Solution to Kirkuk issue is implementing Article 140

[Stillw8n]

Solution to Kirkuk issue is implementing Article 140
26/10/2011

Kirkuk, Oct. 26 (AKnews) – President of Kurdistan Region told local officials in Kirkuk that the best solution to the issue of the disputed province was the implementation of article 140 of the Iraqi constitution.

Barzani, who is on a visit to Kirkuk, said in an address to local officials that officials in Kirkuk that “we are awaiting the implementation of article 140 which gives the residents of the city, in three stages, the choice to decide their fates”

Article 140 makes provisions for the payment of reparations to Kurds forced from their homes under Saddam Hussein, a comprehensive census of ethnic groups and a referendum to decide if disputed areas should fall under the control of Kurdistan Regional Government.

The implementation was supposed to be completed by 2007, but political wranglings have brought it to a dead-lock, with the payment of some Kurdish families the only action taken.

The regional president also urged officials in the province to work together to achieve stability.

“It is felt that the people of Kirkuk, all communities, have become the target of terrorists and I believe harsh statements will not end violence. All parties must work together to stabilize the situations”

“I am here to bring the message of peace and brotherhood,” he said, offering “all kinds of cooperation” from Kurdistan Region for the purpose.

Barzani also held separate meeting with the Iraqi Turkmen Front (ITF). A member of the part, Ali Mahdi, said in a press statement that Barzani had discussed important issues with the ITF and they looked forward about them.

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