February 10, 2008

To the Editor: “Kurds Lose Sway in Iraq as Arabs Resist Demands” (front page, Feb. 1):

The Kurds are not seeking to “seize control of the oil-rich city of Kirkuk.” We have consistently called for implementation of Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution to address the future of Kirkuk and other towns that were ethnically cleansed by Saddam Hussein.

On Dec. 26, 2007, the Kurdistan National Assembly approved the United Nations’ suggestion to extend the time needed for the referendum, which was required to be held by December 2007, for technical reasons. This was a significant concession by the Kurds.

It is true that the Kurds have had “close ties to the Americans” and “have steadfastly backed the government” of Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki. Our contribution to a federal, democratic Iraq is indisputable and by choice. Although so far we have given more than we have gained from the new Iraq, we are not seeking independence, although it would be our right to do so.

Like the United States, the Kurds have been frustrated by Baghdad’s slow progress on many of the political benchmarks, including the federal oil law. But as champions of a free and federal Iraq, the Kurds will continue to press for equitable sharing of revenues and resources and for good governance for all Iraqis.

Falah Mustafa Bakir
Minister, Head of the Department of Foreign Relations
Kurdistan Regional Government
Erbil, Iraq, Feb. 3, 2008