural, and economic relations bind us The important thing is that the deadlock to emerge in Turkey is a very significant together, as well as co-existence. The has been broken. 1 see the steps taken by change. Kurdistan Region is very rich in oil resour¬ the Turkish state as very significant and as ces. We should take mutual benefit from the foundation for breaking a psychological CNN Turk: Relations between Turkey and this and it will no doubt provide a strong barrier in addressing the Kurdish question. Iraqi Kurdistan have been through many basis for our relations. Turkey is very rich in ups and downs in the past; how is this rela¬ CNN Turk: So you are in favour of an end water resources and water is now more tionship now? to the use of force? important than oU. We have diverse rela¬ President Barzani: Yes, it's true that our President Barzani: Yes, as I mentioned tions v*ith Turkey. Turkey also depends on relations were deteriorating for some time, at the outset, resorting o violence and force us for many products. There are many which we did not desire. We are taking is not good. The killing of a Kurd at the Turkish companies working here. We hope serious steps to improve our relations. hands of a Turk or the killing of a Turk at that serious talks can begin between the 50 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Ri'vista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti two leaderships. CNN Turk: Many people say that if the US fighting in the mountains, whether you leaves, the situation in Iraq will deteriorate? believed in independence for Kurdistan. You CNN Turk: Only Turkish companies? answered in the affirmative. You also said President Barzani: Everything is possi¬ President Barzani: I don't rejilly want to go back then that if I was asked this same ques¬ ble, including the possibility of civil war. into these details but the presence of tion after 15 years, I would have the same Yes, the possibility ofcivil war is real, but we Turkish companies in the oil sector is not a answer. Will this dream continue? would try to prevent that. bad thing. We should also bear in mind that President Barzani: I have the same ans¬ Turkish companies constitute the largest CNN Turk: How about the situation in wer now. I believe that the dream cannot be number of foreign firms investing in the Kirkuk? realised by force but through dialogue and Kurdistan Region and this is a knovra fact. President Barzani: A roadmap for the understanding. However, as a legitimate CNN Turk: How do you view Turkey beco¬ resolution of the Kirkuk issue exists in right, I believe in it. This will not be resolved ming a member of European Union? Article-140 of the Iraqi Constitution. This is by denying Kurds their rights. All problems a legal and constitutional article for the President Barzani: We would be very can be resolved through peaceful means and resolution of the status of this city. If the pleased by that. fraternal co-existence. Our problems cannot Kirkuk issue is not resolved through this be resolved by den)ang each other. No pro¬ CNN Turk: Do you believe this would have solution, the problem will persist. We there¬ blems can be resolved through force. The any benefits for Kurdistan? fore want to resolve this issue through legal only viable solution is through understan¬ and constitutional means. Obviously those President Barzani: This v^ill no doubt be ding and accepting each other. We have against the implementation of Article-140 very beneficial to us. some constant and mutual requirements, are those people who do not want the pro¬ which we must agree on. I would like to rei¬ CNN Turk: Iraq still lacks a law for oil and blems of Iraq to be resolved. The sooner this terate again that Turkey's current policies there are disagreements between you and article is implemented, the better for us, the are a significant and important change. Baghdad on this. How do you see your rela¬ city and all Iraq. There are many people vnth tions with Baghdad and with Turkey in this CNN Turk: What is the last word from different requirements, including those cal¬ respect? Masoud Barzani to millions of Turkish vie¬ ling for the return of centralization and avoi¬ wers via our channel? President Barzani: It is true that there ding the resolution of the status of Kirkuk. are disagreements between us and Baghdad. We cannot wait indefinitely. President Barzani: I wish success for the These disagreements are like family disa¬ people of Turkey. I congratulate the Turkish CNN Turk: If the PKK lay down their arms, greements. But the final referee for these government for the process of opening up or if they continue with their armed strug¬ disagreements is the Iraqi Constitution. We Turkey toward Kurds. I say this to Turkish gle, how could this affect the stability in are hound to this constitution. We are pre¬ people that whether we are Kurds or Turks, Kurdistan and Iraq and your relations with pared to resolve any disputes through the we are all brothers. We don't want the blood Turkey? Constitution. of Turkish sons or Kurdish sons shed at the President Barzani: I don't see it appro¬ hand of each other. We have wounds from CNN Turk: Mr President, everybody is tal¬ priate that our relations with Turkey be our past experiences. We need to remedy king about the aftermath of the US vrithdra- bound to this issue. We are not responsible these wounds and live in peace and frater¬ wal from Iraq. President Obama has set a for the actions of the PKK. However if this nity. deadline of the end of 2011 to withdraw all problem is resolved, it would have a positive US forces from Iraq. Many people think the -END- impact. Kurds do not want the US to v«thdraw from Iraq. Do you have any comments on this? CNN Turk: No too long ago, US Vice President Biden visited the Kurdistan President Barzani: I believe the size and Region and you met with him. Could you tell number of US forces is not important; the us if Biden's old proposals were discussed in question of a US withdrawal is a domestic this meeting? political issue in the US. A US withdrawal could pose a threat to the whole country, not President Barzani: Biden had personal just Kurdistan. views when he was a Senator. He had a good grasp of the situation in Iraq. But naturally CNN Turk: But there is also talk that the when he became US Vice President, he US may keep a small military base in Iraq. became part of an administration. Being a Could this base be in Kurdistan? senator gives more freedom and indepen¬ President Barzani: This issue would be dence. We discussed the issues facing Iraq discussed with the Iraqi government. If the with him. He emphasised the political pro¬ US wanted to have a military base in Iraq, cess in the Kurdistan Region and his sup¬ Kurdistan might be a possible location for port for this Region. We agreed on all the such a base. outstanding issues with him. He indicated his support for this process. CNN Turk: Are you in favour of that? CNN Turk: What do you think about President Barzani: We would like the President Obama being awarded the Nobel security agreement, as well as strong rela¬ Peace Prize? tions between Iraq and the US to be main¬ tained. We have never wanted Iraq to be President Barzani: I congratulate him. occupied by the US. Iraq needs to enjoy CNN Turk: Mr. President, back in 1993 security and stability and the US has a key you were asked that after so many years of role to play in this. 51 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti mmlmm October 19, 2009 PKK turnover offers hope for end to Kurdish problem AYSE KARABAT / MELIK DUVAKLI The outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) turned over a group of its members to l\irk\sh authorities yesterday at the Habur bor¬ der gate, a groundbreaking move that may lead to the disarmament of the PKK, strengthening the hand of the govemment in its recently laun¬ ched democratization package to end the coun¬ try's decades-old Kurdish problem. The group was sent to Turkish authorities for processing. The symbolic move was initiated after Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the ten-orist PKK serving life in prison on the island of ?mrali, urged the PKK last week to send what he described as "peace groups" to sun^ender to the Turkish authorities. testimony, they were released, but a court case sition Republican People's Party (CHP) and the Eight anmed members of the PKK, compri¬ will be opened against them for being members Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), both of sing four women and four men, the eldest being of an outlawed organization, vihich is standard which are against the initiative, claim that before 57 and the youngest 24, joined a larger group procedure. taking any steps, terrorism stiould come to an coming from the Mahmur refugee camp in nor- The eight PKK members were not expected end and that the PKK must sun-ender. them Iraq along the way The total number of to avail themselves of Article 221 of the Turidsh Ocalan, in urging for a small group of PKK people in the group was reported to be 34. Penal Code (TCK), populariy known as the members, dubbed a peace group, to sun-ender, The group entered Turkey from the Habur "active repentance law," which envisages lower underiined that such a move wrill help solve the gate yesterday afternoon. Those present punishments for PKK members who surrender if deadlock in "democratic politics." include pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party they provide infomiation about the organization Speaking at a press conference in ?imak (DTP) leaders Ahmet Turk and Emine Ayna, they belonged to and if they were not involved prior to the group's anival, DTP leader Turk said DTP party officials and deputies, and thousands in violence. the move is a sign of how Ocalan can contribute of people, all of whom received the group with According to the practice, members who to peace efforts if he is given the opportunity. jubilation. The crowd chanted slogans in sup¬ surrender are asked if they regret joining the "Ocalan wanted the peace groups after he noti¬ port of Ocalan and the PKK. organization, but some lawyers, including ced a deadlock in the process. This is an indica¬ A tent was erected near the border in the Diyarbakir Bar Association President Emin tion of what he can achieve if he is taken as a eariy hours of the morning for five authorized Aktar, say the procedure should not be neces¬ counterpart [in negotiations]," Turk said. public prosecutors, one judge and lawyers. sarily Instead, they say, only saying "I am tur¬ He suggested that the groups' anival is a They were expected to process the group and ning myself in of my own free will" should be move that will strengthen the govemment's hand it over to authorities. enough. position, though the govemment has up until As the group approached the border area, Upon anival, the PKK members reportedly now not been able to benefit from opportunities the border gate was closed to all other passa¬ said they had relumed of their ovm free will and provided by the process. ges. All the preparations were supervised by in accordance with the wishes of Ocalan in the Following this PKK gesture, Tùri< sugges¬ Sirnak Govemor Ali Yeriikaya. hopes of opening the way for democratic poli¬ ted, military operations should be stopped in The group was expected to arrive early in tics. order to discuss a solution in a free atmosphere. the moming, but the convoy escorting the The treatment of the PKK members might "If the state takes one step, the PKK will take 1 0 Mahmur group got into a traffic accident, leaving open the way for a wave of PKK members tur¬ steps," he said, but added that the approach of one dead and several injured. The anned PKK ning themselves in during the democratization the govemment and the state should not be members then joined a group heading down the process and was considered a "test for the based on the discourse of "they surrendered" Arbil-Mosul road. govemmenf by many experts, including Aktar and "they were liquidated." Upon anival, the group was met by an over¬ He said not forcing PKK members to say they "Such an approach did not lead us anyw¬ joyed crown, which had been waiting since the regret joining the PKK will accelerate the pro¬ here," he said, urging the parties to not repeat previous night. The 26 people coming from the cess. the failed process of 1999. Mahmur refugee camp, including four children Both PKK members and residents of the In 1999, when Ocalan was captured, he and nine women, were immediately released Mahmur camp brought letters for President urged a group from the PKK to sun-ender. At after their identity was confinned. But the proce¬ Abdullah GUI, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip that time, eight PKK members with guns sun-en- dure for the eight amied members of the PKK Erdogan and Pariiament Speaker Mehmet Ali dered to Turkish officials, but after their trial, took longer. Sahin. they were sentenced to prison for up to 10 Most of the neariy 10,000 inhabitants of the Ocalan suggested that these "peace years. One of them, Seydi Firat, wfho served Mahmur refugee camp left Turkey in 1994, but groups" should meet with various segments of seven years in prison, ushered the group onto some were bom in the camp. Ankara claims the society to discuss possible solutions to Turkey's Turi 52 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti ;OUNCIL,),i.. OCTOBER 19, 2009 FOREIGN RELATIONS Iraq's Worrisome Political Process Kurds will veto Maliki this time probably unless Maliki makes them a very good deal on Kirkuk, which is hard to imagine. And the search is on for someone who also seems to be weak, as Maliki was four Interviewee: years ago, and clearly a compromised candidate who can be control¬ Joost Hiltermann, Deputy Program Director, Middle East led, which Maliki in the end was not. and North Africa, International Crisis Group And you'd have to be a Shiite, I