Bulletindeliaisonetd`information

KURDE
INSTITUT
DE PARIS
Bulletin de liaison et d’information
N°309
DECEMBRE 2010
La publication de ce Bulletin bénéficie de subventions
du Ministère français des Affaires étrangères (DGCID)
et du Fonds d’action et de soutien pour l’intégration et la lutte contre les discriminations (FASILD)
—————
Ce bulletin paraît en français et anglais
Prix au numéro : France: 6 € — Etranger : 7,5 €
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Périodique mensuel
Directeur de la publication : Mohamad HASSAN
Numéro de la Commission Paritaire : 659 13 A.S.
ISBN 0761 1285
INSTITUT KURDE, 106, rue La Fayette - 75010 PARIS
Tél. : 01- 48 24 64 64 - Fax : 01- 48 24 64 66
www.fikp.org
E-mail: [email protected]
IRAK : FORMATION PAR ÉTAPES D’UN NOUVEAU
GOUVERNEMENT
ERBIL: UN DISCOURS DU PRÉSIDENT BARZANI
ENFLAMME LA PRESSE ARABE
PARIS : L’INSTITUT KURDE LANCE SA BIBLIOTHEQUE
NUMÉRIQUE EN LIGNE
IRAN : EXÉCUTION D’UN PRISONNIER KURDE
REPORTÉE, SA FAMILLE ARRÊTÉE
SYRIE : RAPPORT SUR LES DEMANDES D’ASILE DES
KURDES EN EUROPE
CULTURE : « L’HOMME EN PYJAMA BLEU », DE JALAL
BARZANJI
IRAK :
UN NOUVEAU GOUVERNEMENT SE FORME PROGRESSIVEMENT
e 21 décembre, les
députés irakiens ont
enfin approuvé la formation d’un nouveau
gouvernement, mené
par le Premier Ministre Nouri
Al-Maliki, après 9 mois de négociations entre les différents blocs
parlementaires issus des élections du 7 mars 2009, qui avaient
amené au coude à coude chiites
et sunnites.
L
Le nouveau cabinet comprendra
42 ministères dont 29 sont pour
le moment pourvus et a dû composer avec tous les mouvements
politiques irakiens pour maintenir une coalition viable, ce qu’a
reconnu lui-même Nouri AlMaliki : « La tâche la plus difficile au monde est de former un
gouvernement d’union nationale
dans un pays où il y a une telle
diversité ethnique, religieuse et
politique. »
Ainsi le nouveau gouvernement
comprend des représentants de
toutes les factions politiques
parmi les chiites, les sunnites
(dont la liste rivale de Maliki, Al
Iraqiyya) et les Kurdes.
Parmi les 13 postes non encore
pourvus définitivement, la
Défense, la Sécurité intérieure et
extérieure, et le contrôles des
forces irakiennes, seront attribués prochainement à des « personnalités indépendantes »,
c’est-à-dire non soupçonnées
d’œuvrer pour le compte de pays
voisins ou bien trop hostiles à
l’une des factions irakiennes.
Ainsi le camp sadriste s’est
inquiété de la possible nomination de figures politiques hostiles
à leur mouvement. D’autres
députés auraient aussi souhaité
que la totalité des 42 postes puissent être soumis au vote. En
attendant, c ‘est le Premier
Ministre qui en assure les fonctions, ce qui ne plaît guère aux
parlementaires, comme l’explique
le député kurde Mahmoud
Othman : « Un accord doit être
trouvé concernant tous les postes
ayant en charge la sécurité.
Pourquoi ceux-ci restent-ils
vacants, à la charge du Premier
Ministre et ce pour un temps
indéterminé ? »
Les trois adjoints du Premier
• 2 • Bulletin de liaison et d’information
Ministre sont le Kurde Roj Nouri
Shawis, le sunnite Saleh al
Mutlaq et l’ancien ministre du
Pétrole, Hussein Al-Sharistani,
dont le bilan en matière de gestion des énergies et des hydrocarbures avait été pourtant souvent critiqué par l’opinion irakienne, et dont les rapports avec
le gouvernement kurde, cette
fois au sujet de la gestion par la
Région du Kurdistan de ses
propres ressources, ont toujours
été plus que tendus. Enfin, ces
nominations mécontentent aussi
les sadristes (qui détiennent 40
sièges sur 325 au Parlement) qui
espéraient ce poste pour un des
leurs, bien qu’ils aient obtenu 8
des 10 autres ministères qu’ils
réclamaient.
Osama Al-Nujaifi, 54 ans, sunnite, devient président du
Parlement. Avec son frère, le
gouverneur de Ninive-Mossoul,
il est l’un des principaux leaders
sunnites du nord de l’Irak, connu
pour sa ligne nationaliste et son
opposition aux Kurdes.
Les 3 Vice-Premier Ministres :
– Saleh Al-Mutlaq, 64 ans, sunnite. Proche des anciens du
Baath il avait été interdit de se
porter candidat aux dernières
élections, mais a finalement été
réintégré dans la vie politique
irakienne lors des accords
finaux.
Composition provisoire du gouvernement irakien :
– Roj Nouri Shawiss, 64 ans,
Kurde, issu du PDK, ancien
Premier Ministre du Kurdistan ;
il a exercé la vice-présidence de
l’Irak sous le gouvernement
Jaffari et ce poste de vice premier
ministre entre 2005 et 2009. Il
assure aussi, provisoirement, les
fonctions de ministre du
Commerce.
Jalal Tabalani, 77 ans, une des
figures majeures de la politique
kurde, est reconduit à la présidence de l’Irak.
– Vice-premier ministre pour
l’Énergie : Husseïn AlSharistani, 69 ans, chiite, ancien
ministre du Pétrole.
a question du référendum sur le sort de
Kirkouk et d’autres territoires disputés continue d’éroder la confiance de la population dans le gouvernement central irakien.
D’autant que l’une des étapes
préparatoires à la tenue du référendum, le recensement de la
population, vient d’être à nouveau reportée.
irakienne, ce qui a satisfait les
partis arabes et turkmène de
Kirkouk qui craignent de voir
ainsi entérinée la domination
démographique des Kurdes dans
cette province.
Nouri Al-Maliki, 60 ans, chiite,
est reconduit dans ses fonctions
de Premier Ministre qu’il occupe
depuis 2006.
n° 309 • décembre 2010
Ali Al-Dabbagh reste porteparole du gouvernement,
Pour les principaux ministères,
la Défense, la Sécurité nationale
et l’Intérieur sont provisoirement
gérés par le Premier Ministre.
Aux Finances, est nommé Raffi
Al-Issawi, un sunnite de la liste
al-Iraqiyya. Aux Affaires Étrangères, le Kurde Hosyar Zebarî
(du PDK) est reconduit à son
portefeuille et assure en intérim
le ministère des Affaires féminines. Le nouveau ministre du
Pétrole est le chiite Abdul Karim
Luabi, de la liste État de droit.
Pour les autres postes, Dindar
Nejman, de l’Union islamique
du Kurdistan, prend la tête du
ministère de l’Immigration et des
personnes déplacées. Majid
Mohammed Amin, issu de
l’UPK, devient ministre de la
Santé. Le ministère des ONG
doit revenir à un candidat de
l’Alliance kurde.
Au Conseil national des stratégies politiques, nouvelle institution formée pour intégrer à la
tête de l’Irak le rival d’Al-Maliki,
Iyad Allawi assure la présidence.
ERBIL:
UN DISCOURS DU PRÉSIDENT BARZANI ENFLAMME LA PRESSE ARABE
L
Initialement prévu pour le 5
décembre 2010, le Conseil des
ministres a décidé en effet, le 30
novembre, de repousser le recensement général de la population
Ces mouvements opposés au rattachement accusent en effet les
Kurdes d’avoir artificiellement
gonflé leur population, que ce
soit en falsifiant les registres électoraux, en installant en masse
des réfugiés ou en expropriant
des Arabes et des Turkmènes.
Mais Turhan Al-Mufti, qui représente les Turkmènes au Conseil
provincial, affirme ne pas contes-
ter le principe même du recensement, mais souhaite en faire,
curieusement, un outil de
« consensus » visant à satisfaire
toutes les communautés dans
une perspective égalitaire, ce qui
sera sans doute, mathématiquement difficile à réaliser :
“Nous, les Turkmènes avons
combattu ces cinq derniers mois
pour retarder le recensement,
afin qu’il soit mené de façon plus
correcte, de sorte qu’il réponde
aux demandes de chacun. »
Le 14 décembre, un comité spécialement formé pour mettre en
n° 309 • décembre 2010
place le recensement à Kirkouk a
tenu sa première réunion, à
laquelle assistaient le gouverneur
de Kirkouk, le président du
Conseil provincial, le directeur du
Bureau de recensement, le Bureau
de l’Éducation de la ville, le commandant militaire de la 12 ème
division, le commandant de la 1ère
Brigade des gardes de Kirkouk,
des représentants du Bureau de la
reconstruction ainsi que des responsables des forces armées américaines. Des députés de l’Alliance
du Kurdistan, étaient présents
mais aucun représentants des partis arabes et turkmène.
Les débats ont porté sur les
mesures
de
sécurité
et
l’organisation du recensement,
assuré par le Bureau de recensement de Kirkouk.
Les fonctionnaires chargés du
recensement ont exprimé une
volonté optimiste de mener à
bien leur tâche. Adnan Baba,
directeur du Comité, a déclaré au
journal Aswat al Iraq être prêt
pour cela, une fois que ses cadres
auront achevé une formation
spéciale dans ce domaine.
Najmaddin Karim, député au
parlement irakien pour la liste de
l’Alliance du Kurdistan, a accordé un entretien au même journal,
dans lequel il indique que des
préparatifs techniques et portant
sur la sécurité ont été mis en
place dans la province, en soulignant que ce recensement n’était
pas une « demande kurde »,
mais qu’il allait servir les intérêts
de tous les Irakiens.
Commentant l’absence à cette
réunion de la liste Al-Iraqiyya, le
député kurde a indiqué que cette
absence ne pouvait affecter le
travail des réunions, mais qu’il
espérait que les élus arabes assisteraient aux prochains débats,
« puisque ni les Arabes ni les
Turkmènes ne soutiennent le
boycott du recensement. »
Bulletin de liaison et d’information • 3 •
Pour sa part, une autre députée
kurde, Aala Talabani, a souligné
que « la formation d’un comité
spécial pour le recensement avait
été en partie décidée en réponse
aux demandes des Arabes et des
Turkmènes. C’est pourquoi
l’absence de nos collègues d’AlIraqiyya n’est pas une attitude
très normale. Les blocs arabes et
turkmènes, d’après leurs propres
déclarations, ont souhaité participer au processus de recensement, mais les députés d’AlIraqiyya, qui représentent les
Arabes et les Turkmènes de
Kirkouk, n’ont pas assisté à la
réunion, bien qu’ils eussent dû le
faire. Ils représentent en effet
non pas leurs propres personnes
mais leur liste parlementaire,
surtout qu’il y a eu un accord
avec cette liste et le comité du
recensement. »
Un député d’al-Iraqiya, Umar alJibouri, a justifié cette absence
par un ‘déséquilibre’ des représentants de chaque ethnie de
Kirkouk dans le Comité, même si
les députés arabes et turkmènes
de Kirkouk membres d’alIraqiyya avaient auparavant été
informés de la façon dont le
comité de recensement se formerait, par une ordonnance du
ministère de la Planification : 3
députés de l’Alliance kurde, 2
députés arabes et un Turkmène.