suppose. Interviewer: It would have to be a Shiite, because the Shiites have got to keep the Bernard Gwertzman, Consulting Editor, CFR.org prime minister's position for themselves. And so, any number of per¬ sons could be brought in, but they would have to be from a smaller October 19, 2009 party, it would not be of one of the major parties. Just as Maliki was four years ago, when he headed the fairly weak Dawa Party. While Afghanistan dominates the attention of With the ongoing schediiled drawdown of U.S. troops from U.S. policymakers, Iraq is entering a critical Iraq, how capable are Iraqi security forces at shouldering phase of its political development. Prime the seciuity biu-den in this vincertain political juncture? Minister Nouri al-Maliki, in Washington for It's a difficult question to answer, because we don't have good mea¬ White House talks this week, may win the most sures, and even less reliable data. Clearly, the security forces are votes in January's national parliamentary elec¬ improving, and are quite capable in several respects, but they also tions but could be deposed because he has so have certain weaknesses, which v*ill keep them dependent on U.S. many political enemies, says expert Joost support for some time. Air, logistics and signals intelligence support Hiltermann of the International Crisis Group. Hiltermann also come to mind in particular. The key question is less how strong they warns about potential spoilers who would like to stir up violence are than how cohesive they are. Once the bickering parties decide to ahead of the elections. And the likelihood of a split vote, he says, fight instead of negotiate when U.S. troops are gone, will the security could lead to protracted negotiations amid a tense political climate forces hold together, and if so, to whom will they answer? at a time when the 130,000 U.S. troops in Iraq move ahead with Alternatively, will they fracture along political, ethnic and sectarian their scheduled drawdown. "There are a bunch of exploiters out lines and return to their original militia state? The risk is real. there who want to disrupt the political process, and they have an interest in making trouble ahead of the elections, and on election And on the economic situation in Iraq, the oil situation is day," he says. stiU not solved, right? There's still no oil law, and we've seen the first bidding round and only one bid was awarded. So that is still going very slow, and the How would you describe the overall situation in Iraq: is it second bidding round has just been postponed, so we'll have to see calm? Are people very worried about the upcoming natio¬ what happens on that score. But the oil will flow, it may not just be nal elections schedided for January 16? at the level where it could be, but it's also partly due to corruption, It's deceptively calm. I came back a week ago, I was in Baghdad for a and it's partly due to the absence of a regulatory system, including an couple of weeks. I was unprotected, unescorted, just by myself, and I oil law, that would protect companies' interests. I would expect was fine, but people are worried about elections and what will hap¬ things to start picking up, but we have to see now after the elections pen. And it's not like violence has disappeared. It is just less disrup¬ who will be the new oil minister, and whether a deal is possible bet¬ tive right now. There are a number of things that could happen. One, ween the oil minister and between the federal govemment on the there are a bunch of exploiters out there who want to disrupt the one hand, and the Kurdistan regional government on the other, political process, and they have an interest in making trouble ahead because one of the main obstacles to an oil law has been conflict over of the elections, and on election day. disputed territories and the Kurds' insistence on having the right to But usually the government is in control on election day because manage their own oil fields. there is a vehicular ban that seems to work quite well. But all of Is there a compromise in Kirkuk possible? Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's rivals he has a lot of them As we have said in the past in the International Crisis Group, it have an interest in puncturing his image as the man who brought law would have to lie on a grand bargain sort of idea because I don't and order to Iraq. There might be some among them-I don't think think there's a strictly territorial bargain out there. Nobody will ever they would be the most prominent parties but there may be some agree on Kirkuk in a strictly territorial sense, but the Kurds might people in the outlying areas of the political process who might want agree on Kirkuk if they get something that they really need, which is to undermine that image by setting oH violence somehow. And so, guaranteed protection, in the long term, for the Kurdistan region, there could well be violence before the elections, but my fear is that and for the powers that they have within that region. And what they after the elections, the vnnners will have to get together to discuss need is a well-defined boundary for the region, and constitutionjil the creation of a coalition government, and I don't think any party guarantees that their powers will not be diminished. Those things will emerge from the elections that would be able to form a govern¬ would be legitimate and reasonable, but they're not easily accompli¬ ment by itself, and so there's going to be fairly protracted negotia¬ shed. But the Kurds would have to give up their notion that they have tions over the shape of a new government as it was four years ago exclusive control over Kirkuk. Kirkuk would have to have some kind when it took several months. Just as then we will now see the Kirkuk of special status outside the Kurdistan region-also meaning not issue appear as a disruptive element because the Kurds will raise it directly under Baghdad-and have some internal power sharing once again as a condition for their participation in a coalition arrangement that protects the communities that are there. govemment, and the Kurds, because of their electoral strength and their ability to bring out the votes in their own areas, remain king¬ Why are you so svu-e Maliki won't be chosen again as prime makers in the political process. minister? Is there a likely new prime minister who other parties If Maliki's list wins the elections, he will be given the right to form would support? the next government, but he only has thirty days to do it. Should he fail-and I'm sure that his rivals wfll make sure he fails because he It's very hard to say now who that would be. But if you recall, four may not have the votes to build the kind of coalition that is required- years ago the Kurds vetoed Ibrahim Jaafari, who was the prime then he has to resign from that position. minister of the first govemment that was elected five years ago. The 53 Revue de Presse-Press Reuiew-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti And you think the other parties will not support him? the Sunnis will manage to unify or not. If they do, they might make a serious bid for the presidency of Iraq, especially if the Kurds are The Iraqi National Alliance and the Kurds may have more votes divided as they seem they might be. But otherwise, if things remain than Maliki does, but if Maliki is the biggest list in the elections then as divided as they have been, it will be up to the other parties to pick he vnU have the right to form the government. But he may not have up individuals or groups from the Sunni community and bring them enough seats in the parliament to form a govemment. into their alliance after the election. He'll only have a plurality, not a majority. That would be qidte something if a Sunni became the pre¬ Absolutely. Even last time, four years ago, when the Shiite parties sident. were all in one list, they still needed the Kurds to form a govem¬ The Arab states would love it. ment. And of course they set up what they called the National Unity govemment with some Sunnis as well, the Iraqi Islamic Party. And I assume the Kurds are counting on being president again, that was most probably a wise decision, and they may want to do no? something similar this time. And it's definitely possible to do it, but They're counting on it, but they also realize it may not work this time Maliki has now so many enemies that it may be difficult to have that for two reasons. One is that President Jalal Talabani's health is not kind of govemment with Maliki. But Maliki of course is going to in the best shape, but also he has indicated he doesn't want to run insist and if he gets strong popular support as he might, he will have again. But he's also indicated he might change his mind, so we don't a strong case. It's not going to be easy for his enemies to depose him know. But secondly, with the emergence of a real opposition in the either. It's going to be an interesting battle. Kurdish parliament during the Kurdish elections on July 25, in the Does the United States have a favorite? form of the Gorran movement, which means "Change." We see a split really at the national Kurdish level between the Kurdistan My sense is that they silently favor Maliki, not because they like Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) Maliki so much-they don't-but because they see the other Shiite list on the one hand and Gorran on the other hand. And Gorran has as sectarian, and they understand that the Iraqi people are fed up emerged really as a critic within the PUK of Talabani's leadership. It with sectarianism. So they, by default almost, might support Maliki, is very unlikely that they would support Talabani's candidacy for the but they haven't said so openly and I doubt that they will. Iraqi presidency. And if the Gorran does well, and supersedes the Are Sunnis in this coalition with Maliki right now? PUK, then it would be very difficult for the KDP-PUK to impose Talabani candidacy and I don't see another Kurd to take his place. Maliki has some token Sunnis on his list, just like the other Shiite list has some token Sunnis. Maybe Maliki has a few more, but the main Sunni parties-and there aren't many anyway-haven't chosen any side yet. And the big question before the election really is whether Kurds released after surrender to REUTERS # Turkish authorities October 20, 2009 - By Mehmet Emin Caliskan- (Reuters) llKiiâ^4i: * Turkey releases PKK militants in peace gesture * Minister says more to return to Turkey * Moves could boost efforts to end 25-year conflictsiLOPi, Turkey, - Turkey on Tuesday freed a group of Kurdish rebels who had sur¬ rendered to the army after returning from Iraq, a move which could help efforts to end a 25-year old separatist conflict. The militants from the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) rebel group had given themselves up on Monday to support Prime Minister Taj^yip Erdogan's reform process, which includes plans to grant more political and cultural rights to minority Kurds. After being questioned by prosecutors, all 34 PKK members, sympathisers and refugess who crossed the border gate near Silopi in southeast Turkey MORE EXPECTED TO RETURN were freed without charges to the cheers of several thousand jubilant sup¬ Atalay said the retxim of the Kurdish group was part of the wider reform porters. plan and said more would follow. Interior Minister Besir Atalay said he expected more PKK rebels to return "We expect the iivitial group which is coming to reach 100-150 people. We to Turkey. are advancing towards a solution with a good plan," he told reporters, Erdogan's Islamist-rooted AK Party has launched an initiative that is according to broadcaster CNN Turk. expected to give greater freedoms to the 12 million-strong Kurdish mino¬ About 3,000 people spent the night in tents near the Iraqi border to show rity in Turkey's southeast. It has said PKK militants who surrender and are support for the group of refugees and militants. not found to be involved in attacks will be treated with leniency. Four lawmakers from the pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party (DTP) The reforms are important to advancing Turkey's European Union mem¬ and several lawyers accompanied the group during questioning, witnes¬ bership application, responding to demands that Ankara meet the bloc's ses said. human rights criteria. DTP Chairman Ahmet Turk has said the move "shows that the PKK is The PKK had announced rebels would return to Turkey on the wishes of insisting on peace not war". jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan to promote peace. The PKK, based in north Iraq, took up arms in 1984 to carve out an ethnic homeland in the The DTP, Turkey's only Kurdish party in parliament, has long been sus¬ predominantly Kurdish southeast. pected of links to the PKK, branded a terrorist orgarusation by Turkey, the United States and the EU. The DTP denies this, but risks a legal ban in a It has since dropped its independence demand. Prospects of the current case before the Constitutional Court. process leading to PKK disarmament are unclear with Ankara resisting Kurdish political calls for a rebel amnesty. 54 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti I3IDHNEWS October 21, 2009 Turks and Kurds run risks for peace By Jonathan Head BBC News, Istanbul The border crossing by 34 Kurds from Iraq to Turkey on Monday might not seem much of an event, in a region plagued for decades by a conflict which has cost tens of thousands of lives. But It was an Important symbolic gesture, which might yet give vital momentum to an as-yet undetai¬ led govemment peace initiative launched in August. All day on Monday, Turkish news channels broadcast The Kurdish rebels insisted they were reports and pictures from the dusty border crossing " Is it possible not to be not surrendering at Habur. There was not much to see. Just a few hopeful when you look at dozen police with anti-riot equipment, and the white the pictures from the border-control building in the distance. Army complicit Habur border crossing? The scene on the other side of the border post, This time should be different. On 11, August Prime Good things are happening though, was much livelier. A group of men - some in Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered an emotio¬ military fatigues - women and children were being in Turkey. This is hope " nal speech to parliament, calling for an end to the cheered and clapped as they pushed through a Recep Tayyip Erdogan bloodshed and tears. crowd of well-wishers, escorted by Turkish police. Turkish prime minister "Where else should we look for reconciliation but Most had come from the desolate refugee camp at here?" he asked the MPs, citing the unbearable pain Makhmur, 150km (95 miles) inside Kurdish Iraq; citizenship in the constitution (which cunently defines felt by mothers on both sides of the conflict who while eight were from the Qandil Mountains, stron¬ all citizens as "Turks"). have lost sons. ghold of the PKK, the armed movement which has Instead he has called on all parties in pariiament to been fighting the Turkish military for the past 25 He called his initiative a "Democratic Opening", like¬ hammer out a reform package with him. ning the refomis needed to win over the Kurdish years. minority to the broader political refonns his govern¬ Such is the sensitivity of the issue, he wants the Acting under orders ment has promised as part of its bid to join the opposition to sign off on the package with him, even Once inside Turkish territory, they were detained and European Union. though his AKP Party has a pariiamentary majority. questioned at the border post; 29 were quickly relea¬ Opinion polls suggest around half the public supports And the main nationalist parties, the CHP and the sed; the remaining five released over the next 24 the peace plan, with the other half opposed, or MHP, are not co-operating. They accuse the prime hours. unsure. minister of negotiating with tenorists. So, for two All could have been charged and jailed for being months, Mr Erdogan's plan has stalled. Crucially, the Turi Ocalan, who had been caught a few months eariier. pictures from the Habur border crossing yesterday?" he asked. "Good things are happening in Turi But back then the Turkish authorities showed no leniency. They were charged and given prison sen¬ tences as long as 22 years. "We could have solved this years ago, in 1999, when Fighting between Turkey and the PKK Ocalan was captured", says Professor Ergun is still taking lives on both sides Ozbudun of Bilkent University in Ankara, "but we missed that opportunity." 55 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti X.C FIGABO 25 octobre 2009 les Occidentaux à Téhéran n'a pas repondu à l'offre de l'AIEA et ne souhaiterait plus dialoguer avec les grandes puissances ALAIN BARLUET PROLIFÉRATION L'Iran a mfligé un nouveau camouflet à la communauté internationale en omettant hier de Le négociateur iranien, repondre à la proposition qui lui était fai¬ Ali Asghar Soltanieh, te par l'Agence internationale de l'éner¬ mercredi à l'AIEA gie atoinique (AIEA) d'enrichir à l'étran¬ à Vienne, lors ger les trois quarts de son uranium à de la négociation usage civil. Tout en affirmant étudier, avec les représentants «sous un jour favorable» l'offre négo¬ de la France, dé la Russie et des ciée cette semaine à Vienne avec la Fran¬ États-Unis. ,KUBAN!/AFP ce et les États - Unis , Téhéran a indiqué sa , préférence pour l'achat à l'étranger d'uranium enrichi. Pire, le régime ira¬ nien aurait décidé d'interrompre le dia¬ logue avec les Six (États-Unis, Jlussie, mique, Téhéran se voyait assure en retour Chine, Grande-Bretagne, France et Alle¬ d'obtenir du combustible nucléaire à des Israël redoute magne). « Nous sommes dans une situa¬ fins civûes. En évoquant la sous-traitance tion de blocage: Téhéran ne veut parler de l'uranium réenrichi en France, le com¬ un piège qu'avec l'AIEA », indique un diplomate. promis permettait de contoinner l'hostili¬ de Téhéran À l'issue des pourparlers de Vienne, té des Iraniens à l'égard de Paris. , mercredi, le patron de l'AELA, Moham- Le pied de nez que les Iraniens vien- med ElBaradei, avait donné jusqu'à hier nent de faire à ce schéma idéal sape la Les dirigeants israéliens ont le soir aux trois pays pour se prononcer sur fragile dynamique instaurée par l'amor¬ sentiment qu'un piège risque de se ce texte qui prévoyait la sortie d'Iran de ce d'un dialogue avec les grandes puis¬ refermer sui" eux si l'accord envisagé 1 200 kg de son uranium faiblement eru-i- sances, le l«i; octobre à Genève, après avec l'Iran devait être signé. Ils redou¬ chi (3,5 %). Ce stock devait être réenrichi quinze mois de blocage. Quelques jours tent en effet que Téhéran profite de ^ en Russie (à 20 %) puis sous-traité ensuite plus tôt, les révélations concernant le site l'occasion pour poursuivre en secret en France pour la fabrication du combus¬ secret de Qom avaient encore renforcé son programme nucléaire militaire tible nucléaire. Marquée par les obstruc¬ les soupçons pesant, sur les visées ira¬ après avoir réussi à éloigner pour un tions de l'Iran qui s'en était notamment niennes dans le domaine nucléaire. temps le scénario d'urie attaque israé¬ pris à la France, la réunion de Vienne, Ces nouvelles manauvres dilatoires lienne ou américaine contre ses instal¬ s'était achevée sur une note de pessimis¬ confirment les craintes selon lesquelles la lations nucléaires. « En fait l'Iran a me. Hier matin néanmoins, le chef de la République islamique viserait prioritaire¬ obtenu une légitimité internationale diplomatie russe, Sergueï Lavrov, a été le ment à gagner du temps pour se doter de pour continuer à enrichir de l'uranium premier à 'accepter l'accord. Les États- l'arme nucléaire, objectif que la plupart sur son territoire alors qu'il faudrait le Unis ont emboîté le pas, la France aussi, des experts jugent à portée de main. lui interdire totalement », a affirmé sans trop y croire. « Notre conviction est avec une certaine amertume Ehoud que, d'emblée, l'Iran ne voulait pas d'un Vers des sanctions renforcées Barak, le ministre de la Défense. Selon Le refus iranien du compromis propo - lui, cet accord ne va retarder que d'un an les plans Iraniens et la seule solution «la France ssuhaite se par l'AIEA ouvre à terme la voie à un passe par des sanctions économiques que la tension retombe renforcement des sanctions, même si, comme l'indique un diplomate, « plu¬ beaucoup plus dures, assorties d'une et qtfîmt «tatloii sieurs questions restent à évoquer ». Sur menace d'intervention militaire. padfIqiïe »t trouvée», uïie ligne intransigeante, la France avait Sur la même longueur d'onde, les BERNARD KOUCHNER, en effet fixé trois conditions à l'Iran médias et les experts israéliens des MINISTRE DES AFFAIRES questions iraniennes ont également après la réunion de Genève : l'enrichis¬ ÉTRANGÈRES . estimé hier que Téhéran avait réussi à sement de l'uranium à l'étranger pour le gagner du temps grâce à des conces¬ réacteur expérimental de Téhéran, sions de façade. Ron ben Ylshaï, un des accord, analyse-t-on à Paris. Contraire¬ l'inspection approfondie du site de Qom plus Importants commentateurs mili¬ ment à ce que disent les Iraniens, jamais et le gel de l'enrichissement contre le gel l'option consistant à ce qU'iispuissent ache¬ taires, affirme ainsi que dans le « dimot de nouvelles sanctions. Aucune n'est actuel » l'État hébreu ne peut pas se ter de l'uranium enrichi à l'étranger n'a été pour l'instant remplie. L'Iran a réitéré permettre de recourir seul à la force évoquée » , souligne rui haut diplomate. sa volonté de poursuivre l'enrichisse¬ contre l'Iran, comme cela avait été le ment quoi qu'il en soit. Des inspecteurs Un pied de nez cas en 1981, lorsque l'aviation israé¬ de l'AIEA doivent se rendre à Qom lienne avait mis le monde devant un Le but du compromis était pourtant de aujourd'hui. Mais il y a fort à parier que fait accompli en détruisant une centra¬ créer la confiance en obtenant de l'Iran le site aura été préalablement « net^ le nucléaire irakienne près de Bagdad à qu'il accepte de sortir, rapidement et en toyé». Rien n'indique en outre, que l'époque, de Saddam Hussein. ' bloc, la majorité de^ son stock déclaré Téhéran soit prêt à se livrer à une expli¬ M. H.(o JérusolemI d'uraniiun laioiement enrichi (UFE). En cation franche et transparente sur son donnant ainsi des gages sur son intention programme nucléaire, ainsi qu'on le de ne pas chercher à se doter de l'arme ato- souhaiterait à Paris. 56 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti îtM&nÙt 27 octobre 2009 A Bagdad, le pouvoir impuissant face aux attentats Cent cinquante personnes ont été tuées dimanche dans le centre de la capitale par l'explosion de deux voitures piégées Beyrouth capacité de leur armée à les défen¬ Correspondante régionale dre, au moment où les Etats-Unis ont entamé le retrait de leurs trou¬ rès de 150 morts et un demi- pes, ne peuvent que se renforcer. miUier de blessés. Le double Signe de la gravité de la situation, attentat à la voiture piégée M. Maliki s'est rendu en personne qui a frappé Bagdad, dimanche sur le parvis calciné du gouverno¬ 25 octobre, a été d'une violence telle rat de Bagdad, un geste dont il n'est que le bilan du nombre des victi¬ guère coutumier. mes reste encore à établir. La conjoncture est délicate. Voi¬ Les cibles sont éloquentes. En là plusieurs mois que le premier visant le ministère de la justice, le ministre, de concert avec les Améri¬ ministère des municipalités et le cains, met en garde contre une gouvernorat de Bagdad, les atta¬ recrudescence de la violence à l'ap¬ quants - des kamikazes, selon la proche des élections générales pré¬ police - et leurs commanditaires vues à la mi-janvier 2010. ont frappé des symboles forts d'une autorité irakienne déjà fragilisée. Les élections Le premier ministre, I^ouri pourraient être Al-Maliki, a bâti sa crédibilité sur l'améliorationdelasituationsécuri- reportées. Ce vide taire. Les deux ministères ciblés par constitutionnel le premier véhicule piégé s'étaient réinstallés récemment à Haifa, une pourrait entraîner rue du centre-ville considérée com¬ un regain de violences kurdes et turcomanes qui la compo¬ les forces de sécurité irakiennes ont me l'une des plus dangereuses de la déjà montré leurs limites. Un capitale entre fin 2004 et fin 2005. sent. Selon les modahtés électorales, report risquerait enoutre de pertur¬ Les blocs de bétonérigés pour préve¬ Or le Parlement irakien s'est Kirkouk pourrait théoriquement ber le retrait des troupes américai¬ nir ce type d'attaques venaient d'y montré jusqu'à présent incapable passer sous domination des Kur¬ nes, auquel s'est fermement enga¬ être démantelés, tout comme ceux de s'accorder sur la loi électorale. des qui réclament son annexion à gé le président américain, Barack qui encerclaient la « zone verte »,.le Les députés doivent décider si les leur région. Entre la crainte de per¬ Obama. c¯ur hjrpersécurlsé. électeurs voteront pour des indivi¬ dre le contrôle delà manne pétroliè¬ Actuellement fort d'environ Le 19 août, un double attentat dus ou pour des listes fermées, re et la méfiance bien ancrée des 120000 militaires, le contingent avait déjà frappé aux abords de cet¬ mais ils butent aussi sur la ques¬ Arabes envers les autorités kurdes, américain doit être réduit à te «zone verte» de Bagdad les tion de Kirkouk. suspectées de vouloir faire séces¬ 50 000 hommes avant le 31 août ministères des finances et des affai¬ Située en lisière de la région auto¬ sion, la question de Kirkouk a pris 2010, et quitter définitivement le res étrangères, avec une précision, nome du Kurdistan, cette province, des allines de conflitlourdde mena¬ sol irakien à l'horizon 2011. D'ici là, une puissance de destruction et un riche en pétrole et chargée de Sym¬ ces. A l'échec des députés se sont en sa mission consiste notamment à mode opératoire similaires. boles historiques, est âprement dis¬ outre greffées des maneuvres poh- « sécuriser » ces élections. L'épine Les doutes des Irakiens sur la putée entre populations arabes. ticiennes de toutes parts, créant un irakienne est ainsi venue contra¬ rier l'administration Obama dont Les attentats les plus meurtriers depuis 2006 chmat délétère peu fait pour amé- les priorités se sont déplacées sur le Uorer l'image du régime aux yeux . des Irakiens. terrain afghan. « Unefois déplus, les Novembre 2006 202 morts dans Juillet 150 morts dans l'explo¬ Etats-Unissontlesotagesdelapoliti- divers attentats à Bagdad. sion d'un camion dans le nord. Le président du Parlement, lyad Al-Samarraï, a fait aveu d'impuis¬ que irakienne», écrit le quotidien américain Christian Science Moni¬ Février2007 L'explosion d'un Août Des camions citernes tuent sance, mercredi, en transmettant la tor, en constatant que l'agendavou¬ camion piégé sur un marché ou blessent 796 personnes près « patate chaude » de la loi électorale lu par Washington est entravé par de la capitale fait 135 morts. de la frontière syrienne. au Conseil politique de sécurité nationale (un conseil consultatif le manque 'd'empressement ira¬ kien à adopter une loi électorale. Mars 105 pèlerins meurent Février2008 Deux femmes kami¬ réunissant les chefs des principales Tout en exprimant ses condoléan¬ au cours de deux attentats à kazes se font exploser à formations politiques). Une déci¬ ces, M. Obama a encore souhgné, Hilia, au sud de Bagdad. Peu Bagdad : 99 personnes meurent. sion controversée et éloignée du dimanche, l'urgence d'un compro¬ après, 152 personnes périssent «processus démocratique» censé mis irakien autour de cette loi. près de la frontière syrienne et de Juin 2009 145 morts dans des cafactëriserle nouvel Irak. D'un point de vue militaire et la ville de Mossoul. attentats à Kirkouk et à Bagdad. Entre les atermoiements politi¬ ques et la violence de ces attentats stratégique, la similitude des der¬ se profile désormais