Dans le même temps, le 10
décembre, se tenait le Congrès
général du Parti démocratique
du Kurdistan, dirigé par
Massoud Barzani. Devant 1300
membres et un large panel
d’invités, dont le prédisent irakien Jalal Talabani, le Premier
Ministre Nouri Al-Maliki, le président du Parlement d’Irak,
Osama Al-Nujaifi et le Président
du Conseil de Sécurité, Iyad
Allawi, un e délégation officielle
turque dirigée par Abdulkader
Aksu, l’un des adjoints du
Premier Ministre Erdogan, le
président du Kurdisan a rappelé
le droit à l’autodétermination
des Kurdes au cas où leurs
demandes resteraient ignorées
de la capitale, notamment le référendum des régions revendiquées par les Kurdes, réaffirmant
que l’identité kurde de Kirkouk
n’était pas « matière à marchandage ». Massoud Barzani a par
ailleurs réaffirmé que le gouvernement de Kirkouk ne pouvait
être unilatéral et que toutes les
communautés devaient y être
représentées.
Ce rappel solennel, traduisant le
sentiment général des congressistes, a été largement applaudi,
et aucun des invités arabes et
turcs n’y a réagi, alors que les
media arabes y ont donné un
large retentissement. Bien que
l’évocation
du
droit
à
l’autodétermination des Kurdes
ne soit pas une nouveauté dans
la bouche de Massoud Barzani,
et bien que les officiels irakiens
présents au meeting n’aient pas
semblé en prendre ombrage, ces
simples mots ont en effet enflammé la presse arabe, et des mouvements politiques irakiens, qui
y ont vu la menace brandie
d’une future « indépendance ».
« Le droit à l’autodétermination
concerne les peuples vivant sous
occupation, et ce n’est pas le cas
du Kurdistan, qui a un statut
spécial en Irak », a protesté un
député de la liste Iraqiyy, Alia
Nusayaf. « Je me demande donc
si les Kurdes ont demandé le
fédéralisme avant tout pour se
séparer ensuite de l’Irak. C’est
une honte que parmi tous les
politiques présents aucun ne se
soit levé pour protester. »
Même son de cloche chiite, surtout parmi les partisans du mouvement sadriste. Ainsi, Jawad alHasnawi, un député de la liste
chiite, considère qu’une telle
déclaration ne peut qu’attiser les
tensions : « Je pense qu’un Irak
qui s’étend de Zakho (ville kurde
• 4 • Bulletin de liaison et d’information
à la frontière nord) à Basra est
bien mieux qu’un Irak divisé. »
Mais le Premier Ministre du
Kurdistan, Barham Salih, a rappelé que Massoud Barzani
n’avait fait qu’exprimer le sentiment général des Kurdes, en rappelant que cela ne signifiait pas
forcément une déclaration
d’indépendance :
« Il y a, parmi les Kurdes, un
consensus sur le fait que leur
droit à l’autodétermination est
légal, légitime. Quand nous
avons appuyé un Irak fédéral,
nous avons dit que c’était une
forme d’autodétermination et
nous n’avons jamais renoncé à ce
droit. »
Deux jours après le congrès, le
neveu
de
Massoud
Barzani, l’ancien Premier
ministre Nêçirvan Barzani, a
expliqué que le « droit à l’auto-
détermination » ne signifiait pas
que les Kurdes avaient, pour le
moment, la volonté de se séparer
de l’Irak.
« Les Kurdes ont le droit à l’autodétermination, mais nous avons
décidé de rester dans un Irak
uni. La déclaration du président
Barzani a été mal comprise. Si
nous avions opté pour
l’indépendance, nous l’aurions
annoncé, mais nous n’avons rien
décidé de tel. Nous voulons rester dans un Irak uni et fédéral
(…) L’auto-détermination est un
droit naturel du peuple kurde,
mais avec ce que nous avons
obtenu en 2003 dans le nouvel
Irak a fait que nous avons décidé
de rester dans un Irak fédéral. »
Quelques jours plus tard,
Massoud Barzani est revenu luimême sur ses déclarations, mais
sans reculer d’un pouce sur ce
qu’il répète depuis le début de sa
n° 309 • décembre 2010
présidence : le maintien de la
Région kurde au sein de l’Irak
dépend du respect par le gouvernement central de sa constitution
et que les Kurdes « resteraient
dans un Irak fédéral, mais pas
dans une dictature.
« Des gens ont dit : les Kurdes
veulent leur indépendance, laissons-les donc partir pour de bon.
Mais nous répondons ceci :
L’Irak est à nous, c’est notre
pays. Mon message à nos frères
arabes, sunnites ou chiites, à nos
amis et alliés, est le suivant :
Nous nous sommes engagés
envers un Irak fédéral et démocratique, envers sa constitution.
Mais nous ne sommes pas prêts à
rester dans un Irak dominé par le
chauvinisme. Les Kurdes sont
une nation et par conséquent ont
le droit à l’autodétermination. Le
parlement kurde a décidé de rester, mais à une condition : l’Irak
doit être un État fédéral. »
PARIS :
L’INSTITUT KURDE LANCE SA BIBLIOTHEQUE NUMÉRIQUE EN LIGNE
e 10 décembre, l’Institut
kurde de Paris a mis en
ligne sa bibliothèque
numérique, sur son site.
La bibliothèque numérique est constituée d'écrits sur
les Kurdes et le Kurdistan. Elle a
pour but de mettre le patrimoine
culturel kurde en données
numérisées.
L
La bibliothèque est conçue
comme une collection patrimoniale et encyclopédique, la
bibliothèque numérique offre au
lecteur des données consultables
par tous publics.
Un large champ chronologique
peut couvrir la plupart des
domaines : sciences et histoire
des sciences, économie, droit,
politique, philosophie, littérature
et récits de voyages, histoire et
ethnologie. Le lecteur, du simple
curieux à l'étudiant et au cher-
cheur, pourra y trouver dans des
éditions d'époque, des textes de
référence, périodiques rares, ...
jusqu'alors difficiles d'accès.
Le site est interrogeable par des
accès bibliographiques indexés ;
la bibliothèque numérique offre
aussi la possibilité de recherches
en texte intégral sur les tables
des matières des livres et des
périodiques. La chronologie thématique donnera une vue
d'ensemble de cette bibliothèque
numérique et offre au lecteur
une autre voie d'accès aux collections. Une présentation générale
des fonds comportant aussi des
liens hypertexte ajoutera un
autre mode de navigation,
notamment pour les non-spécialistes.
Les collections de textes numérisés sont majoritairement choisies
parmi les textes appartenant au
domaine public. Elles forment
une bibliothèque encyclopédique
de sciences humaines et sociales
comportant des textes originaux,
des éditions critiques, des
ouvrages de référence et des
séries de périodiques importants
pour la recherche ou difficilement accessibles.
Les contenus accessibles sur le
site www.bnk.institutkurde.org
sont pour la plupart des reproductions numériques d'œuvres
tombées dans le domaine public
provenant des collections de la
BnK ou pour certaines des bibliothèques numériques libres
d’accès.
Initialement, le projet se limitait
à la numérisation des œuvres les
plus importantes de la bibliothèque de l’Institut. Mais après
une vaste consultation des usagers il a été convenu d’étendre
n° 309 • décembre 2010
substantiellement le projet aux
12.000 œuvres en 25 langues et
aux milliers de documents de la
bibliothèque de l’Institut kurde
de Paris. Le projet ainsi actualisé
était planifié sur 3 ans de réalisation.
Malgré les difficultés techniques
rencontrées et la réduction du
nombre de bénévoles, un travail
important a été réalisé en 2002
Bulletin de liaison et d’information • 5 •
sur le projet de bibliothèque
numérique. La base de données
de la Bibliothèque Numérique
est créée en MySql. La création
de cette base est terminée et elle
peut donc recevoir les monographies. Un travail important de
numérisation avait été réalisé:
tous les bulletins mensuels
d’information publiés depuis
juillet 1983 à octobre 2010 par
l’Institut kurde étaient numéri-
sés. Actuellement, ces bulletins
représentent plus de 300 numéros, soit environ 50.000 pages au
total.
Les publications numérisées sont
réparties en 15 thèmes : Art, dictionnaires, économie, généralités, histoire, linguistique, littérature, mémoires, musique, philosophie, poésie, politique, religion, sociologie, thèses.
IRAN :
L’EXÉCUTION D’UN PRISONNIER KURDE REPORTÉE, SA FAMILLE ARRÊTÉE
’exécution d’un étudiant kurde iranien,
Habibollah Latifi, qui
devait avoir lieu le 26
décembre, a été reportée, après une campagne d’ONG
et de journaux kurdes pour
réclamer que son procès soit
révisé. Peut-être, de façon plus
décisive, l’intervention du président de l’Irak, le kurde Jalal
Talabani, pour demander sa
grâce, a-t-elle été prise en compte
par le gouvernement iranien,
selon le journal kurde Awene.
L
Mais le fait que l’exécution soit
reportée ne signifie pas que le prisonnier ne puisse être exécuté
ultérieurement. Habibollah Latifi
a été condamné en tant que
‘moharebeh’, ennemi de Dieu, ce
qui entraîne automatiquement la
peine de mort, par la Cour révolutionnaire de Sanandaj (capitale de
la province du Kurdistan en Iran)
pour appartenance au PJAK
(branche iranienne du PKK).
Le 25 décembre, plus de 200 personnes, militants de partis politiques, membres d’association,
journalistes, avaient manifesté
dans la ville kurde de
Sulaïmanieh pour protester
contre l’application de la sentence. À Paris, très tôt le 26, une
vingtaine de personnes se sont
rassemblées devant l’ambassade
iranienne, certains s’enchaînant
devant les grilles.
Amnesty International et Human
Rights Watch avaient appelé les
autorités iraniennes à commuer
la peine de mort en prison à perpétuité.
Le directeur du département
d’Amnesty International pour le
Moyen-Orient, Malcolm Smart, a
mis en doute la régularité du
procès, ainsi que Joe Stork,
adjoint à la direction MoyenOrient de Human Rights Watch :
« Il est clair que Habibolah Latifi
n’a pas eu un procès régulier
selon les critères internationaux. Les circonstances entourant l’arrestation de Latifi, sa
détention et sa condamnation
suggèrent fortement que les
autorités iraniennes ont violé ses
droits fondamentaux.
Habibollah Latifi est actuellement
détenu à la prison de Sanandadj.
Plusieurs sources indiquent qu’il
souffre d’infection intestinale, de
problèmes
cardiaques
et
d’insuffisance rénale.
Habibollah Latifi a été arrêté le
23 Octobre 2007 et amené à la
prison de Sanandadj. Les
rumeurs de sa prochaine exécution courent depuis le 7 juin dernier. Sa famille a plusieurs fois
demandé sa grâce, mais en vain.
Le 27 décembre, des forces de
sécurité iraniennes ont même
opéré un raid à leur domicile,
confisquant quatre ordinateurs
et plusieurs documents. Ils ont
aussi arrêté trois des sœurs du
condamné, trois de ses frères,
son père et sa belle-sœur. La plus
jeune de ses sœurs, âgée de 10
ans, a, quant à elle, reçu du gaz
poivre et perdu conscience plusieurs heures. Elle n’a depuis
aucune nouvelle des membres de
sa famille emmenés dans un lieu
de détention inconnu. D’autres
informations indiquent que des
personnes ayant soutenu la
famille dans leurs démarches
pour sauver Habibollah Latifi
ont aussi été arrêtées, dont des
journalistes et des militants. Une
liste provisoire de noms circule :
Abbas Latifi (père de l’accusé), Iraj
Latifi (frère de l’accusé), Eqbal Latifi
(frère de l’accusé), Shahin Latifi
(sœur de l’accusé), Elahe Latifi
(sœur de l’accusé), Bahar Latifi
(sœur de l’accusé), Jiyan Matapour
(belle-sœur de l’accusé), Simin
Chaichi (poète et écrivain), Hamid
Malek Alkilany (militant pour la
défense de l’environnement), Saeed
Saadi (journaliste), Mahmoud
Mahmoudi (journaliste), Jiyan
Zafari (ancien prisonnier politique),
Wahid Majidy (ancien prisonnier
politique), Zahid Moradian (militant), Hashem Rostami (militant),
and Pedram Nasrolahi (militant).
On signale aussi la disparition d’un
étudiant militant, Mokhtar Zarei.
Cette vague d’arrestations pourrait être une nouvelle tactique de
• 6 • Bulletin de liaison et d’information
la part des autorités iraniennes,
visant à intimider l’entourage
des condamnés afin d’empêcher
les campagnes internationales
pour les sauver et les informations d’être diffusées hors d’Iran.
C’est en tout cas l’avis de
Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam,
porte-parole d’Iran Human
Rights : « Nous ne devons pas
oublier que l’exécution de M.
Latifi n’a été que reportée et nous
ne savons pas pour combien de
temps. Il est possible que les
membres de sa famille aient été
arrêtés afin de les faire taire
quand les autorités vont procéder à l’exécution. »
Mais ces arrestations n’ont pas
empêché d’autres manifestants
de se rassembler devant le tribunal et la prison de Sanandadj, en
demandant des nouvelles des
personnes détenues. En réponse,
les forces de sécurité ont cerné la
n° 309 • décembre 2010
ville, tandis que les communications par téléphone et Internet
étaient très ralenties.
De nombreux prisonniers kurdes
attendent ainsi dans les couloirs
de la mort, en Iran. Douze
d’entre eux sont condamnés
pour appartenance au PJAK. En
novembre 2009, l’exécution d’un
autre activiste kurde, Shirkouh
Moarefi, a été annoncée, puis
reportée.
SYRIE :
RAPPORT SUR LES DEMANDES D’ASILE DES KURDES EN EUROPE
he Institute of Race
Relations
basé
à
Londres a récemment
publié un rapport sur
les populations refoulées de l’Union européenne.
Parmi elles, le nombre des
Kurdes de Syrie ne cesse de
s’accroître, bien que beaucoup
d’entre eux aient été forcés de
fuir ce pays en raison de leurs
activités politiques.
T
Les Kurdes de Syrie ont défrayé
la chronique dès le début de
l’année 2010, avec l’arrivée sur
les plages corses d’une centaine
d’immigrés clandestins, dont la
majeure partie était kurde. Cette
même année s’est conclue tragiquement sur le suicide d’un
autre Kurde de Syrie, dont la
demande d’asile avait été déboutée par le Damemark. Mais entre
ces deux événements médiatisés,
il y a eu bon nombre de grèves
de la faim, des jugements, des
arrestations et des expulsions qui
n’ont pas fait les gros titres des
journaux.
La Convention européenne des
droits de l’homme (ECHR)
s’engage pourtant à protéger
toute personne risquant, dans
son pays, d’être soumise à la torture ou à des traitements inhumains ou dégradants. La
Convention considère même que
l’accusation ou les preuves de
terrorisme pesant sur un demandeur ne justifie pas son expulsion si cela lui fait encourir le
risque de mauvais traitements.
Malgré cela, les Kurdes de Syrie,
ressortissants d’un pays régulièrement montré du doigt pour ses
violations des droits de
l’homme, et dont la lutte politique reste pacifique, sont régulièrement la cible d’arrestations
et d’expulsion sans que leur
situation soit prise en compte,
accusent de nombreuses ONG.
Or, Jawad Mella, président de la
Western Kurdistan Association
de Londres, rappelle qu’une personne ayant demandé l’asile et
ayant, par ailleurs, milité pour
les droits des Kurdes, sera fatalement condamnée, à son retour en
Syrie, à un nombre d’années ‘illimité’ de prison.
Le rapport de l’ Institute of Race
Relations (IRR) passe en revue
plusieurs pays membres de l’UE
où des Kurdes de Syrie ont déposé une demande d’asile.
En France, le 22 janvier 2010, un
navire a débarqué en Corse, à
Bonifacio, avec 123 passagers, la
plupart des Kurdes de Syrie : il y
avait en tout 57 hommes, 29
femmes dont 5 étaient enceintes
et 38 enfants. Ils ont été emmenés
par les autorités françaises dans
5 centres de rétention dispersés
dans tout le pays : Marseille,
Lyon, Rennes, Nîmes and
Toulouse.
Le 26 janvier, les juges saisis des
dossiers ont déclaré l’un après
l’autre que la détention des réfugiés était illégale et ordonné
qu’ils soient relâchés afin qu’ils
puissent déposer leur demande
d’asile. La plupart d’entre eux
ont très vite quitté la France pour
l’Angleterre, ce qui a entraîné
une certaine protestation de la
part de politiques anglais, accusant la France de se débarrasser
une fois de plus de ses clandestins en les laissant gagner la
Grande-Bretagne.
En Norvège, le 19 août 2010,
Abdulkarim Hussein, un Kurde
syrien originaire d’Alep, né en
1959, a été expulsé de force vers
la Syrie. Il avait demandé l’asile
politique en 2006.
Jan Erik Skretteberg, de
l’association SOS Rasisme en
Norvège, avait alors déclaré
qu’Abdulkarim Hussein était en
danger de mort, ayant à la fois
travaillé pour SOS Rasisme et
étant aussi le vice-président de
l’Association des Kurdes de
Syrie en Norvège, en plus
d’avoir milité activement pour
les droits de l’homme dans son
pays et d’y avoir déjà été arrêté
et torturé.
n° 309 • décembre 2010
De fait, dès son arrivée à Damas,
Abdelkarim Hussein a été arrêté
par les autorités syriennes et
transferé à la prison Al Fayha
Prison, contrôlée par une des
branches de la Sécurité syrienne.
Là, il a été placé en isolement,
menacé, battu, a eu les testicules
écrasées.
Le 2 septembre, Abdelkarim
Hussein a été relâché sans
qu’aucune accusation n’ait été
portée contre lui. Moins d’une
semaine plus tard, il a pu fuir la
Syrie en passant en Turquie et le
8 septembre, a demandé une
protection internationale auprès
du Haut Commissariat aux
Réfugiés. Plusieurs personnes en
Norvège réclament actuellement
que ce pays lui accorde enfin
l’asile.
À la mi-mai 2010, la communauté kurde a mené à Chypre une
campagne de protestation, en
observant une grève de la faim et
en dressant des tentes autour du
ministère de l’Intérieur, afin
d’attirer l’attention sur la situation des Kurdes en Syrie et
d’obtenir l’asile politique pour
les réfugiés.
Au bout de 4 semaines, la police
chypriote a opéré un raid sur le
campement, a arrêté les manifestants et en a placés 149 en centres
de détention. Sur 42 mineurs,
seulement un peu plus d’une
dizaine ont été relâchés avec
leurs familles. 82 Kurdes étaient
en séjour illégal dans l’île, après
le rejet de leur demande d’asile
et tombaient sous le coup d’une
extradition, ce qui se produisit le
11 juin pour 37 d’entre eux.
L’Organisation kurde de défense
des droits de l’homme et des
libertés publiques en Syrie
(DAD), a rapporté en octobre
dernier que les services de sécurité syriens avaient arrêté 3 de
ces Kurdes renvoyés en Syrie :
Rakan Elias Junbuli (arrêté 5
Bulletin de liaison et d’information • 7 •
mois après son retour),
Mohammed Sheffa Junbuli (arrêté un mois après son retour),
Hassan Elias Junbuli (arrêté une
semaine après son retour).
Hassan Junbuli était, en octobre,
toujours détenu par les services
syriens, Mohammed et Rakan
Junbuli étaient détenus à la prison centrale de Hassaké.
Même quand ils retournent
volontairement en Syrie, ces
Kurdes encourant des poursuites
judiciaires. Ainsi, Faiz Adnan
Osman et sa femme, revenus de
leur plein gré de Chypre en août
dernier, ont été arrêtés tous les
deux à leur retour à Damas. Adla
Osman fut rapidement libérée
mais son mari était toujours en
détention en novembre 2010. Les
services syriens l’accusent
d’avoir participé aux manifestations de Nicosie. Plusieurs informateurs indiquent que Faiz
Adnan aurait été torturé.
Le 4 décembre 2010, la Direction
de la Sécurité politique de
Hassaké a arrêté Ciwan Yusuf
Muhammad (né en 1982). Ciwan
Muhammad avait été extradé de
Chypre en juin 2010, avec 26
autres Kurdes. Il avait dû
remettre son passeport aux autorités de l’aéroport de Damas. Il
est depuis son arrestation interrogé par différents services.
Au Danemark, 28 Kurdes ont
entamé une grève de la faim le 14
septembre 2010, devant le
Parlement. L’un d’eux a déclaré
à la presse : « Si vous aviez été
dans une prison syrienne, vous
feriez tout ce qui est possible
pour ne plus jamais y retourner. »
Au bout de trois semaines il a été
mis fin à la grève, à la fois pour
des raisons de santé, plusieurs
des grévistes ayant dû être hospitalisés, mais aussi parce que les
forces de sécurité syriennes ont
commencé à harceler et menacer
leurs familles restés sur place,
d’après un reportage de la chaîne
kurde Roj TV.