la possibilité niers attentats avec ceux du mois d'unreport des élections. Une hypo¬ d'août, tous deux imputés à Al-Qai¬ thèse qui n'augure rien de bon da et à ses affiliés, prouve que la pour l'Irak. Le vide constitutiormel guerre en Irak n'appartient pas créé pourrait déboucher sur un encore au passé. regain de violences face auxquelles Cécile Hennion 57 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Ri'vista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti October 24, 2009 The Kirkuk conundrum Iraqi democracy is stuck in a constitutional hiatus over the Kurdish-dominated region that threatens to derail elections Kirkuk, controlled by the Kurds after the 2005 elections, never took part in this year's provincial elections because of disa¬ greements over responsibilify for security and eventual control Alaaldin of the provincial council. Similar disagreements exist once again. Some have called for special arrangements that divide the area into four separate, ethnically-defined electoral consti¬ tuencies, while the Turkmen and Arabs are calling for voting Iraq has once again met what very low expectations quotas in response to what they call the modified demogra¬ remain of it. Despite a 15 October deadline, the Iraqi par¬ phics of the govemorate by the Kurds, who constitute the liament is yet to agree on a new election law for the natio¬ majorify there. nal elections due to be held in January, and this may, as a The Kurds were forcefully removed from Kirkuk by Saddam result, throw its political, legal and constitutional frame¬ and are now returning back, pursuant to the "normalisation" work into disarray. process under Article 140 of the Iraqi constitution, which Disagreement among parliamentarians centres on whether to seeks to reverse the Arabisation policies of the Ba'ath regime. use an open- or closed-list voting system. Under the former, According to UN reports and staff present in Iraq at the time, voters elect their own preferred candidates into parliament, in November 1991 alone, eight months after the conclusion of while under the latter system, the electorate votes for a politi¬ the 1991 Gulfwar, more than 150,000 Kurds were evicted from cal entity, as opposed to an individual, and that entity then Kirkuk. awards parliamentary seats to its own fixed list of candidates, submitted to the electoral commission prior to the elections. The Kurdistan Alliance, however, has rejected giving any spe¬ cial status to Kirkuk simply because it has a Kurdish majority. Under the closed-list system, parliamentary seats are gene¬ If the oil-rich area is given special status, then, by equal mea¬ rally awarded on the basis of party loyalty above all else. It is sure maintains the Alliance, so should other disputed territo¬ therefore the established politician, or party favourite, who ries where Kurds happen to be minorities. To implement a would worry most about an open-list system - out of fear of quota system would indeed be profoundly undemocratic. being deselected by the electorate. During his visit to Washington this week, prime minister Most Iraqis prefer the open-list system because it holds politi¬ Nouri al-Maliki referred to the constitutional vacuum that will cians more accountable to their constituents; it takes away the result if the elections are postponed, "because the current Iraqi vanguard of party loyalty behind which incompetent or parliament will lose its legitimacy after 16 January 2010", he unworthy officials hide, and an open-list system generally said in a statement. gives the whole democratic process more purpose and greater effect. But herein lies the problem with Iraq. Issues concerning constitutional legitimacy or legal integrify now ring hollow in Such is the extent ofthe dispute that it has led to pro-open-list a country still, embarrassingly, mired in disputes over Kirkuk, protests in the Muthanna, Basra, and Misan govemorates and centralisation and decentralisation of power, and the manage¬ intervention by the influential religious authority, the Grand ment and control of the country's resources. The inefficient Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani. His office has threatened to lead a and uninspiring Iraqi parliament is in a state of paralysis, with boycott of the elections in the event the closed-list system is every man out for his own, while the country's institutions and adopted; this would tarnish the entire electoral process with ministries constitute individual fiefdoms dominated by the devastating consequences for political stability. financially and militarily powerful. Ayatollah Sistani's intervention means that no serious Shia The reality is that, until the chief outstanding problem of party would publicly defy him. Major parties like ISCI pre¬ Kirkuk is resolved in line with Article 140, there may be no viously supported the closed-list system, but, since the compromise on the other issues. Iraq's constitutional disputes Ayatollah's call, have changed their stance, vnth senior ISCI started with Kirkuk and vrill end with Kirkuk. official and Iraqi vice-president Adel Mahdi publicly asserting preference for the open-list system in the past two weeks. Of course, now that election fever has kicked in, with groups seeking alliances and behind-the-scenes deals, attention will However, just because certain parties may no longer publicly not actually be focused on any of the issues that matter. With call for the closed-list system, this is not to suggest that they officials taking the "let's wait until after the elections" stance, can no longer push for it. The Iraqi electoral commission has Iraqis wall instead get an abundance of slogans and rhetoric for said it will adopt the old 2005 law if parliament fails to vote the next three months, and this could continue for another two and pass the new law soon, since it needs at least 90 days to months after January 2010, until the political framework set¬ organise the elections. The 2005 law used a closed-list system tles in the country. and the suspicion is that parliamentarians who still favour this are employing delaying tactics to keep the 2005 law in effect. This is assuming the whole thing takes place in January in the first place. What is certain is that continued delay wall increase The only major group still to call publicly for the closed-list public disenchantment and put in doubt US plans to end com¬ system is the Kurdistan Alliance; it will not, however, derail bat operations by August 2010. This, as a result, would threa¬ the elections over this issue. Instead, it is the question of what ten the wider plan to vrithdraw all troops by the end of 2011. to do with the neglected govemorate of Kirkuk that has, in pre¬ dictable fashion, been the greatest cause of division within parliament. Indeed, the issue of Kirkuk itself could also become a pretext to delay the vote and keep the old 2005 law in effect. 58 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti Kurd leader demands control of Associated Press oil-rich Kirkuk October 28, 2009 BAGHDAD - B^QASSÏMABDÏJL-Z^^^ The president of Iraq's Kurdish region demanded Wednesday that oil-rich Kirkuk be incorporated into his autonomous area, as parliament prepared for a showdown on the contentious issue of which of the northern city's residents can vote in upco¬ ming elections. Massoud Barzani's comments ratcheted up the pressure on the eve of a vote on the electoral law that will lay the groundwork for January's key parliamentary ballot. Lawmakers are split over amendments on which voting list will be used in Kirkuk - one favo¬ ring Kurds or one favoring Arabs. Kurdistan regional President Massoud Barzani, left, talks The city has large populations of Arabs and ethnic Turkmens who with newly elected Prime Minister of the Kurdish region resent the Kurds' aggressive efforts to take over the city. The Kurds Government of Iraq Barham Salih prior the swearing in see Kirkuk as historically theirs and describe it as their ceremony of the new Kurdistan regional govemment "Jerusalem." (KRG) in ErbU, Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009. Barzani demanded Wednesday the oU-rich city of Kirkuk be part Next to Sunni-Shiite tensions in Iraq, the issue of Kirkuk and of the northern autonomous Kurdistan area, as Iraq's Kurdish-Arab tensions has become a key flashpoint in this fragile parliament prepares for a showdown on the highly nation. Apolitical deadlock now could delay the elections and open contentious issue of which Kirkuk residents can vote in the way for new violence and instability. January's crucial national elections. (AP Photo) "We will not accept any (other) solution for Kirkuk," said Barzani, speaking in Irbil Wednesday after a new Kurdish regional govem¬ ment was swom in. "We want it to be annexed to our region because the majority of its population are Kurds." At least 138 of Iraq's 275 lawmakers must attend in order for the vote to go forward. A simple majority would pass the matter but it During the Saddam era, tens of thousands of Kurds were displaced can then be vetoed by the president. Lawmakers would need 183 under a forced plan to make Kirkuk predominantiy Arab. Since the votes to override his veto, something that Othman said could trig¬ 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, many of these Kurds have returned. ger an even bigger fallout. Now other groups claim there are more Kurds than before - which could sway the vote in their favor and bring Kirkuk and its oil fully "If the law is passed, then we will boycott the entire elections," under Kurdish control. Othman said. Arabs favor a plan that would use the 2004 voter registry, likely The Kurds were granted intemational permission to rule Iraq's three meaning Arab voters would be much more represented than Kurds. northem provinces independentiy from Baghdad after the 199 1 The Kurds favor a proposal by the United Nations that would use Gulf war. Since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, the Kurds have voter records from 2009, but only for a four-year period till the become a key group in the Baghdad-based central govemment. Kirkuk issue can be further clarified. It has been during periods of political deadlock like these that Iraq The 2004 proposal being put forward Thursday does contain some becomes particularly vulnerable to renewed violence. In 2006, concessions to the Kurds, said Omar al-Jibouri, a Sunni Arab law¬ months of political wrangling over the country's first permanent maker. It would allow an additional 50,000 Kurdish families - post-invasion govemment allowed al-Qaida linked insurgent who've been approved by a special committee as being residents of groups to provoke Shiite militias into a near-civil war that tore the Kirkuk pushed out by Saddam - to vote. coimtry apart. "The parliament must be decisive in its decisions, and ... not bow to The last few months have seen an upsiu'ge in violence. On Sunday, pressure," said al-Jibouri. "We hope tomorrow you see a strong par¬ 155 people were killed when two suicide bombers hit govemment liament that can take and make decisions, and be brave in its deci¬ buildings in Baghdad, Iraq's largest attack in over two years. On sions." Wednesday, three women were killed in a Shiite neighborhood of Baghdad when a bomb attached to a minibus exploded, said a local Those concessions seemed to hold littie sway with Kurdish politi¬ police officer and a medical official at the hospital. Both spoke on cians, some of whom threatened to not even attend the vote if the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak 2004 option is on the table. Lawmaker Mahmoud Othman said to the media. Kurdish legislators warned the parliament speaker not to put the issue up for a vote. If the proposal based on the 2004 list passes, Othman said Iraqi President Jalal Talabani - who's Kurdish - will veto it, a sign of the heavy pressure Talabani is under to align himself with his Kurdish brethren. 59 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Ri'vista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti Mf:CTATrWY Iraqis' election-law battle rages over OCTOBER 28, 2009 STATUS OF Kirkuk By SAHAR ISSA AND HANNAH ALLAM deadline was Oct. 15, and there's each other Wednesday for delaying the McClatchy Newspapers concern that even a rushed agreement election law. won't leave enough time for election Khalid Shwani, a Kurdish legislator, officials to approve candidates, oversee said the "rigidity and stubbornness" of Up against the clock, Iraqi politicians the campaign and ensure voters have his Arab counterparts were sinking spent Wednesday hammering out enough information before they head hopes for a consensus. He said the the final sticking points of an election to the polls. 2009 census was the most accurate law they hope to present to parliament Smooth elections are also impor¬ count of voters and that the Arabs were for a vote within days to avoid a risky tant for the Obama administration, pushing to use older records in order to and embarrassing delay of the January which had hoped to withdraw most deny the reality of a Kurdish majority polls. U.S. military forces by next summer in Kirkuk after years of reversing the How to handle the oil-rich cify of and leave Iraq in the care of a newly Saddam Hussein-era policy of Kirkuk remains the key snag, several elected govemment. A political stan¬ "Arabization," which drove Kurds from Iraqi officials said. The debate now doff could leave the country vulnerable the city to give it an Arab identity. hinges on whether election administra¬ to more insurgent attacks, such as the tors will count voters based on the "These people, our brothers, call for devastating truck bombings that killed city's 2009 population, which would the use of the 2004 census in order to 155 people and wounded hundreds favor Kurds, or include residents from reap political gains because it will give more last Sunday. 