Le 22 septembre 2010, Adnan
Ibrahim a été expulsé en Syrie
après avoir passé 18 mois au
Danemark où vivent les deuxtiers de sa famille. La sœur
d’Ibrahim, Golzar, a indiqué
n’avoir plus de nouvelles de son
frère depuis qu’il a été remis par
la police danoise à la police
syrienne de l’aéroport de Damas.
Le 15 novembre 2010, Abid
Mohammed Atto, né en 1982, a
été expulsé, bien qu’un groupe
de militants danois ait tenté
d’empêcher son embarquement
à l’aéroport. Né en 1982, c’est un
Kurde ‘sans-papier’ de Dêrik. Il a
été mis en détention dès son arrivée en Syrie par une section des
services de sécurité. Il avait fui ce
pays en août 2009.
Enfin, un des cas les plus tragiques est celui de ce Kurde de 26
ans, Ramazan Hajji Ibrahim, qui
s’est suicidé au centre des demandeurs d’asile d’Auderød. Son
entourage affirme qu’il craignait
ce qui l’attendait en Syrie après
que sa demande d’asile avait été
rejetée. Paradoxalement, ce Kurde
n’était extradable que de son
vivant, et sa famille n’a pu récupérer le corps : le rapatriement,
assuré par des organisations
kurdes, a été refusé par les autorités syriennes, le défunt étant officiellement apatride ! Il a donc été
inhumé à Copenhague, le 18
décembre et c’est l’Association
culturelle kurde qui s’est chargé
des funérailles.
En Suisse, Sarbast Kori a entamé
le 22 novembre une grève de la
faim dans la prison de Thum, où
il était détenu, pour protester
contre sa prochaine extradition.
Il a été hospitalisé dix jours
après, à Berne, après avoir perdu
conscience. Il souffre aussi de
traumatismes psychologiques,
• 8 • Bulletin de liaison et d’information
n° 309 • décembre 2010
en partie dus à sa peur de retourner en Syrie.
En Allemagne, le 3 avril 2010,
Anwar Daqouri, demandeur
d’asile, a été arrêté par la police
allemande et transféré en centre
d’expulsion, devant être extradé
dans un délai de trois mois.
Farouk Al-Issa, un autre Kurde
de Syrie, a lui aussi été arrêté en
Allemagne le 21 juin 2010 et
détenu au centre de Hanovre, en
attendant d’être extradé. Réfugié
en Allemagne depuis 2004, sa
demande d’asile a été rejetée.
alal Barzanji, poète et
journaliste kurde, doit
publier prochainement
la traduction anglaise
du récit de son emprisonnement dans les geôles de
Saddam Husseïn, sous le titre
The Man in Blue Pyjama : Prison
Memoirs in The Form of A Novel.
Écrire fait partie de ma vie et de
ma spiritualité. »
En 1996, lors du retour très provisoire des forces de Saddam au
Kurdistan, il fuit en Turquie avec
sa famille et demande un statut
de réfugié auprès du HautCommissariat aux réfugiés de
l’ONU. Il parvint à émigrer au
Canada en 1998 et s’installe dans
la ville d’Edmonton. Là, il aide à
fonder l’Association des amitiés
kurdo-canadiennes et la Société
d’entraide aux immigrés
d’Edmonton.
CULTURE :
SORTIE PROCHAINE D’UN LIVRE DE JALAL BARZANJI
J
Une première version écrite en
kurde en 2007 a été révisée,
remaniée et traduite et paraîtra
en avril 201, publié par
l’Université of Alberta Press
(Canada).
« C’est le récit d’une partie de ma
vie que j’ai gardé des années
dans mon cœur et ma mémoire,
Il m’a été un peu dur de revenir à
ces souvenirs, car ce sont de
mauvais souvenirs. D’un autre
côté, je veux mettre ces souvenirs
par écrit, je veux partager ce qui
arrive aux gens, aux écrivains
quand ils écrivent sur la paix, la
beauté et le désir humain. Je
veux raconter mon histoire, sans
porter de jugement. Seulement la
vérité que raconte mon cœur.
Deuxièmement, je veux montrer
le pouvoir des mots et comment,
quand j’étais en prison, ils m’ont
donné la force de résister. »»
C’est ainsi que l’auteur résume
les trois années passées en prison, de 1986 à 1989, pour ses activités littéraires et journalistiques
sous le régime de Saddam. Ni la
torture ni la privation de liberté
ne lui feront d’ailleurs renoncer à
écrire et durant trois ans, il va
rédiger clandestinement des
textes sur du papier passé en
fraude. « Si je n’avais pas écrit,
j’aurais eu un sentiment de perte.
Son emprisonnement n’avait pas
surpris Jalal Barzanji, qui
s’attendait même à être exécuté :
« Le régime était contre la liberté
et je réclamais la liberté. Je n’étais
pas un adepte de l’idéologie et
de la mentalité du régime.
Mon fardeau était double : J’étais
un écrivain moderne et un Kurde
…Je vivais dans la peur car je
savais faire quelque chose de
dangereux, en parlant de paix,
de démocratie, de liberté. »
Un soir de 1986, un groupe de
militaires a enfoncé la porte de
son domicile et l’a emmené en
pyjama, yeux bandés et menotté.
Il est resté au secret, dans une
petite cellule, durant un temps
indéterminé. Il a ensuite été
transféré dans une cellule plus
grande, partagée avec 15 autres
prisonniers.
Avec la complicité d’un gardien
de la prison, qui lui fournissait
clandestinement des morceaux de
papiers et un crayon, Jalal
Barzanji a continué d’écrire, cette
fois des lettres à sa femme, où il
raconte en détail sa vie de prisonnier, ainsi que celle des autres.
Barzanji fut gracié au bout de
trois ans et relâché, à l’occasion
des célébrations de l’anniversaire
de Saddam. Tout en restant surveillé, vivant dans la peur, il
continue d’écrire. En 1991, après
le soulèvement du Kurdistan et
le retrait des forces baathistes, on
lui demande d’être le rédacteur
en chef d’une revue kurde.
En 2007 Barzanji est retenu pour
bénéficier d’un fonds alloué par
le PEN club du Canada pour
soutenir des écrivains en exil
ayant fui les persécutions dans
leur pays. Cela lui permet de
relancer sa carrière d’auteur,
cette fois au Canada, et
d’achever la première version de
The Man in the Blue Pyjamas.
Jalal Barzanji est né dans un petit
village en 1953, où, en raison de
son éloignement, il n’y avait pas
d’école, jusqu’en 1960. L’auteur
le décrit cependant comme un
lieu paisible au milieu de belles
montagnes » et dit que c’est là
qu’il a appris la « simplicité et la
beauté de la vie », et aussi en
écoutant les histoires que les villageois racontaient au coin du
feu l’hiver ou sur les toits des
maisons l’été. C’est en écoutant
qu’il a commencé de rêver à des
choses qu’il n’avait jamais vues.
Mais cela prit fin quand, une
nuit, les forces irakiennes bombardèrent le village et forcèrent
ses habitants à fuir. Sa famille
émigra à Erbil où, dit-il, c’est là
qu’il vit des voitures pour la première fois de sa vie.
n° 309 • décembre 2010
À l’université, il lut les auteurs
étrangers qui lui donnèrent
l’envie d’écrire à son tour. En
1979, il publie son premier
recueil de poèmes, Chute de neige
au crépuscule. Quant à son
Bulletin de liaison et d’information • 9 •
deuxième recueil de poésie, Sans
chaleur, paru en 1985, il le mena
tout droit en prison.
Ses autres publications, toutes
parues au Kurdistan d’Irak, sont
Guerre (1996); Pluie bénie (2002,
Kurdish Ministry of Culture);
Mémoires sous le vent (2006) et
Retour au lieu de ma naissance
(2007).
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
J&JiÎQlUte
r décembre 2010
L'Iran et les Arabes : Yéclairage de WikiLeaks
et l'Iran majoritairement chiite.
Cela était connu, bien sûr.
n savait les régimes arabes
inquiets à la perspective
Mais cette réalité est cette fois
de voir l'Iran se doter de
de la situation créée par le prési¬
dent Bush en Irak et observe :
Or le renversement de Sad¬
«Alors que dans le passé les Etats-
révélée et commentée de la bou¬
dam Hussein provoque un boule¬
l'arme atomique. On ne les savait
che même des intéressés, cités
versement majeur dans la
Unis, l'Arabie Saoudite et Saddam
pas terrorisés à ce point par la
dans les télégrammes des diplo¬
région. L'Irak est le seul grand
Hussein s'entendaient sur la
République islamique et, jour et
mates américains en poste dans
pays arabe où les sunnites sont
nécessité de contenir l'Iran, la poli¬
nuit, obsédés par la marche au
la région.
minoritaires. Avec les chrétiens,
tique américaine a donné l'Irak à
nucléaire entreprise par cette der¬
ils formaient l'ossature du régi¬
l'Iran comme un cadeau sur un
plateau d'argent. »
nière. C'est, parmi bien d'autres,
me de Saddam Hussein. Et celui-
l'un des points les plus passionr
ci - dictature monstrueuse, par
nants que livre la lecture des docu¬
ailleurs - était l'un des maillons
aux régimes arabes est telle que
forts du front anti-iranien.
ceux-ci sont, quasi unanimes, les
En toile de fond des analyses
ments rendus publics depuis le
La terreur que Téhéran inspire
premiers à presser les Etats-Unis
28 novembre par le site WikiLeaks
talentueuses dès femmes et des
et cinq journaux internationaux,
hommes du département d'Etat,
tes, qui prennent le pouvoir à;
d'user de tous les moyens, y com¬
dont Le Monde.
il y a la situation créée par la
Bagdad - c'est-à-dire des forma¬
pris la force, pour arrêter le pro¬
guerre américaine en Irak. En ren¬
tions sous influence directe de
gramme nucléaire iranien.
jamais cette ligne de fracture stra¬
versant en avril 2003 la dictature
Téhéran. La ligne de défense ara¬
tégique qui traverse le Moyen-
de Saddam Hussein, George
be anti-iranienne est ébranlée ; la
Orient : d'un côté, l'Iran perçu
W. Bush brise le front arabe qui
montée en puissance de Téhéran
à ce point la virulence des réac¬
comme une puissance montante
contenait la menace iranienne.
dans la région en est d'autant faci¬
tions arabes et la vigueur de leurs
litée...
pressions sur Washington. Wiki¬
L'ensemble révèle comme
Le vieil antagonisme arabo-
et aux visées hégémoniques sur
Défait, il cède la place aux chii¬
Nul ne le dit mieux que le roi
Jamais jusqu'à présent on
n'avait eu l'occasion de' mesurer
Leaks et unepartie de la presse
la région ; de l'autre, alliance para¬
perse n'est pas seul en cause. Il y
doxale, Israël et les gouvernants
va aussi de la ligne de fracture
Abdallah d'Arabie Saoudite, cité
donnent ici au tam-tam de l'ac¬
arabes, désireux de contrer la
qui divise l'islam : le monde ara¬
dans un télégramme de décem¬
tualité une orchestration qui per- ,
République islamique.
be est majoritairement sunnite,
bre 2005. Il se plaint amèrement
met de mieux en saisir le sens.