2004, which would boost Arab repre¬ them the upper hand," Shwani said. sentation in the divided cify. "We cannot wait forever for the "We have failed to reach an accord, and election law to be passed, and we've it is they who must bear the responsibi¬ A senior aide to the speaker of par¬ said this to parliament," said Judge lity for that." liament said there was serious talk of Qassim al-Abboudi, a senior adminis¬ bringing the issue to a vote Thursday, Sunni Muslim Arab legislators, trator on the elections commission. despite the opposition of Kurdish poli¬ however, charged that bias toward the "But we have seen that there is a real ticians, who seek more time to ensure Kurds was stalling progress, with the effort to finalize the law. Kirkuk their interests are addressed. Shiite Muslim- and Sunni Kurd-domi¬ remains the issue. With the grace of nated govemment throwing its weight Massoud Barzani, the president of God, they should have a final draft behind a proposal that could disenfran¬ the Kurdistan region, added to the within the next few days, and within chise some Arab voters in Kirkuk. pressure Wednesday with a public that time frame we v«ll work night and demand to incorporate Kirkuk into his "In Iraq we've gotten used to resol¬ day in order to make do vwth what time semiautonomous region. ving our issues by consensus, but if an we have left." accord can't be reached today, we will "We will not accept any (other) Pushing for an outcome that angers vote tomorrow," said Saleem al- solution for Kirkuk," Barzani said at either Arabs or Kurds could backfire, Jubouri, a spokesman for the main the swearing-in of a new Kurdish regio¬ with riots of the sort that occurred Sunni Arab political bloc. "Either we nal govemment. "We want it to be after previous debates over election have an election law or we don't, (but) annexed to our region because the laws. Arabs insist on using the 2004 we must vote and the vote will be majorify of its population are Kurds." registry, but Kurds favor a U.N. propo¬ final." Timetables set forth by the Iraqi sal to use 2009 voter records for the Constitution and the electoral commis¬ January election until a broader resolu¬ sion make it imperative that an elec¬ tion is reached. tion deal be reached soon. The original Arab and Kurdish camps blamed Fate of oil-rich Kirkuk stalls Iraq electoral law, Ap Associated Press amid fears key elections will be delayed October 27, 2009 By QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA AP Tuesday. There was no information about when the matter would be addressed. Just one day after the massive security failure in the capital, there BAGHDAD - A long-sought political consensus in Iraq over how to appeared to be quick progress on the election law. With Iraq's public conduct crucial upcoming elections fell apart T\iesday over the already angry over the bombing and the resurgence of violence, the thorny issue of the oil-rich city of Kirkuk, an Iraqi lavnnaker said. politicians appeared to not want to risk further angering people by The new snag came as an al-Qaida-linked group claimed responsibility delaying the elections with their intemal wrangling. for the twin suicide bombings in the heart of Baghdad Sunday that kil¬ On Monday night, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and others led at least 155 people. agreed on a compromise over voting in Kirkuk as the Shiite-dominated Many fear the political deadlock over the new law will delay elections, govemment pushed to smooth over differences in the divided parlia¬ now slated for January, and open the door to renewed violence in Iraq ment and wrap up the law so elections could proceed on time. after it stepped back from the brink of civil war two years ago. However, the compromise later fell apart because it did not address a Mahmoud Othman, a Kurdish lawmaker, told The Associated Press that key dispute, leaving it instead to the electoral commission: how to an emergency proposal by the nation's leaders to break the deadlock count voters in Kirkuk, which is claimed by Kurds, Arabs and over the election law had fallen apart over the fractious northem city Turkomens. split between Arabs and Kurds. Othman said the vote over the election law would not take place 60 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti THE WALL STREETJOHNiL October 29, 2009 Kurds Plan to Boycott Iraqi Vote On Kirkuk thousands of Kurds were kicked out of Kirkuk, but returned after the U.S.-led B^GINACHON invasion in 2003. The other alternative would use BAGHDAD ~ Kurdish lawmakers records for 2005 or 2009, favored by the said they will boycott an Iraqi parliament Kurds. On Wednesday, the Kurdish bloc, session on Thursday if members are the second-largest in parliament, said a asked to choose which voter-registration decision shouldn't be put to a vote but records to use to hold polls in the dispu¬ instead negotiated. ted area of Kirkuk. "If they vote on this, we will not enter A national election law has stalled the hall and we will boycott the session," over voting procedures in Kirkuk, a independent Kurdish lawmaker Guests and MP's sat for the swearing in contested, oil-rich region in the north Mahmoud Othman said. of the new Kurdish regional govem¬ claimed by Kurds, Arabs and Turkomen. Parliament missed an Oct. 15 dead¬ ment in the northem city of Arbil on To move the legislation forward, parlia¬ line to pass the elections law, which is Oct. 28, 2009. ment's legal committee and Speaker needed to hold parliamentary polls as Ayad al-Sammaraie wanted lavmiakers scheduled on Jan. 16. Election organizers key indicator of stability and will deter¬ to vote Thursday over which voter-regis¬ say they need 90 days to prepare the mine the pace of a large U.S. drawdown tration records to use in Kirkuk. vote. If a law isn't passed this week, they expected next year. Sunni Arabs and Turkmen favor the may have to consider delaying the polls Lawmakers were expected to conti¬ 2004 records because that list doesn't or making other choices that could affect nue talks late Wednesday and it was account for a big population increase of the quality of the elections, they have unclear whether any voting will be held Kurds in Kirkuk after that year. Under said. Thursday. Saddam Hussein's Arabization policy. The January elections are seen as a THE WALL STREET JODRNMi. qctqber 30, 2009 REVIEW & OUTLOOK The Turkish Temptation The Erdogan government shifts its allegiances to anti-Western Islam. It's been a decade since Turkey threate¬ ting to be at daggers drawn along seve¬ and Sudan, for example) while dismis¬ ned to invade Syria because Damascus ral hundred miles of common borders. sing secular, pro-Western Muslim was harboring Abdullah Ocalan, the lea¬ But what's happened to Turkey's governments (Egypt, Jordan and der of the Kurdish PKK terrorist group. foreign policyand the values that Tunisia)." That also goes among the "We will say 'shalom' to the Israelis on inform those policiessince Mr. Palestinians, where Mr. Erdogan has the Golan Heights" is how one Turkish Erdogan and his Islamist AKP party called on the world to recognize Hamas newspaper then described the country's came to power in 2003 looks more like while being dismissive of Mahmoud mood, capturing its attitude toward a fundamental shift in Turkey's strate¬ Abbas, the Authority's more secular- Syrians and Israelis alike. gic priorities than it does a mere minded president. Times changeand so do countries. relaxing of regional tensions. In other words, Mr. Erdogan's turn Earlier this month, Turkey cancelled an In January, for instance, Mr. against Israel is S3Tnptomatic of a broa¬ annual multinational air force exercise Erdogan publicly rebuked Shimon der shift in Turkish policy, one that can¬ because Israel was scheduled to partici¬ Peres at a meeting of the World not bode well for core U.S. interests. As pate in it, despite historically close ties Economic Forum in Davos, calling the a secular Muslim state, Turkey has been between the Turkish and Israeli milita¬ Israeli President a "liar" and sayingin a pillar of NATO and a bulwark against ries. In a recent interview vrith Britain's connection to the war in Gazathat the political radicalism (Communist, Guardian newspaper, Turkish Prime "when it comes to killing, you know well Baathist, Islamist) of its various neigh¬ Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said of how to kill." Soon thereafter, Mr. bors. Now Mr. Erdogan may be gam¬ Iran's Mahmoud Ahmadinejad that Erdogan hosted a dinner in honor ofAli bling that Turkey's future lies at the "there is no doubt he is our friend." Osman Taha, the vice president of head of the Muslim world, rather than Mr. Erdogan was also among the Sudan. Apparently, there were no lectu¬ at the tail of its Western counterpart. first to offer Ahmadinejad a congratula- res about Darfiir. Perhaps none of this should be all toty call after June's fraudulent elec¬ Nor has Israel been the only country that surprising, given how long Europe tions and has called Iran's nuclear pro¬ in the Middle East affected by Turkey's has brushed off Turkish ambitions to gram "peaceful and humanitarian." As changing attitudes. As analyst Soner join its Union. One may hope that the for Syria, relations have never been Cagaptay of the Washington Institute Turks, who have long been proud of warmer: The two countries are even for Near East Policy notes, "the AKP's their traditions of secularism, tole¬ planning joint military exercises. foreign policy has not promoted sympa¬ rance, freedom, and as a bridge bet¬ Nations do not have the luxury of thy toward all Muslim states. Rather, ween East and West, may not be so picking their neighbors, and the Turks the party has promoted solidarity with tempted to trade them in for darker glo¬ can certainly be forgiven for not wan Islamist, anti-Western regimes (Qatar ries. 61 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti Kurdistan Regional Govemment KRG.org 28 October. 2009 Profile of Prime Minister Barham Salih Prime Minister, Kurdistan Regional Govenunent Prime Minister Barham Sahh is a veteran Kurdish politician with years of public service and leadership in both the Kurdistan Region and in Iraq. His Ufe and political outiook have been defined by his experience as ship and appointed as the PUK representative in Washington. He deve¬ a political activist committed to freeing the Kurdistan Region and Iraq loped relations with influential groups and decision-makers in from tyranny and to the pursuit of democracy and human rights. Washington, and participated in the Iraqi opposition's conferences and meetings before the fall of the Ba'athist regime. Dr Salih was appointed Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region on 30 September 2009, leading the sixth Kurdistan Regional Government From 2001 to mid-2004, Dr Salih served as Prime Minister of the (KRG) cabinet. In the July 2009 Kurdistan Region parliamentary elec¬ Kurdistan Region Suleimaniah Administration. Despite a double tions he headed the Kurdistan List, which won 59 out of 111 seats. embargo for much of that time by both the UN and Saddam Hussein, he made every effort to improve the standard of living and service delivery, Born in the city of Suleimaniah in i960, Dr Salih joined the Patriotic and laid the foundations for ambitious development projects. Union of Kurdistan (PUK) in 1976. At the age of 18 and 19, he was twice arrested by the Ba'athist regime for his involvement in the Kurdish natio¬ After the 2003 liberation of Iraq, Dr Salih served in Iraq's post-war nal movement, and was detained and tortured. On his release he studied governments He served as the Deputy Prime Minister in the Interim hard to complete his education, achieving the third highest baccalaureate Iraqi Government in mid-2004. Minister of Planning in the Transitional grade in all of Iraq that year. Following continued persecution, he left Govemment in 2005, and most recently as Iraq's Deputy Prime Miirister Iraq for the United Kingdom. to Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. During his years of exile, Dr Salih worked hard to improve Kurdistan's Under Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki, Dr Salih also became Head of the relations with the West and campaigned against Saddam Hussein's dic¬ Economic Committee. Representing the Iraqi Govenunent, he launched tatorial Ba'ath regime. He was put in charge of the PUK's foreign rela¬ the Intemational Compact with Iraq, a mutual commitment between tions in London and at the same time continued his studies. He gained a Iraq and the international community to help build a prosperous, demo¬ degree in Civil Engineering and Construction in 1983 from the University cratic and federal country, at peace vrith itself, with the region and the of Cardiff, and a Doctorate in Statistics and Computer Applications in world. Engineering in 1987 from the University of Liverpool. Prime Minister Salih is married to Dr Sarbagh Salih, a women's rights Following the 1991 Gulf War and the withdrawal of the Iraqi army and activist, and they have a son and a daughter. He is fluent in Kurdish, administration from Kurdistan, Dr Salih was elected to the PUK's leader Arabic and English. Kurdistan Regional Govemment KRG.org 28 October. 