1" décembre 2010
Iran : un spécialiste
du nucléaire
tué dans un attentat
à la bombe
né, Majid Shahriari,.« était chargé
en un an, d'un scientifique iranien.
d'un des grands projets » de l'Orga¬
En
nisation de l'énergie atomique ira¬
autre expert, Massoud Ali Moham-
accuse le « régime sioniste » et les Occidentaux
qu'une moto piégée avait explosé
nier a prévenu les «ennemis» de
au passage de sa voiture. Le prési¬
l'Iran de ne «pas jouer avec lefeu ».
dent du Parlement iranien, Ali Lari-
Au moment de l'attentat, M.Sha-
jani, avait alors commenté qu'il
hriari se rendait à l'université Cha-
était «un spécialiste de l'énergie
hid Behechti, où il dirigeait le dépar¬
nucléaire».
Le programme nucléaire ira- .
tement d'ingénierie nucléaire.
Le deuxième scientifique, bles¬
Le président iranien, Mahmoud
29 novembre à Téhéran, un
Ahmadinejad, a désigné Israël et
scientifique iranien spécialiste du
d'autres pays occidentaux comme
revers. Des problèmes techniques
cien spécialiste des lasers. Son nom
ont été détectés dans l'usine d'enri¬
figure
dans
l'ONU
imposant
une
résolution de
des
sanctions
poursuite de ses travaux nucléai¬
res. L'attentat le visant s'est pro¬
duit à proximité de l'université
comme « l'un des rares spécialistes
sachant séparer des isotopes », un
nucléaire a été tué, et un autre légè¬
responsables
attaques.
procédé au coeur de la fabrication
rement blessé. Les deux hommes
« Sans le moindre doute, a-t-il décla¬
d'uranium enrichi, qui peut servir
de
ces
nien semble subir une série de
sé, est Fereydoun Abassi, un physi¬
News a décrit Fereydoun Abassi
be quasi simultanées, lundi
un
madi, avait trouvé la mort lors¬
gner. L'agence iranienne Mashregh .
Dans deux attaques à la bom¬
Téhéran,
nienne, a affirmé le directeur de cet:
Chahid Behechti, où il devait ensei¬
porter sur le dossier nucléaire.
à
te structure, Ali Akbar Salehi. Ce der¬
contre l'Iran en 2007 en raison de la
Le président iranien, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad,
janvier 2010,
chissement d'uranium de Natanz attribués
par
plusieurs
experts
occidentaux à un virus informati¬
que, Stuxnèt, apparu cette année
en Iran et dans d'autres pays. Lun¬
di, sans mentionner Stuxnet, le pré¬
sident Ahmadine j ad a reconnu que
certains appareils à Natanz avaient
connu des «problèmes, crééspar du
software installé dans des équipe¬
ments électroniques ».
Des morts violentes ou des dis¬
paritions mystérieuses de scientifk
circulaient dans des voitures diffé¬
ré, la main du régime sioniste et des
pour produire à la fois du combusti¬
ques iraniens se sont déjà produi¬
rentes lorsque des assaillants rou¬
gouvernements
ble de centrale nucléaire et de la
tes par le passé. En janvier 2007, un
lant en moto ont placé des engins
impliquée. »
matière fissile destinée à une arme
spécialiste
atomique.
que, Ardechir Hosseinpour, avait
explosifs sur leur véhicule, avant
occidentaux
est
Le ministre iranien de l'inté¬
de
l'électro-magnéti-
rieur, Mostafa Mohammad Najjar,
Mashregh News a par ailleurs
été retrouvé mort - empoisonné,
Ce double attentat a relancé les
a accusé les services secrets améri¬
laissé entendre que M. Abassi était
selon plusieurs sources - alors qu'il
spéculations sur l'existence d'opé¬
cains et israéliens. « La CIA et leMos-
lié aux Gardiens de la révolution.
travaillait sur le site iranien de
rations clandestines visant à sabor¬
sad sont des ennemis de la nation
Pilier du régime, cette organisation
conversion
der le programme nucléaire de
iranienne et ont toujours cherché à
est chargée, selon les services de
han.
l'Iran. Il s'est produit à quelques
lui nuire, de même qu'ils veulent
renseignement
jours d'une rencontre prévue à
empêcher
volet
Genève, le 5 décembre, entre l'Iran
ques », a-t-il dit.
de les déclencher à distance.
et les grandes puissances, devant
nos progrès scientifi¬
'''-'
;;,{[/'
Le physicien nucléaire-assassi^
occidentaux,
militaire
du
du
programme
nucléaire iranien.
Il s'agit du deuxième assassinat,
d'uranium
d'Ispa-
Natalie Nougayrède
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
rrdécembre 2010
iM
Les chrétiens d'Irak, pris en "otages
entre chiites et sunnites"
Par Vincent Hugeux
Le Père Saad Sirap Hanna
officie dans une église de
Bagdad et voit la communauté
chrétienne d'Irak
quitter le pays.
Le
Père
l'église
Saad
Sirap
chaldéenne
Karrada,
quartier
Hanna
anime
Saint-Joseph
central
de
de
Bagdad.
Avant l'invasion américaine et la chute
du
régime
Hussein,
baassiste
sa
paroisse
de
Saddam
comptait
1200
familles chrétiennes. On en dénombre
Le 31 octobre, en pleine messe, un commando terroriste prenait d'assaut la cathé¬
aujourd'hui entre 250 et 300. Ce quadra
drale syriaque catholique Notre-Dame du Perpétuel Secours de Bagdad, tuant 46
lucide sait ce qu'il en coûte d'afficher sa
personnes.
REUTERS/Mohammed Ameen
foi. Kidnappé en 2006 par un gang ter¬
roriste, le Père Hanna a vécu près d'un
mois sous la menace de ses geôliers;
de
professeur, il a enseigné la philosophie
échéance législative, dans
et la théologie aux deux prêtres syria¬
déclenchera
ques catholiques assassinés lors du car¬
l'échelon du pouvoir et des élites parti¬
Pourquoi
nage de la cathédrale Notre-Dame du
sanes, il n'existe pas de réelle intention
tent-ils souvent les attaques aux seuls
Perpétuel Secours,
de faire en sorte que nous restions; l'ab¬
terroristes étrangers?
le 31
octobre der¬
nier.
La
se
dégrader.
une
Deux,
la
prochaine
entre chiites et sunnites"
quatre ans,
nouvelle
crise.
A
vos
compatriotes
impu¬
sence de volonté politique est évidente.
communauté
chrétienne
d'Irak
risque-t-elle de disparaître?
Pour sortir de l'ornière, pour bâtir quel¬
Le
que chose ensemble, il faut une vraie
d'autres Irakiens demeure inconcevable
réconciliation. Oublier le passé, regar¬
pour
der enfin l'Autre avec bienveillance.
regardons la réalité en face: même si
Le danger pèse sur tout le peuple ira¬
fait
que
des
beaucoup
Irakiens
d'entre
massacrent
nous.
Mais
les meneurs ou les cerveaux viennent
kien, pas seulement sur les chrétiens,
Les chrétiens d'Irak ont-ils la nostal¬
d'Arabie Saoudite, d'Egypte, du Yémen
même si ceux-ci sont particulièrement
gie de l'ère Saddam Hussein?
ou d'ailleurs, ce sont bien des gens d'ici
Nous ne sommes pas nostalgiques de
mations, les voitures. Nous avons tou¬
notre présence même, à notre travail, à
l'époque Saddam.
sommes nos¬
jours tendance, nous les Irakiens, à nier
notre contribution à la vie de ce pays...
talgiques de la sécurité, de l'amitié, de
nos responsabilités. Un peu comme des
Le premier péril, c'est l'insécurité. Nous
la fraternité. De toutes ces valeurs du
enfants.
vivons
passé.
visés. Il est vrai que nous recevons tant
de
menace,
dans
inquiétante,
doute
Après
nous
de
que
deux
messages
une
sans
société
aucun
l'horizon
ans
espérions
hostiles
instable,
avenir.
s'est
mieux
qui leur fournissent les plans, les infor¬
Nous
Nul
assombri.
d'accalmie
un
à
Que
A vos yeux, qui est derrière les atta¬
relative,
ques
durable.
chrétiens?
terroristes
dirigées
contre
Serait-elle irréversible?
au
paroissien
le
Je ne sais pas quoi lui répondre. Si je
Espoir déçu: depuis le début de l'année,
la régression est patente.
conseillez-vous
déboussolé tenté de quitter le pays?
l'invite à rester, suis-je en mesure de
Je l'ignore, mais nous tenons tous à le
garantir sa sécurité? Non. Quelle res¬
savoir. Pendant des siècles, nous avons
ponsabilité que la mienne s'il est blessé
vécu pacifiquement au côté des musul¬
ou tué! Si je lui recommande de partir,
mans. Pourquoi, comment, sous quelle
je
influence leur vision du christianisme
avec la mère-patrie, les racines. Faute
Car ils forment la communauté la plus
a-t-elle
com¬
de mieux, je dis donc ceci: "Sois fidèle
faible, la plus vulnérable du pays. Dès
prendre. J'attends de nos frères musul¬
à la parole du Christ. Si tu restes, je suis
lors,
des
mans qu'ils montrent leur désir de nous
avec toi. Si tu pars, je prierai pour toi."
affrontements entre chiites et sunnites
voir rester. Aux imams, aux leaders spi¬
et en payent le prix. Religion, ethnies,
rituels d'expliquer à leurs ouailles que
Que vous inspire
ingérences étrangères: d'autres facteurs
non, nous ne sommes pas des infidèles,
qui consisterait à créer dans la pro¬
jouent bien sûr, mais recueil numéro 1
des mécréants, que nous sommes aussi
vince
reste politique. Aujourd'hui, j'ai deux
des croyants, d'une foi différente.
enclave chrétienne?
certitudes. Un, la situation va continuer
Les
Les chrétiens demeureront des cibles.
ils
deviennent
les
otages
changé?
chrétiens
Nous
d'Irak,
voulons
pris
en
"otages
deviens
responsable de
autonome
sa rupture
"l'option kurde",
du
Kurdistan
une
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
Nous
avons besoin de la protection
n'est certes
pas
la solution pour les
Adhérez-vous
tées
chrétiens d'Irak.
due à tout citoyen irakien
à
aux
Bagdad
critiques
par
susci¬
l'accueil,
en
France ou en Italie, de fidèles blessés
Toute
suggestion
est
la
bienvenue.