2009 Newly elected Prime Minister of the Kurdish region Govemment of Kurdistan Regional Iraq Barham Saleh swears in during a ceremony of the new Government announces Kurdish regional government in Irbil new cabinet ministers Minister of HealthtTaher Abdullah Hussein Hawrami Erbil - Kurdistan, Iraq (KRG.org) - Today in parliament the new Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) cabinet was swom in, with Prime Minister Barham Minister of Higher Education & Scientific ResearchrDlawer AA. Salih at the head of the new ministerial team. The members of the cabinet are: Ala'Aldeen Prime Minister:Barham Salih Minister of Housing and Reconstruction :Kamaran Ahmed Abdullah Deputy Prime Minister:Azad Barwari Minister of Labour and Social A£fairs:Ms Asos Najib Abdullah Minister for the Interior:Abdul Karim Sultan Sinjari (Karim Sinjari) Minister ofMartyrs and Victims ofAnfal:Majid Hamad Amin Jamil Minister of Finance & the Economy:Bayiz Saeed Mohammad Talabany Minister of Municipalities and Tourisni:Samir Abdullah Mustafa: Minister of Justice:Raouf Rashid Abdulrahman Minister of Natural Resources:Abdullah Abdulrahman Abdullah (Ashti Havirami) Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources:Jamil Sleiman Haider Minister of Peshmerga Affairs:Jafar Mustafa Ali Minister of Culture and Youth:Kawa Mahmoud Shaldr Minister of Planning:Ali Osman Haji Badri Sindi Minister of Education:Safin Muhsin Mohammad Amin Dizayee Minister ofTrade and Industry:Sinan Abdulkhalq Ahmed Chalabi Minister of Electricity:To be updated soon Minister of Transport and Communications :Anwar Jabah Sabo Minister of Endowment & Religious Affairs:Kamil Ali Aziz 62 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti The OCT 22nd 2009 Economist Turkey and the Kurds Return of the natives ANKARA A trickle back of PKK terrorists may herald a lasting peace imports oil from Iraqi Kurdish fields. It "DONT waste time, come back!" The plans to open its first consulate in Erbil, call by Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey's the regional capital. In exchange, the Iraqi prime minister, to rebels of the Kurdistan Kurds are squeezing the PKK. An Iraqi Workers' Party (PKK) this week sounded Kurdish satellite-television channel, Kurd like an invitation to a party. And a party it Stat, even carries Turkish-language news was when tens of thousands of ululating broadcasts. The PKK is feeling increasingly Kurds flocked to the Iraqi border on isolated. Scenting an opportunity, October 19th to greet 34 PKK fighters and Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned PKK lea¬ their sympathisers, who gave themselves der, has appealed to more of his men to up in a gesture that may bring peace. return. The government may yet reward (Five of the fighters were arrested but |vir Ocalan, who has spent a decade in soli¬ In the bad old days later released on the orders of a judge.) tary confinement in an island prison near The move comes after a year of secret Istanbul, with some cell-mates and a tele¬ government's initiative, many share the talks between Turkey, America, the Iraqi vision set. opposition's suspicions that the PKK Is Kurds who control the mountainous terri¬ All of this chimes with Mr Erdogan's engaged in salami tactics that may lead to tory in which the fighters have been broader Kurdish overture: an assortment the dismemberment of Turkey. Reckless based, and probably the PKK itself. of measures that are intended to satisfy talk of "going our own way" by hotheads Plans to give an amnesty to PKK figh¬ the Turkish Kurds' demands for more poli¬ in the pro-Kurdish Democratic Society ters who stand aside from the terrorist tical and cultural freedoms. More were lis¬ Party has not helped. But the distrust is group's vicious 25-year-old war have long ted In a letter that was carried by the mutual. Some Kurds worry that, having been opposed by Turkey's hawkish gene¬ repatriated rebels. They include an imme¬ lured the rebels down from the mountains, rals. Hoping to bully Turkey into recogni¬ diate end to the army's operations and a Turkey will return to its old repressive sing their quasi-independent state, the new Turkish constitution that recognises ways. That seems unlikely. Turkey's chief Iraqi Kurds let the rebels roam free. But the Kurdish Identity. Predictably, Turkey's of staff, Ilker Basbug, has repeatedly the impending withdrawal of American opposition leaders have cried treason. The asserted that military means alone cannot troops and the risk of spiralling ethnic and PKK was not surrendering to the govern¬ solve the Kurdish problem. As somebody sectarian violence in Iraq has concentra¬ ment but the other way round, fumed who served in the predominantly Kurdish ted minds. Deniz Baykal, leader of the Republican south-east of Turkey, he should know. The Turks and the Iraqi Kurds are set¬ People's Party. ting aside their quarrels. Turkey now Although most Turks support the t^ Rudaw.^^" OCTOBER 30,2009 govemment. PKK leader: Kurdish The PKK head also criticized the role of the Tiu-kish premier. "Erdo?an plays so many roles, this will not convince the Kurds. initiative is a fairy tale The AKP is not serious m her goals." Imrali - The imprisoned leader Abdullah Ocalan declared that the Corsica example 'Kurdish initiative' is a fairy tale and is meant to destroy the Ocalan compared the rights Corsica received from France to Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). The PKK-leader also indicated Corsica. "After the attitude of the Turkish govemment, there that the third 'peace group' from Europe is not going back to Turkey. won't come anymore 'peace groups' to Turkey. I give the Turkish premier Erdo?an an example for a solution. Just like the French The Kurdish politician said that the Turkish govenunent should gave rights to Corsica, the Turkish govemment can give right to take it's initiative more serious and emphasized that not only sup¬ Kurds." porters of the Democratic Society Party (DTP) participated in the welcome of the 34 PKK members at the border on 19 October, but Corsica has a degree of political and administrative autonomy and cultural protection of the Corsican language and culture. Cultural also supporters of the Islamic AKP govenunent. protection were major demands by the Corsican public, particu¬ Three groups firom Makhmur, Qandil and Eiu^ope were supposed larly those who do not favor full independence. to go to Turkey, but the last group was denied access by the 63 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti Iraqi Kurdish leader backs REUTERS # Turkey's reform steps ARBIL, Iraq, October 30^009 Zerin Elci , (Reuters) - IRAQI KURDISH leader Massoud Barzani on Friday praised Turkish steps to address a decades-old Ktudish conflict and called for an end to ethnic violence during a visit to the region by Turkey's foreign minister. Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan's Islamist-rooted AK Party has launched an irdtiative that is expected to give greater freedom to the 12 million-strong Kvurdish minority in Tiukey's southeast. The reforms, which include easing restrictions on the Kurdish lan¬ guage and culture, are important for advancing the country's appU- cation for membership in the European Union, which wants Ankara to meet the bloc's htunan rights standards. Iraqi Kurdish leader Massoud Barzani (R) holds a joint confe¬ Ahmet Davutoglu is the first Tvukish foreign minister to travel to rence with Turkey's Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu in Iraq's largely autonomous Kurdish region. Arbil, 310 km (190 miles) north of Baghdad, October 30, 2009. Ties between Ankara and the govemment of Iraq's Kurdistan region Picture taken October 30, 2009. REUTERS/Azad Lashkari were marred for years by the presence of Kurdish rebels along the (IRAQ) border, but relations have improved under the AK Party govem¬ ment as the two sides have increased cooperation on security and "Arabs, Kurds, Shia and Simni ~ we wiU re-buQd the Middle East expanded energy and trade deals. altogether. Everybody must take bold steps. But terror is the most serious threat to this vision," he said. "I want to congratulate the prime minister for the pohcies and the steps taken for a democratic opening. We support all the steps Turkey will open its next consulate in Arbil, after Mosul and Basra, taken," Barzani told a news conference with Davutoglu. Davutoglu also said. Acknowledging the very existence of the Kurdistan regional The two sides are also keen to work together on energy. Tiurkey has govenunent, which has enjoyed de facto autonomy from Baghdad positioned itself as a key transit route for Middle East gas to Europe. since 1991, had been taboo among Turkish politicians mindful of The oU-rich city of Kirkuk, claimed by both Iraqi Kurds and Arabs, reigniting Kurdish hopes of statehood on Turkish soil. is a particularly sensitive issue. "God willing, the violence will end as soon as possible and Tvukish Turkey worries that if the Iraqi Kurds win the battle over Kirkuk, and Kurdish youth will shed no more blood," Barzani said. that would give them enough revenues to form a viable state, sto¬ king separatist aspirations among its own Kurds. Tiurkey has accused Barzani of failing to stop rebel attacks, even as Iraq's Kurdish leaders have openly called on the separatist PKK to Turkey regularly shells PKK targets in northem Iraq. It blames the lay down its arms. PKK for 40,000 deaths since 1984, when the group took up arms to carve out a homeland in southeast Turkey. Improving ties with Turkey has gained urgency as U.S. forces with¬ draw from Iraq, leaving behind a possible seciuity vacuiun. Turkey and Iraq are major trading partners, and some 500,000 bar¬ rels of Iraqi oil a day about a quarter of its exports are piped Davutoglu called for cooperation in the fight against terrorism. through the Turkish port of Ceyhan. Turkey, along v^dth the EU and the United States, considers the PKK a terrorist group. T\irkish Troops Kill 5 Kurdish Rebels ^P Associated Press ANKARA, Turkey 27, 2009Associated Press But celebrations upon their arrival by thousands of Kurds angered the govemment and nationalists across the country, threatening to derail the process. Turkish troops killed Ave Kurdish rebels in a clash in the coun¬ try's southeast 'Riesday, the state-run Anatolia news agency Also on Tuesday, a Turkish court sentenced Aysel Tugluk to 18 reported. months in prison for spreading rebel propaganda. Because she is a member of parliament, she will not have to serve the time until she is Separately, it said a Turkish court convicted a Kurdish lawmaker of out of office, or until parliament votes to lift her immunity. spreading rebel propaganda. Tugluk, 44, said she was innocent and will appeal Tuesday's convic¬ The fighting occurred near the southeastern city of Bingol. One sol¬ tion for a 2006 speech she made praising a petition by hundreds of dier and two civilians were also injured, Anatolia said. Kurds declaring imprisoned rebel chief Abdullah Ocalan their leader. Last week the rebels, who have been fighting for autonomy in the The case was one of several against Tugluk and other members of her country's Kurdish-dominated southeast, sent a small group of Kurdish Democratic Society Party, which faces closure for alleged ties to guerrillas to Turkey from their hideouts in Iraq in a peace gesture in Ocalan's outlawed Kurdistan Worker's Party, or PKK. response to a govemment initiative to try to end the conflict by expan¬ ding Kurds' democratic and human rights. The PKK is considered a terrorist group by the U.S. and the EU. 64 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti THE GLOBE AND MAIL* Arab-Kurd tensions threaten to ignite October 30, 2009 volatile Iraqi province Ninewa a cauldron of old wrongs and new grievances Globe and MaiU Canada govemor but, in reality, was the strong¬ the south, and enjoying the more-or-less man during those years. open Syrian border, the extremists have PATRICK MARTIN "I am not an executioner, as Arabs proliferated. MOSUL, IRAQ claim," he told the Intemational Crisis Just two weeks ago during Friday Group earlier this year. "It is all too easy prayers, a giuunan in a Ninewa mosque af the ethnically mixed and oil-rich to blame us for the disorder and violence shot dead the imam and 14 others in the Iraqi province of Kirkuk is a bomb ... while absolving the terrorists. We had congregation before blowing himself up. waiting to explode, then the divided to take matters into our hands because The imam, it tums out, was a member of province of Ninewa, 100 kilometres Arab leadership was wholly lacking." the moderate Iraqi Islamic Party, a group to the northwest, may be the fuse. The outcome of all this Arab-Kurd that had not joined other Arabs in the The province is home to Mosul, Iraq's conflict was twofold. 