Dans la région de Karakosh, ances¬
Mais cette idée-là est erronée. Nous ne
tral
demandons pas la protection de tel lea¬
d'autodéfense
der, telle région, tel parti. Nous avons
avec
besoin
Approuvez-vous cette initiative?
de
citoyen
la
protection
irakien
due
partout
à
en
tout
bastion
été
constitués
des
le plus court vers le ghetto. Nous for¬
récuse
mons
"négative¬
lors du massacre du 31 octobre?
groupes
autorités.
Nos politiciens sont tellement faibles
qu'ils accusent Paris ou Rome d'inciter
les Irakiens à quitter leur terre. Faux
procès. Nous devons remercier ceux
Ce
communauté
ont
l'aval
des
Irak.
L'enclave chrétienne, c'est le chemin
une
chrétien,
n'est
pas
l'idée
la
bonne
selon
réponse.
laquelle
Je
chaque
qui
secourent
les
blessés.
Que
nos
chefs cessent de masquer leurs faibles¬
communauté devrait former sa propre
ses
ment" pacifique; effrayée par quicon¬
force
nous
qu'ils prennent leurs responsabilités et
que peut pointer ses armes
avons
police
reconnaissent qu'ils ne font pas assez
sur elle.
de
sécurité.
besoin
d'une
force
de
de
tous,
nationale,
Us
veulent
tiens, musulmans, juifs, sabéens, yézi-
aussi montrer ainsi qu'ils constituent
dites. Toute autre formule ne peut être
une
que temporaire et risquerait de compli¬
doute
cette
peur
à
société
les
Kurdes
leur
profit.
démocratique,
respec¬
tueuse de la liberté religieuse. Ce qui
service
encore,
utilisent-ils
Sans
au
Là
chré¬
sous
des
accusations
infondées;
pour nous dissuader de partir.
quer les choses.
est vrai. Pour autant, cette hypothèse
Irak: manifestation contre la fermeture de
clubs privés servant de l'alcool
BAGDAD , 3 décembre 2010 (AFP)
La manifestation a été provoquée
par la fermeture d'un café près du
bâtiment de l'UEl, où écrivains et
DES DIZAINES d'écrivains et de poètes ont manifesté vendredi à
intellectuels se retrouvaient sou¬
Bagdad contre la fermeture de plusieurs clubs privés servant de l'al¬
vent
cool dans la capitale irakienne, dénonçant une répression rappelant
pour fumer
le
narguilé
et
boire de l'alcool.
l'époque de Saddam Hussein.
Les autorités de Bagdad assurent
"La liberté d'abord", "Bagdad ne sera pas Kandahar", proclamaient les
qu'elles
banderoles des manifestants près du bâtiment de l'Union des écrivains
ne
font
qu'appliquer
depuis l'année dernière un décret
irakiens (UEI) dans le centre de la ville.
promulgué dans les années 1990,
"Nous n'avons pas besoin d'un Etat à la Khomeiny ou d'un Etat taliban en
à l'époque de Saddam Hussein, qui interdit aux restaurants et aux hôtels
Irak", a déclaré Fadhel Samer, président de l'UEl, en référence à l'Iran et
de servir de l'alcool.
à l'Afghanistan.
L'interdiction ne concerne pas les magasins d'alcool, mais selon la loi
"Ce qui est fait aux libertés individuelles dans ce pays ressemble à ce qui
irakienne, seuls les chrétiens et les Kurdes peuvent vendre de
se passait sous la dictature (...). Cela nous rappelle les pratiques de l'an¬
l'alcool.
cien régime", a-t-il ajouté.
Un tribunal danois ordonne la levée de la
saisie des comptes de Roj TV
COPENHAGUE, 6 décembre 2010 (AFP)
procès intenté contre la station qui s'ouvrira en août 2011.
"La Cour d'appel a rejeté une nouvelle fois la saisie des comptes de Roj
LA COUR d'appel de Copenhague a ordonné lundi la levée de la sai¬
TV car elle empêchait la station de diffuser ses programmes au nom de
sie de dix comptes bancaires appartenant à la télévision kurde Roj
la liberté d'expression, et constituait une violation de l'article 10 de la
TV, soupçonnée de soutenir le PPK, le Parti des travailleurs du
Convention européenne des droits de l'homme" a souligné à l'AFP l'avo¬
Kurdistan, qui figure sur la liste des organisations terroristes de
cat de Roj TV Bjoern Elmquist.
l'UE.
La levée du gel des comptes de Roj TV "était nécessaire pour qu'elle ne
Cette décision confirme un arrêt précédent d'octobre du tribunal de pre¬
mette pas la clé sur la porte, non seulement en raison des sommes
mière instance de Copenhague de suspendre le gel des avoirs de Roj TV
confisquées,
de 327.000 couronnes danoises (43.900 euros), a-t-on appris de source
comme cliente à cause de ses démêlés avec la police",
judiciaire.
En août, le parquet danois avait accusé Roj TV de terrorisme au terme
d'une longue enquête commencée en 2005, sur la programmation de la
chaîne.
mais parce que les banques ne voulaient plus l'avoir
selon
M.
Elmquist.
Roj TV, basée à Copenhague, a commencé à diffuser en 2004 depuis la
Belgique vers 68 pays en Europe, au Proche et Moyen-Orient, suscitant
de violentes protestations d'Ankara.
Le procureur du Royaume, Lise-Lotte Nilas, avait déclaré que les émis¬
La Turquie exhorte depuis des années le gouvernement danois de fer¬
sions de Roj TV "avaient un caractère de propagande pour le PKK, et
mer cette télévision considérée comme un porte-parole du PKK et les
avait en conséquence décidé de confisquer ses avoirs en attendant un
Etats-Unis se sont joints plusieurs fois à cet appel, dernièrement en
2009.
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ozeti
1 DECEMBER
2010
Letters From Kurdistan
Temporary Autonomous Zone
Seven years after the American invasion, Iraq's Kurds have weathered an
influx of Arabs and Turks and established an enclave of prosperity
but with cranes.
The Caravan.
New
signs
of
prosperity
are
everywhere. I stayed in a large
By GRAEME WOOD
housing
tract
Village
(Shahr-e
called
Italian
Itali),
so
freshly built that most of the
IN 2003, Erbil, the capital of
Iraqi Kurdistan, felt like a
city preparing for a siege. Its
residents, nearly all
Kurds,
were proud of having built a
poor
but
Kurdish
Iraq's
functioning
homeland.
northern
But
border,
on
the
Turkish military stood ready
for Ankara to order an inva¬
sion. To the south, across the
imaginary line
that separa¬
ted Kurdish Iraq from Arab
doors
and
plastic
on
of
the
middle
which
windows
film
still
them.
In
had
the
subdivision,
consisted
of
luxurious
identical houses, like a suburb
outside Miami or Tel Aviv, was
a mosque whose dome appea¬
red to have been built to look
like the Cathedral of Florence.
Just
outside
Italian
Village,
I
outskirts of Erbil, in Kurdish-controlled northern Iraq.
found a Dairy Queen fast-food
restaurant,
talking
filled
rapidly
with
on
Kurds
Bluetooth
headsets.
Iraq, violence
A boy walks past a model home at the American Village on the
ced the invisible border separa¬
at exhilarating speeds around a
ting Kurdish territory from the
closed course.
Arab lands to the south. When
was
simmering,
residents
were
and
Erbil's
steeling
them¬
selves for the moment when it
would spill over their own bor¬
ders. In the centre of the city,
the
magnificent
A spokesman for Dairy Queen
told me his company had no
restaurants in Erbil, and he sus¬
pected
very
brown
much
Bruegel's
looked ready
to repulse a medieval invasion,
as if the city's Kurdish majority
could crowd in, pull up the lad¬
ders, and watch the waves of
Arabic-
and
freelancer; just
as
a
mush¬
North
Korea
layered,
like
Tower of Babel'
Queen
rogue and set up shop there as
citadel
and
Dairy
Turkish-speakers
wash away the Kurdish dream.
Only one subject was conspi¬
to another passenger, one of the
cuously
guards said "Aha!" and I endu¬
Kurdish wonderland:
Seven years later, Erbil is still
room
cloud
bears
the
in
marks
of
the
influence of AQ Khan, an ice
cream
cake
in
implies
the
assistance
of
someone with mastery of Dairy
Queen technology in Istanbul
or Bahrain.
When formerly oppressed peo¬
ple begin to control their des¬
they
follow
a
familiar
script.
They
start
off
hapless
and beleaguered; this was the
everywhere. Where once I had
hunt
for
a
suitable
hotel,
Kurds'
when
they
position 25 years ago,
Saddam
Hussein
of
The
agent
Arabs in Erbil had gone so well
scouting
region's
for
suicide
detente
bomb targets. (At the time, the
that the
Kurds reported about a dozen
long
thwarted
oppressed
car-bomb
attempts
each month.)
In
the
last
other
pounding their villages into a
years,
the
Kurds.
children.
Then
Kurds
and
cause
hope
in
of
Turkey,
measure
of
never
was sim¬
Iraqi
mentioned.
Kurds
felt
across
they expressed
phase
privately.
of
coping
most
into
lucrative
went
in
Shahab
ethnic
one.
When
with
friend
the
city,
to
I
One morning, in hopes of dis¬
covering what rump elements
Abu
according
friend
boundaries,
that solidarity
an
the best kebab house
Kurdish
the
final and
October
American
in
with
the
national
If
solidarity
to
a
of
the
still-fighting
Kurdish
opposition looked like, I drove
to a rural area near Koye, about
the
entire
thumping
dinner
shopping centres and car dea¬
Arabic
lerships and a cinema boasting
an
hour
outside
Erbil,
past
complex
buzzed
with
no
'8D' screens (as if three dimen¬
evident discomfort, just
three
sions were not enough). There I
storeys
glee¬
met Mustafa Hijri, who as the
There
was
they
perhaps found work up here as
a
ultimate
from this worried, penultimate
conversations.
achieve
Turks
pan-Kurdish
the
Kurds have moved decisively
fine powder and nerve-gassing
their
with
Syria, Iraq and Iran
seven
enormous,
filled with Arabs who have fled
well. The Kurds earn a strong
the
was
are now ubiquitous and
the violence of the south, and
Iraqi
the fate
Kurdistan
have happened, and the Kurds
to
this
to determine if I was an Arab
ply
tiny,
could not be happier. Arabs are
in
red two hours of interrogation
oppression
Kurdish land. But the invasions
absent
operator in West Asia had gone
a
round,
another
I spoke a few words of Arabic
auto¬
of
Arab
diners,
nomy (protected in this case by
business off housing and fee¬
US
ding
them.
The
Turks
are
and
UK
militaries)
and
in
town, too. Here and there one
begin to work toward separa¬
fully parting with their money.
secretary-general
We ordered
Kurdistan Democratic Party of
Pizza
a Kurdistan Flag
with
peppers,
toma¬
of
the
Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI) is a
tion, the creation of an ethnic
sees the telltale undotted i's on
the
sides
of
trucks,
showing
homeland, a Kurdistan. Finally,
secure in their dominance over
that
they're
loaded
with
the
building equipment of Turkish
contractors.
Makyol,
just
One
of
built
them,
a
new
their land, they loosen up and
toes and white cheese to repre¬
man
sent the Kurdish tricolour, with
buying
who
a slice of pineapple in the mid¬
Assassins from Iran murdered
dle to represent the sun. The
two
Arab
Vienna in 1989 and in Berlin in
of
has
a
life
his
hard
time
insurance.
predecessors
(in
try to cash in on their neigh¬
bours.
Kurdish airport, a futuristic ter¬
families
seemed
to
be
sticking to the kebabs. Nearby
1992), and now he lives in per¬
was
manent exile out here
a
large
speedway
where
15 kilo¬
On my first trip to Kurdistan, I
minal designed by the UK firm,
Scott Wilson. The Turks have
come to conquer not with tanks
was stopped at a checkpoint by
Peshmerga
armed
Kurdistan's
militiamen
who
poli-
families and youngsters could
metres
finish
strapping
that gives no hint of the gran¬
into bumper cars and driving
deur to be found in the big city
the
night by
from
Iran,
in
a
room
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
nearby.
a
firestorm
aerial
In
the
old
days,
voices
for
Kurdish
the
of
artillery
bombardment on
and
ponded
their
evenly
to
questions
cracy.
The
leaderships
of the
major
Kurdish
parties
about other opposition groups,
two
remain
loudest
camps. I saw one former guer¬
gently
indepen¬
rilla years later in Paris, and he
wavered in its commitment to
continue to
chiding each
one
that
wildly
popular
and
lead the regional
dence came from shrill, driven
told
I
democracy and human rights.
government, but they have not
members
had met in the camps was now
After spending several days in
yet faced a serious challenge at
dead.
the hypercapitalism of Erbil, to
the
come out to this humble politi¬
nant
of
Kurdistan
groups
like
Workers'
visited
their
the
Party.
I
me
everyone
one
else
mountain
polls
unlike
parties
the
in
domi¬
Baghdad,
hideouts, an extraordinary net¬
Hijri, by contrast, was not at all
cal office and hear a man ear¬
which only just resolved
work
of
fanatical. Rather, he was mea¬
nestly
deadlock
hived
into
sured and dignified.
was
and
huts
and
bivouacs
the Qandil
listened
range,
"We are
like
trekking
principles
to
meet
a
of
an
election
the
that
took place eight months ago.
guru.
were
But that's no matter. The Kurds
fighters droned on about revo¬
armed
said,
still idealists hidden away in
have their money, and this is
lutionary
citing
as
the hills of Iraqi Kurdistan?
these
Marxism.
have
guerrilla
about
trying democratic means, not
Turkey
while
talk
Iran
jointly
groups to
the
and
struggle,"
the
Swiss
he
model
a
Who
knew
there
indisputably
fought
rough approximation of what
point of
Iran would look like if it adop¬
For now, the Iraqi Kurds have
ted the PDKI platform. He res
something
extinction in Qandil, dropping
Kurdish
land.
The Arabs just come to ride go-
less
than
Karts.
demo
8 December 2010
I» Rudaw.Nef
Kurds Want Six Ministries in New Iraqi Govt
By HEMIN BABAN
Iraq's Prime
Minister Nuri al-
ERBIL, Iraqi Kurdistan: A promi¬
Maliki (C) walks
nent Kurdish lawmaker in the Iraqi par¬
with Kurdish
liament says the alliance of Kurdish par¬
President Masoud
ties has asked for six ministerial portfo¬
Barzani in Arbil
lios in the new cabinet expected to be
in November.
formed
Maliki was suc¬
soon
by
Prime
Minister
des¬
cessful in getting
ignate Nuri Maliki.
Independent
Mahmoud
Kurds
Kurdish
Osman
would
hold
told
the backing of
lawmaker
Rudaw
the foreign
Kurds to form a
that
government.
affairs
portfolio but would not be able to head
the transport portfolio because Maliki's
leading Shiite coalition had its eye on
between the Kurdish authorities and the
the ministry, as it controlled Iraq's ports
Baghdad government over the control of
and
and airports.
the country's oil and gas resources in the
points. The "service ministries" such as
defense, foreign affairs, the interior, oil
finance
would
each
earn
three
past few years, resulting in parliament
health,
which ministries each party would hold
not
earn two points each and the "ministers
by December 9th. Kurds were interested
Hydrocarbon Law. As it appears that the
of
in several key service ministries, such as
Kurds
women affairs, would earn one point.
planning,
Foreign Affairs Ministry, it is much less
Osman said it would become clear
higher
water
education
resources,
and
tourism,
agriculture,
he
being
able
have
now
to
pass
been
Iraq's
granted
the
likely to be granted the Oil Ministry.
The Kurdish alliance, with 49 seats,
ker involved
in
negotiations
with
state",
such
and
as
education
state
would
minister
for
But Khaled Shwani, a PUK Kurdish
lawmaker, said the point system had fai¬
Fatih Daraghayi, a Kurdish lawma¬
said.
tourism
the
led. He said the parliamentary blocs had
instead opted for a different distribution
is an umbrella group of all the Kurdish
Arab parties in Baghdad, said his coali¬
mechanism
parties in the Iraqi
tion gave up the oil ministry "because
positions of president, prime minister,
parliament,
except
the
senior
state
after gaining the post of the president,
parliamentary speaker and their depu¬
Although Gorran was originally part
we were not certain whether we could
ties would not be included in the point
the
also
system.
opposition party Gorran.
of
whereby
alliance,
it
withdrew
in
late
hold
the
Ministry
of
Foreign
October because of disagreements with
Affairs. So we asked for one of the two
the two dominant Kurdish parties, the
ministries
and,
now
that
it
has
been
Shwani said that the Kurds believed
they should be given more of the cabi¬
Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and
almost finalized that we will be given
net,
the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK).
the Foreign Affairs Ministry,
using
Maliki had earlier said the new cabi¬
given up oil."
ding the newly added ministry of invest¬
proposal
ment. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is
the
expected to once again be granted to
based on a point system.
ministries
other parties
would
be
distributed
of president,
minister
in
the
previous
distribution
"national
government,
system
entitlement"
based
as
on
Iraq's
Independent lawmaker Osman criti¬
cized the Kurdish alliance's
on
prime
a
second largest ethnic group.
whereby
According to the system, the chief
positions
ministry in the last five years.
to the
as
their
Maliki's coalition had submitted a
net would contain 38 ministries, inclu¬
Hoshyar Zebari, a Kurd who has run the
we have
being
awarded
the
insistence
Ministry
of
Foreign Affairs, saying the distribution
of portfolios had become like "an inhe¬
earlier
and parliamentary speaker would earn
ritance".
expressed interest in the portfolio for
10 points each. The proposal said five
asked either for the oil or finance minis¬
seats
tries, rather than foreign affairs.
Kurdish
lawmakers
had
oil. There have been deep differences
in
parliament
would
earn
two
points, and the "sovereign ministries" of
He
said
Kurds
should
have
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
gf)cIUn£>l)inqtoiigti»iC0
December 2, 2010
schute: Missed business opportunity in Kurdistan
Turks, Iranians and Jordanians invest while we sit on sidelines
mention the word Kurdistan, likely in
deference to the old Turkish hypersen¬
By Harry Schute Jr.
sitivity to the word. But if the Turkish
consul in Erbil can openly say
"Kurdistan region" in front of hundreds
of guests, why can't the State
H he Kurdistan Regional
Government released significant
Department's Iraq Travel Warning and
news recently. It announced that
Iraq Country Specific Information men¬
Houston's Marathon Oil Corp. had
tion die federal region? In fact, the
acquired operating positions in four oil
most recent Iraq Travel Warning (Nov.
blocks in Iraqi Kurdistan. This is good
5) says that "no region should be consi¬
news for oil development in Kurdistan
dered safe" and "attacks against mili¬
and American business in Iraq. Another
tary and civilian targets throughout Iraq
news story that same day went unnoti¬
continue." The warning mentions
ced by the Western press. The four-day
"Northern Iraq," but in a confusing
Erbil International Fair came to a suc¬
paragraph mixing apples and oranges.
cessful conclusion with nearly 850
illustration: Kurdistan by Alexander
companies participating. Only two
Hunter for The Washington Times
American companies came to the fair.
As someone who has been working in
Erbil, I really don't know what the refe¬
rence is for the State warnings and
Where were the rest of the Americans?
Why did all of these companies come
alarms. The fact is, no more than 200
This was the sixth consecutive year that
to Erbil? They came because they rea¬
U.S. soldiers have been based in all of
Iraqi Kurdistan's capital hosted the fair.
lize there is plenty of opportunity in
Once again, the fair was conducted
Kurdistan with a progressive invest¬
without incident, with broad business
ment law, free-market practices, excel¬
Kurdistan since 2004 because there is
security. No Westerner has been killed
or kidnapped in Kurdistan since the
war began. Other countries see these
participation and attendance by an
lent security and many opportunities.
array of senior regional and internatio¬
Those opportunities are not just in oil,
facts, and they queue up to get their
nal figures. These included the Czech
either. They abound in agriculture, tou¬
companies into Kurdistan.
deputy foreign minister, the Polish
rism and manufacturing. Kurdistan
minister of reconstruction, the head of
imports almost everything, yet it has a
It would seem that because America
United Kingdom Trade and Investment
capable work force that is ready to
did the heavy lifting and shed the most
(UKTI) and representatives from
make its own products and export to
among the 17 diplomatic contingents
the rest of Iraq and the region.
blood to bring freedom to Iraq - inclu¬
ding Kurdistan - American business
ought to be taking advantage of the
present in Erbil.
One might ask, "Why don't American
excellent opportunities that abound and
that Kurds want to share with
Fair organizers proudly proclaimed in
companies come?" There are two prin¬
their slick English catalog that they had
cipal reasons. One is that many
had more than 20 percent growth, with
Americans still cannot distinguish the
22 countries represented at the event.
differences between Kurdish Iraq and
Turkey is at the front of that list with
Arab Iraq. As someone who has been
76 companies, followed by, among
to both and has spent considerable time
others Iran - 53; Jordan - 44; Germany
in Kurdistan since 2003, 1 can tell you
tries that do want to participate, whe¬
- 41 ; France - 19; United Arab Emirates
they are very different places in terms
ther they are from France, Germany,
-16; Austria - 13; Czech Republic - 11;
of security, culture, language and, most
U.K. - nine (though 39 U.K. companies
significantly, attitude toward America.