2005 election boycott and had worked third-largest city, and a capital of Arab First, Kiudish forces pulled back to with the Kurds. Assassination, it seems, culture. While Kirkuk may be the Kurds' the east bank of the Tigris River that runs was the price this man paid. Jerasalem, it is Mosul that is the heartland through Mosul, leaving the insurgents for More than a share in the province's for Sunni Arabs. the Iraqi and U.S. forces to deal with. administration, Kurds also contend those It is said that more Iraqi army officers Then, in January this year, the pro¬ Ninewa districts with a majority Kurdish and more members of the Baath Party vince's Arab majority retumed with a ven¬ population, and which their forces occu¬ hierarchy came from Mosul than from geance when a hard-line Arab party, al- pied in 2003, belong in the Kiudistan any other place in Iraq. Habdaa, running on an anti-Kurdish plat¬ Regional Govemment, a special region And while there are large numbers of form, convincingly won election. within a federal Iraq. predominantiy Kurdish villages in the This time, there was no talk of power For his part, Mr. Najayfi says there countryside north of Mosul, no more than sharing, despite the widely practised are no such disputed territories to be clai¬ a third of the capital's residents are Kurds. concept of muhasasa, in which positions med. "In I99I [during the uprising Imagine the consternation then, on are distributed in a way that reflects each against the Saddam Hussein regime] the April II, 2003, when Kurdish peshmerga party's electoral vote. Govemor Atheel Kurds took over all areas inhabited by fighters overran the great Arab city after Najayfi declared there was too much to their people," he said. "The Green Line the surrender to U.S. forces by Iraq's redress; he would govem as a majority. [that marked their enclave] is the border Mosul-based 5th Army Corps. Kurds have insisted on their share of they deserve." Resistance to the new reality was administrative positions and are boycot¬ "Najayfi would like his entire pro¬ immediate as Arabs resented the presence ting the govemment imtil they get it. They vince without any Kurds," Mr. Pira, the of both American and Kurdish elements forcibly control some 16 of the province's Kurdish adviser, said. "He's speaking the running their city and patrolling their pro¬ 3 1 subdistricts and will have no part of language of Goebbels." vince. the administration as constituted. But behind the bravado and poh- Most of Ninewa's Arab population As a result, when Mr. Najayfi recentiy ticking, the Kurds may be angling for a boycotted a provincial election in 2005 tried to visit one of the subdistricts, he deal. and a Kurdish majority govenunent resul¬ and his motorcade of heavily armed four- "Kirkuk is a pressing issue for ted. by-fours were tumed away by Kurdish Kurdish politicians of both parties," a Saadi Pira, a Kurd,and now senior peshmerga troops with shoot-to-kill Kurdish MP told tiie ICG m a report adviser to Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, orders. issued Sept. 28. "It has more far-reaching ran the 2005 election in Mosul. "We knew National and regional leaders now are results than demands on the other dispu¬ we weren't the majority. We won three- getting into the act. ted territories. We rather exaggerate the quarters of the seats, even though we only In Baghdad, Shia Prime Minister latter so as to gain leverage for negotia¬ had a third of the population." he said. Nouri al-Maliki, perhaps preparing to run tions on Kirkuk." "So we appointed an Arab as govemor, on an anti-Kurd platform of his own in and spread aroimd a lot of the key posi¬ January's election, has repeatedly critici¬ tions." zed the idea of muhasasa and even ques¬ That may be so, but the next four tioned the nature of federalism, declaring years also provided an opportunity for that a central authority was the most Kurdish administrators to redress some of important thing. the ethnic practices of Saddam Hussein's An outraged Masoud Barzani, presi¬ time when Kurds were often forced to dent of the Kurdistan Regional leave the province and Arabs moved in. Govemment, accused the Prime Minister During all this time, radical Sunni of seeking to restore dictatorship. groups, including al-Qaeda in Iraq, grew High emotions are like sparks in a tin- in strength and went on the offensive. derbox such as Ninewa, where some of Tertorist acts against the Kurdish admi¬ the cotmtry's most violent Sunni extre¬ nistrators were met with harsh responses. mists hide out. Khasro Goran was the Kurdish deputy Driven there from Anbar province to 65 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti THE GLOBE AND MAIL!" Iraq's oil-rich province of Kirkuk October 28, 2009 vulnerable to violence Who has the right to govern there? The Iraqi constitutional battles are a lot like Canada's, but with guns The Globe and Mail I Canada "trigger line," a position from which nor of Kirkuk, disagrees. "There are a lot Kurdish leaders say they will not with¬ of fake documents being used by people to Patrick Martin draw. And the disputed territories fall in register as residents. There's no way that Kirkuk, Iraq between. many are legitimate Kirkuk people." Ramadan Rashid, who tumed 50 that "We want elections, too," he said, "but n organization calling itself al- year, was the leader of the Kurdish imder- fair ones." Qaeda in Iraq has claimed responsi¬ groimd in Kirkuk. With a small satellite What he and many Arab and a bility for Sunday's deadly bombings phone he had been directing U.S. air stri¬ Turkomen leaders want is a power-sharing in Baghdad that killed 155 people. kes against targets in the city. When arrangement that would allot 32 per cent Earlier this month, the same group Saddam's forces fled Kirkuk, and PUK of the provincial seats to Kurds, 32 per claimed it carried out a suicide car bom¬ peshmerga moved in to fill the void, Mr. cent to Arabs, 32 per cent to Turkomen bing that killed II fraqi policemen here in Rashid rejoiced. and 4 per cent to remaining, mostiy the capital of the ethnically diverse and "As far as I was concerned, we were Christian, groups. oil-rich province of Kirkuk. The police just taking back what was ours," he said. "That way, no one feels they are were part of a special imit charged with Over the years of Baath Party rale, a second-class citizens," Mr. Saeed said. guardmg the area's oil facilities. program of Arabization had reduced the Kurdish leaders say they are happy to This Kirkuk attack may prove the Kurdish population in Kirkuk considera¬ share power, but after an election determi¬ more ominous, for if there is to be further bly, while increasing the number of Arabs nes what share each major party should armed conflict in Iraq, this is where it is in the city by encouraging immigration get. The concept, known as muhasasa , has likely to be, as a showdown looms bet¬ from the South. been widely practised almost everywhere ween Arab and Kurd over who has the By the time the Kurds had "liberated" in the coimtry. Even federal cabinet posi¬ better claim to the province. Kirkuk in 2003, the Kurdish majority was tions are assigned that way. Already, in the past three months, gone. As for the future, Kurds want to hold a more than 200 people have been killed in They quickly set about reversing that referendum to decide whether the province assorted bombings and assassinations in trend. In a program they refer to as "nor¬ should join the three other provinces that this province and in nearby Ninewa. malization" and Arabs refer to as takrid , make up the Kurdistan Regional The issue of Kirkuk also is bedevilling or Kurdization, Arabs who had been Govemment. The KRG still is part of Iraq, federal lawmakers in Baghdad. An attempt brought into the city were "encoiuaged" to but with a special regional status. to agree on a new election law collapsed leave, often with fmancial incentives. For the same reason they oppose elec¬ Tuesday over the issue of who would be Some left out of fear. At the same time, tions until a proper census is conducted, eligible to vote in Kirkuk. Kurds were encouraged to return to the Arabs and Turkomen object to a referen¬ When Kurdish peshmerga (meaning city of their birth. The northem outskirts dum. those who face death) rashed into Kirkuk of Kirkuk are filled with newly built "The only referendum we favour is from their position northeast of the city in Kurdish homes. one ui which all Iraqis are asked if Kirkuk early April of 2003, they were doing more Today, the conflict is over who has the should become part of Kurdistan," said than contributing to the U.S. defeat of right to govem here, and where does the Mr. Saeed, using an idea familiar to Saddam Hussein's forces: They were future of the province lie. Canadian federalists. Indeed, the Iraqi laying claim to what Jalal Talibani, leader Kurds want to have elections in constitutional baffles are a lot like of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan and Kirkuk; every other province and city has Canada's, but with guns. now President of Iraq, calls "the Kurdish held them. Arab and Turkomen residents Mr. Saeed said that even if the people Jemsalem." have objected to the idea, since the 2005 of Kirkuk are ultimately required to hold a They also were serving notice that the provincial vote created a government referendum of their own, a decision to territory, and its extensive oil reserves, dominated by Kurds. They say that Kurds become part of the KRG should be appro¬ rightfully belong to Kurdistan. benefited from inflated numbers at that ved "by at least 75 per cent of the people." In the 1991 Kurdish uprising against time and the numerical disparity has only "If there's any attempt to impose a Saddam Hussein, which had followed the grown since. decision on us, people will fight," he said. Iraqi setback in the fust Gulf War, Kurdish While there has been no national cen¬ In the meantime, the city and province forces had fallen back to a ceasefire line sus conducted (also postponed because of of Kirkuk are governed by a mostiy that stretched across northem Iraq from the Kirkuk issue), most parties agree that Kurdish administration, while members of the Syrian to the Iranian borders. This the number of Kiuds in Kirkuk province a special police force stand guard every Green Line, as it would become known, has grown to more than 1.2 million today 100 metres or so hi mixed and Arab neigh¬ fell well short of encompassing all the from about 800,000 in 2003, an increase bourhoods, keeping what passes for peace. Kurdish towns and villages. Many, inclu¬ of 50 per cent. ding the city of Kirkuk, were left in "That's a perfectiy normal growth Saddam's hands. rate," said Rizgar Ali, the Kurdish head of On April 10, 2003, tiie Kurds took the provincial coimcil, "when you take back a lot of that territory, claiming most into account both natural growth and the of it as Kurdistan's. The Green Line from retum of thousands of families." 1991 to 2003 has been replaced by a new Rakhan Saeed, the Arab deputy gover 66 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti lOTERNAllONAI. For every Iraqi party, OCTOBER 30, 2009 an army of its own the Interior Ministry, which has been The Sons of Iraq, who had thrown in Iraqis will Najim Abed Al-Jabouri seen (often correctly) as a pawn of their lot with the new Iraq, are now po- Shiite political move- UticaUy mcffginalized and unemployed not trust Edmo-sectari- ments. Members of and may be more susceptible to settling their securi¬ ._ the security forces their poUtical differences vrith the gov¬ amsm creeites ^4. i i » * ty forces so Sunday's coordinated suicide bomb¬ , , ,. , are often loyal not to emment by serving the enemies of fault lines that the state but to flie long as they ings in Baghdad, which killed more Iraq. than 150 people, were a brutal reminder terrorist person or political How can Iraq create a trustworthy remain of how far Iraq still has to go in terms of groups and party that gave them security force? There are three lessons heavily security. While things are far better odiers will ex- their jobs. from the Tel Afar experience. politicized. than a few years ago, one huge task re¬ ploit to keep The same is true of First, remove the high-level officers mains: getting the pubUc to trust the Iraq weak and many parts of tfie in the Defense and Interior Ministries Iraqi security forces. vulnerable. ^""^'^i^'^x.^^'f" who are more loyal to their poUtical From 2005 to 2008, 1 was the mayor of ample, the Fifth Iraqi parties than to Iraq. It does not matter Tel Afar, a town in Nineveh Province in Army Division, in if their replacements are Kurdish, northern Iraq that become the model Diyala Province northeast of Baghdad, ShUte, Sunni or Tlirkmen the impor¬ for the "clear, hold and build" strategy has been under the sway of the Islamic tant thing is that they are professional credited with turning the war around Supreme Council of Iraq, th,e Shiite and not puppets of reUgious or ethnic during the surge. party that has the largest bloc in ParUa¬ miUtias and parties. In some ways, the story of Tel Afar is ment; the Eighth Division, in Diwaniyâ Second, the govemment should di¬ indicative of what we are now seeing on and Kut to the southeast of the capital, versify the poUce forces in mixed areas a larger scale in Iraq. has answered largely to Dawa, the and move the Iraqi Army's battaUons In 2004, Tel Afar was plagued by in- . Shiite party of Prime Minister Nuri from areas that are dominated by local surgency and terrorism, the result of Kamal al-Maliki ; the Fourth Division, poUtical parties. This might require missed chances and poor decisions by in Salahuddin Province in northern United States miUtary support as inter¬ both the American and the Iraqi gov¬ Iraq, has been aUied with one of the two mediaries in poUtically sensitive areas ernments. major Kurdish parties, the Patriotic Un¬ like Kirkuk. In early 2005, however, I was ap¬ ion of Kurdistan. Last, the Iraqi govemment can do proached by Col. H. R. McMaster, an in¬ More recentiy, the Iraqi Awakening more to employ members of the Sons of novative American brigade command¬ Conference, a tribal-centric poUtical Iraq, either in the security forces or er (he is novv a brigadier general), who party based in Anbar Province (where with jobs in the provincial and national agreed with me that security efforts Sunni tribesmen, the so-called Sons of governments. Baghdad and Washing¬ should focus on gaining the confidence Iraq, turned against the insurgency ton should also do more to jumpstart of the people and not only on killing the during the surge) has gained influence the economy in Sunni-dominated An¬ enemy. We went to work building over the Seventh Iraq Army Division, bar Province, which is a Ukely tinder- bridges with the population. which was heavUy involved in recruit¬ box for the next widespread insur¬ First, thé American and Iraqi securi¬ ing Sunnis to maintain security in 2006. gency ty forces were taken out of their bases These poUtical schisms are partly re¬ In a UtUe more than two years, the and moved full-time into city neighbor¬ sponsible for coordinated terrorist at¬ United States drawdown of forces wiU hoods. tacks Uke those on Sunday or the so- be complete. In that time, the Iraqi se¬ Recognizing that the local poUce Ccdled Bloody Wednesday bombings of curity forces can go further in the direc¬ force was dominated by a certain Aug. 19, vO-hich kiUed more than 100. tion of ethno-sectarianism, or they can ethno-sectcirian group and that mem¬ The aim of such assaults is to puU the find a new nationaUsm. bers had harmed people of other reli¬ rug from under Prime Minister Maliki TVue, the status quo offers a tempo¬ gions and ethnicities, I fired any police in advance of the JanuEiry elections. Mr. rary balance of power between the in¬ officer with a record of violence or oth¬ Maliki has used the security gains of cumbent parties, likely providing rela¬ er unprofessional actions. Then I re¬ the last two years as his poUtical trump tive peace for the American exit. But cruited officers from other ethnic card, a strategy that gave Dawa huge deep down, ethno-sectarianism creates groups, and integrated all the units. gains in provincial elections last Febru¬ fault Unes that terrorist groups and oth¬ Shiite worked with Sunni, and Turkmen ary. However, if attacks on the govern¬ er states in the Mideast will exploit to and Kurd worked with Arab. ment rise, his opponents wiU hcup on keep Iraq weak and vulnerable. We also put a new focus on meeting them in order to break Dawa's poUtical The better edternative is to reform the needs of the people not just momentum. and gain the confidence of Iraqis. The keeping people safe, but trying to I do not suggest that the poUtical people wiU trust the security forces if avoid violence from starting by en¬ pcuties committed these crimes direct¬ they are seen as impartial on divisive couraging Tel Afar 's different groups ^ ly. But ethno-sectaricui poUtical party poUtical issues, loyal to the state rather to talk to one another. influence over the security forces indi- than to parties, and if they embody the Once we gained widespread trust ih rectiy makes it easier for enemies of diversity and tolerance that we Iraqis our impartiality, we could be fairly sure Iraq to carry out their attacks. have long claimed to be a defining char¬ that any resident who saw something The Iraqi government also made a acteristic. suspicious would quickly report it to huge mistake by faiUng to find a place the authorities. for the Sons of Iraq in the national gov¬ NAJIM ABED AL-JABOURI, afellow at the Near The Iraqi government needs to ap¬ ernment. This was because of pressure East South Asia Centerfor Strategic ply these same principles to the nation¬ from ethno-sectarian parties and their Studies at the National Defense Universi¬ al security forces. Both the military gatekeepers in the Defense and Interi¬ ty in Washington, was the mayor of Tel and the police remain heavily politi¬ or Ministries, who didn't want the Afar, Iraq,from 2005 to 2008. This article cized. The police and border officials, political balance in the forces to be Vi>as translated by Sterling Jensenfrom for example, are largely answerable to altered. the Arabic. 67 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti IRAK: LE GOUVERNEMENT KURDE OBTIENT LA CONFIANCE DU PARLEMENT RÉGIONAL ERBIL (Irak), 28 octobre 2009 (AFP) Le nouveau gouvemement kurde irakien a obtenu mercredi à Ertiil la confiance du Parlement régional, mais les députés de l'opposition ont quitté la séance en signe de protestation car ils n'avaient pas obtenu un vote séparé sur cliaque ministre, selon un journaliste de l'AFP. Le nouvel exécutif, dirigé par l'ancien vice-Premier ministre irakien Barham Saleh, compte 21 ministres contre 42 (dont 13 sans portefeuille) dans le précé¬ dent gouvemement de Nachervan Barzani, a-t-on indiqué de source parlemen¬ taire. Dans ce nouveau gouvemement, seulement quatre ministres conservent leur portefeuille, ceux des Ressources naturelles, de l'Intérieur, des Finances et celui chargé des Peshmergas (combattants). la possibilité d'intenoger Barham Saleh alors que nous avons beaucoup de résen/es sur la manière dont il a dirigé le gouvernement (kurde) de 2001 et Il compte six membres du Parti démocratique du Kurdistan (PDK de Massoud 2004", a déclaré le député de Goran Abdallah Mollah Nouri. Barzani, président de la région autonome du Kurdistan) et et six autres du l'Union patriotique du Kurdistan (UPK, de Jalal Talabani, président d'Irak). Les "La présidence ne nous a donnés aucune chance de demander des infonnations autres sont des indépendants ou appartiennent à des minorités religieuses. sur le programme gouvernemental et la qualité des ministres", a dit pour sa le député Islamiste Samir Salim. Les députés contestataires du Goran ("Changement" en kurde) de Nouchenwan Moustapha, devenu première force d'opposition avec 25 sièges, ont quitté la Après le vote, les députés ont prêté serment en présence du président de la salle, suivis des dix parlementaires islamistes sur les 13 que comptent l'autre région du Kurdistan Massoud Barzani. liste d'opposition "Services et réformes". Le Parlement compte 111 sièges. Les grands partis traditionnels du Kurdistan irakien, l'UPK et le PDK, avaient "Nous avons décidé de nous retirer car le président du Parlement nous a refusé obtenu le 25 juillet la majorité absolue au Parlement régional. IRAK: PAS D'ACCORD SUR LA LOI ELECTORALE MALGRE LES EFFORTS DE L'ONU BAGDAD, 27 octobre 2009 - (AFP) LES CHEFS des groupes parlementaires irakiens ont échoué une nouvelle fois mardi dans leurs tentatives de trouver un accord sur une loi électorale, indis¬ pensable à la tenue d'élections le 16 janvier, en dépit de l'entrée en scène de l'ONU, selon un député ayant assisté aux débats. "Aucun accord n'a été trouvé aujourd'hui et ils se réuniront de nouveau mercredi", a- t-il dit à l'AFP, alors qu'il devient chaque jour plus difficile de tenir le scnjtin à la date prévue, la commission électorale ayant répété qu'elle avait besoin de 90 jours pour organiser le scmtin. Le représentant spécial de l'ONU en Irak, Ad Meikert, qui a assisté à une réunion des principaux chefs des groupes parlementaires, a fait une proposition pour surmonter La proposition de l'ONU est totalement différente de celle avancée lundi lors de la le principal obstacle, à savoir la question de la région pétrolière de Kirkouk, a dit ce réunion à laquelle participaient notamment le président Jalal Talabani (Kurde), le parlementaire qui a tenu à garder l'anonymat. Premier ministre Nouri al-Maliki (chiite) et le président du Parlement lyad al- Samarraï (sunnite) ainsi que d'autres responsables. Il a proposé que les élections aient lieu à Kirkouk en même temps que dans le reste du pays en prenant en compte, exceptionnellement et pour ce scnjfn uniquement, la liste des inscrits en 2009 comme l'exigent les Kurdes. nous allons accepter la proposition de revenir aux listes électorales de 2004 et 2005. Après le scmtin, cette liste électorale serait révisée pour tenir compte de l'opposition Des dizaines de familles (kurdes) ont été expulsées et nous ne pouvons pas faire l'im¬ des Arabes et des Turcomans. passe", a-t-il dit à l'AFR il est en revanche ouvert à la proposition de l'ONU. Les Kurdes exigent d'être majoritaires dans les instances dirigeantes de la province Le porte-parole de l'ONU à Bagdad, Said Arikat, a souligné que le message des de Kirkouk (quelque 900.000 habitants), qu'ils veulent annexer à leur région auto¬ Nations unies "n'était pas une proposition mais est venu dans le cadre de la discus¬ nome, alors que les Arabes et les Turcomans accusent ces derniers de s'y installer sion. Il y a eu un grand débat auquel l'ONU était partie prenante", a-t-il dit à l'AFP. en masse pour modifier l'équilibre démographique. "Nous avons insisté sur la nécessité de faire passer la loi car c'est essentiel de tenir Pour leur part, les Kurdes accusent les Arabes d'avoir agi de la même façon dans cer¬ les élections le 16 janvier. Chaque jour qui passe sans que la loi soit adoptée met en tains secteurs à majorité kurde de la province de Ninive (nord). cause la calendrier politique", a-t-il ajouté. La proposition de l'ONU est totalement différente de celle avancée lundi lors de la Selon un porte-parole des Etats-Unis, "l'ambassadeur Christopher Hill et d'autres réunion à laquelle participaient notamment le président Jalal Talabani (Kurde), le diplomates américains suivent de très près les discussions au Parlement". Premier ministre Nouri al-Maliki (chiite) et le président du Parlement lyad al-Samarraï "Nous exhortons les dirigeants politiques irakiens à surmonter leurs différences dans (sunnite) ainsi que d'autres responsables. l'intérêt du peuple irakien", a-t-il dit dans un communiqué. Selon Abdel Hadi al-Hassani, du parti Dawa (de M. Maliki), trois propositions ont été Samedi, plusieurs dirigeants irakiens, dont M. Maliki, avaient exprimé leur inquiétude faites pour Kirkouk: reporter les élections dans ce gouvernorat, revenir à la liste élec¬ quant à un éventuel report des élections, après l'échec des discussions au torale de 2004 ou créer deux circonscriptions, l'une kurde et l'autre arabe et turco- Pariement. "Si le scmtin n'est pas organisé à la date indiquée, aussi bien le gouver¬ mane. nement que le Pariement n'auront aucune légitimité", avait averti le Premier ministre. Le député kurde Mahmoud Othman a refusé ces propositions. 'Je ne pense pas que 68 Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti mmm\\m\vhimm\mmmfmm TURQUIE L'ouverture kurde Ankara est tenté de reconnaître de nouveaux droits culturels à sa minorité du Sud-Est. L'espoir d'un règlement trouve un écho jusque dans la guérilla du PKK. Après vingt-cinq ans mais dont le développement de lutte sanglante - passe par les capitaux et mar¬ 45 000 morts - avec la chés turcs, sont en voie de guérilla marxiste du PKK, la normalisation. Détenu dans Turquie est-elle en passe de une prison turque depuis résoudre sa question kurde ? 1999, le chef-fondateur du C'est, en tout cas, le pari pru¬ PKK, Abdullah Ocalan, a fait dent du gouvernement dAn- savoir, enfin, qu'il abandon¬ kara, qui devrait annoncer, nait son rêve de sécession et cet automne, un train de plaçait ses espoirs dans la réformes en faveur de cette démocratisation des institu¬ minorité. Le droit à l'identité tions. Laquelle bénéficierait de ces 12 à 17 millions d'in¬ HÉROS ? A Silopi, le 19 octobre, la population kurde accueille de la fin d'un conflit qui a fa¬ dividus, sur un total de 75 mil¬ dans la joie les guérilleros du PKK venus se rendre. vorisé une collusion entre lions, est resté nié au nom du certains cercles de la sécu¬ centralisme jacobin hérité (sud-est du pays), le Premier langue kurde sont désormais rité nationale et des trafi¬ dAtatiirk, fondateur de la Tur¬ ministre, Recep Tayyip Er¬ autorisés à la télévision. quants de tout poil. quie moderne. Ankara potu'- dogan, avait évoqué « les er- Plusieurs facteurs encou¬ Al'appel d'Ocalan, huit gué- rait annoncer de nouvelles reurs.passées » et promis de ragent ce vent de la réforme. rilleros et 26 « civils » ont concessions en matière d'en¬ régler « le problème » avec Tout d'abord, la persistance quitté les camps irakiens du seignement et de langue, telle « plus de démocratie, plus de de la question kurde gêne la PKK, le 19 octobre, et sont que la déturquisation des droits civils et plus de pros¬ marche vers l'Europe. En¬ rentrés en Turquie pour se noms de lieux kurdes. périté ». De fait, l'état d'ur¬ suite, les relations avec la ré¬ rendre. Ils ont été accueillis Dans un discours remarqué, gence a été levé dans le Sud- gion autonome kurde d'Irak, en héros par la population en août 2005, à Diyarbakir Est. Et des programmes en naguère sanctuaire du PKK, kurde. jean-michel demetz IRAK: VISITE HISTORIQUE DU CHEF DE LA DIPLOMATIE TURQUE AU KURDISTAN ERBIL, Irak oct 2009 (AFP) Pour sa part, le président de région autonome du Kurdistan Massoud Barzani a noté que son territoire, qui Le chef de la diplomatie turque Ahmet Davutoglu a souligné vendredi que l'Irak "bénéficiait d'une stablité et de la représentait un point stratégique et une voie obligée pour les relations de son pays sécurité, pouvait être un pont pour la avec le Golfe, lors d'une visite historique à Erbil, au Kurdistan irakien. Turquie pour atteindre les autres "L'Irak comme Etat multiethnique est très important pour nous et ce qui menace sa sécu¬ régions d'Irak" avant de rendre hom¬ rité est une menace pour nous (...) Nous sommes votre porte pour l'Europe et vous êtes mage à la politique actuelle du gouvernement turc envers les Kurdes. notre porte pour le sud, vers les pays du Golfe, via Bassora", a-t-il souligné lors d'une "Je pense que les dirigeants turcs peuvent traiter le problème du PKK. Ils ont pris une conférence de presse commune avec le chef kurde irakien Massoud Barzani. dédsion très courageuse et nous soutenons totalement la politique de rapprochement Il s'agit du premier séjour d'un ministre turc dans cette région du nord de l'Irak, avec avec les Kurdes de Turquie", a-t-il dit. laquelle les relations ont longtemps été difficiles en raison des accusations d'Ankara sur Le gouvemement turc a annoncé qu'il préparait des réformes pour améliorer les droits et l'aide que fournirait le gouvernement régional aux séparatistes kurdes turcs du PKK. la situation de la minorité kurde de Turquie. Arrivé en compagnie du ministre du Commerce, Zafer Caglayan, et de 70 hommes d'af¬ Les rapports entre Ankara et Bagdad se sont nettement améliorés depuis l'an demier faires et responsables gouvernementaux, M. Davutoglu a été reçu par le ministre irakien après que l'administration centrale irakienne et celle du Kurdistan se sont engagées à faire d'origine kurde, Hoshyar Zebari, et le nouveau Premier ministre kurde Braham Saleh. en sorte que le Kurdistan irakien ne devienne plus un sanctuaire pour le Parti des travail¬ "Cette région représente un grand intérêt pour nous et nous voulons bâtir de bonnes rela¬ leurs du Kurdistan (PKK). tions au Moyen-Orient avec les Turcomans, les Kurdes, les chiites et les sunnites. (...) Le conflit, vieux de 25 ans, entre la Turquie et le PKK a fait 45.000 morts. C'est une visite historique et j'appelle les Arabes, les Kurdes et les Turcomans à recons¬ La Turquie est par ailleurs le premier partenaire commercial du Kurdistan et de nombreux truire cette région", a ajouté le ministre turc. Turcs ont investi dans cette région. Sa viste intervient au moment où le processus électoral en Irak est bloqué en raison d'une LLa Turquie a actuellement une ambassade à Bagdad, un consulat à Mossoul (nord) et controverse sur la région pétrolière de Kiri 69