Marathon and Hunt Oil Co., have seen
this and are enjoying the benefits. If
others don't step in, Kurdistan will have
to look to companies from those coun¬
China or Iran. In that scenario, both
American business and American
diplomacy will miss out.
were visiting the fair with UKTI);
China - five; and the U.S. - two.
The second is that the U.S. government
Some elements of the country list
American investment in Kurdistan. On
should be no surprise. Turkey is the lar¬
one hand, the Defense and Commerce
gest investor by far in Kurdistan and
departments have been active propo¬
has more than 600 companies active
nents of U.S. business. On the other,
there. The supply base from Europe to
the State Department is the source of
Erbil is a mere four-hour flight away,
confusing messages.
sends a confusing message about
making it relatively easy for the
Harry Schute Jr. is a retired U.S. Army
Reserve colonel. He commanded an
Army Reserve civil affairs battalion in
Kurdistan in 2003-04 and later was
chief of staff for the Coalition
Provisional Authority - North. He is a
consulting adviser to the Kurdistan
Regional Government
Europeans to participate. The most pro¬
Any business that might be exploring
blematic representation was the large
the array of State Department commu¬
Iranian delegation. Even China and its
Americans. A few companies, such as
nications would readily conclude that
five-company delegation outdid
all of Iraq is the same, meaning dange¬
American business.
rous. In fact, State is even loathe to
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
Interactive Investor
2 December
2010
Stability in Kurdistan a
boon to UK oil firms
over $10 billion worth of investment into
the sector.
Fiona Bond
News of fervent investment comes as lit¬
tle
surprise,
with
Kurdistan
long
luring
t long last the Iraqi government has
overseas oil companies with the promise
started the daunting task of forming
of attractive production agreement, inclu¬
a
the
ding UK-listed Gulf Keystone Petroleum
potential overhaul of the oil industry.
(GKP) and Heritage Oil (HOIL).
After more than eight months of political
While both have acknowledged the vola¬
wrangling
tile and precarious political situation, nei¬
tions,
new
cabinet
following
Nuri
and
with
it,
inconclusive
Al-Maliki's
elec¬
appointment
as
Iraq's new Prime Minister has reawake¬
ned the long-stalled federal law issue in
the autonomous Kurdish region.
Reports
have
emerged
ther has let it put them off their stride.
FTSE 250-listed Heritage remained opti¬
mistic that there is the "potential for export
production to recommence when a pay¬
from
Iraq
that
ment mechanism has been agreed", while
Kurdish factions - long embroiled in an oil
just
pay dispute with Baghdad - are using the
Keystone commenced
oil issue as a precondition for giving their
Shaikan-2 appraisal well.
support to Al-Maliki's coalition and have
demanded a new law be passed before
mid-2011.
Iraqi
It's
earlier
little
keep
this
week,
wonder that
their
drilling
AIM-listed
Gulf
the drilling of
both
to
if the oil ministry is lost to another faction
underway,
in the broad coalition than Al-Maliki's own.
are
campaign
its
keen
with a US Geological Survey estimating
government
spokesman
Ali
al-
Dabbagh said approving legislation of the
long-awaited
oil
and
gas
law would
among the
new government's
While
by
this
no
means
be
priorities.
suggests
a
Kurdish victory, it is clear the resolution of
around 40 billion barrels of oil and 60 tril¬
lion cubic feet of gas.
The
Miran
Block,
However, exact details of the new position
appear uncertain as it lacks any legal defi¬
nition
of which
Heritage Oil
-
a
key
point
for
the
opposing
Kurds, according to Ciszuk. He believes
owns 75% and is operator, is estimated to
that the
house
watered down into ultimately just a figure¬
up to 3.4
billion
barrels
of oil
in
Kurds will view his position as
head, as his chances of retaining control
place.
the dispute will be high upon the agenda.
of the Oil Ministry start to grow increasin¬
Gulf Keystone, in turn, said the spudding
Samuel Ciszuk, Middle East energy ana¬
lyst
at
IHS
Global
Insight,
strong Kurdish demand
said:
"The
means they will
push for a national oil law that will reco¬
gnise the oil contracts signed separately
gly slim, leaving it with a greater opportu¬
of
its
first
deep
appraisal
well
on
the
nity
Shaikan structure could,
case,
result
in
a
significant
increase
of oil in place.
the
KRG
allowing
the
the
well as for its upstream investors, as a lot
production could hit one million barrels a
and
involving
lOCs.
some
investors
deal
"This would be crucial for the region, as
with
of companies are now making headway in
their initial exploration commitments and
day by January 2014 and said the region
might be very reluctant to invest in addi¬
is now ready to start exporting
region's producers to export crude."
a
in
Indeed, Hawrami believes that Kurish oil
protecting
out
current -90 volumes of 1.9 billion barrels
matic changes by bringing them into line
standard,
thrash
recognition of its own oil contracts with
by the KRG, or at least will not force dra¬
national
to
in the success
100,000
tional appraisals, not to say development,
barrels a day, to be increased to around
Baghdad
and
the
Kurdistan
Regional
Government (KRG) have been at logger¬
should a resolution to the dispute drag on
150,000 barrels a day by the close of next
further," he said.
year or early 2012.
heads for over a year regarding the pro¬
duction-sharing
the
agreements
signed
The
by
Kurds. The central government pro¬
question,
what extent
Clear political passage
however,
Kurdish
oil
remains
contracts
as
to
might
need to be changed to bring them into line
tested that the deals went against the law,
with some national standard.
while the Kurds were adamant that they
were in line with the constitution, resulting
But before Kurdistan can unlock its pro¬
in the halt of oil exports out of the region.
duction potential, it must first ensure the
passage of the national oil law is a clear
one.
Al-Maliki
address
resources, Ashti Hawrami, claimed eight
new oil discoveries have been made in
the
Northern
Iraqi
region
over the
past
pushing for PSA deals when greenfield
exploration
really tell.
New oil discoveries
Earlier this week, KRG minister for natural
While there is little doubt the Kurds will be
has
the
already
oil
taken
industry,
with
steps
the
to
offer
open for current oil minister Hussein alShahristani to become one of three new
deputy
prime
ministers,
with
a
special
brief for energy issues.
two to three years and 37 contracts have
This
been signed with 40 companies, raking in
keep control of Iraq's energy sector, even
job
would
allow
al-Shahristani
to
is
involved,
only
time
will
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
Xtlîtaie
WikiLeaks
Mardi 7 décembre 2010
m imi ii^^^^w^^s^' ni 1 1 n in mm i mi im i
m 111 iiiiiiiii if ijiiimiiiiimiiiîij 'miiiii 111 11 m m iiiii iii iiiiiii m i us e mu n i ni ti i n 1 1 ni 1 1 n i ni hîie g am i im ut
Les rapports secrets du département d'Etat
entre deux pays qui se sont livrés,
dei98oài988,uneguerrequiafait
près d'un million de morts, restent
américaines
compliquées, mais permanentes.
Partenaire difficile pour l'Iran,-
le premier ministre, Nouri Al-Mali-
sur l'ingérence
ki, le chef du plus ancien parti reli-
1 gieux
chiite
irakien
(Daawa),
constitue actuellement un nou¬
veau gouvernement. Il sera domi¬
de l'Iran en Irak
né par des formations chiites a
priori plus favorables aux intérêts
iraniens que d'autres partis.
Diplomatie, finances, religion, opérations
en décembre 2009, d'un puits de
pétrole irakien par des soldats ira¬
niens à Al-Fakkah, dans la provin¬
Menaces et promesses,
grammes
diplomatiques
écrits
aide financière, mani¬
entre 2004 et février 2010 par l'am¬
pulations
politiques,
bassade américaine de Bagdad,
espionnage tous azi-
obtenus par WikiLeaks et révélés
muts.-tentatives d'influence reli¬
par Le Monde, la stratégie iranien¬
gieuse, fournitures d'armes et d'ex¬
ne en Irak a usé, au fil des ans, de
plosifs à des milices «pro» ou
tous les instruments possibles et
«anti» gouvernementales selon
imaginables pour influer sur les
les périodes, incidents sporadi-
affaires intérieures de son voisin.
ques plus ou moins provoqués sur
Force est de constater que la
les frontières communes, contacts
République
et visites
atteint, en Irak, nombre de ses
multipliées entre les
deux pays... A en croire les télé
objectifs
islamique
initiaux.
Les
d'Iran
a
relations
quie ou la Syrie. »
Jalal Talabani, le vieux prési¬
dent kurde de la République post¬
Saddam Hussein, qui assiste com¬
me souvent à l'entretien, est d'ac¬
cord. «Selon lui, la racine des nom¬
breux problèmes entre Irak et Iran
sur leur frontière
est
liée
aux
accords d'Alger signés en 1975»
entre feu le chah Reza Pahlavi et
Saddam Hussein, qui n'était alors
que vice-président. L'Iran, comme
Suite à la brève « occupation »,
clandestines : Téhéran atteint ses objectifs
qu'avec ses autres voisins, la Tur¬
ce de Maysan, Adel Abdel Mahdi,
l'un des deux vice-présidents ira¬
kiens, invité à l'ambassade améri¬
caine le 10 janvier 2010, explique
pourquoi l'Irak a choisi d'user de
la. diplomatie pour obtenir, avec
l'ONU, reconnaît toujours la validi¬
té de ces accords de délimitation
de la frontière. L'Irak veut aujour¬
d'hui les renégocier. Les deux voi¬
sins évoquent régulièrement les
travaux d'une commission techni¬
que conjointe chargée de régler les
problèmes de frontière, mais la
commission n'a encore produit
aucune esquisse de solution.
succès, le départ des Iraniens. «Ils
ont commis
une
erreur,
dit-il.
L'Irak ne peut pas risquer son ave¬
nir en entrant dans un nouveau
conflit avec l'Iran. Il est très impor¬
tant que le pays conserve de bon¬
nes relations avec l'Iran, de même
«Le commandant
des Gardiens
de la révolution dirige
la politique irakienne
de l'Iran»
Un télégramme
diplomatique américain
En ce début 2010, dans le même
bureau américain, Taha Shuker
Abbassi, le
chef de la division
« pays voisins » au ministère des
affaires étrangères d'Irak, s'était
montré
plus
pugnace
et
avait
demandé «quel soutien militaire
les Etats-Unis seraient prêts àfour¬
nir dans le cas d'une attaque par Un
des voisins ». «Il encourage aussi le
gouvernement
américain
à
condamner publiquement l'agres¬
sion iranienne (...) pour démontrer
à l'opinion irakienne le soutien
moral américain à l'intégrité terri¬
toriale de l'Irak. »
Le diplomate irakien « se lamen¬
te», écrit l'auteur du télégramme :
«Les Iraniens se conduisent avec
nous comme si le pays était tou¬
jours sous la domination de Sad-
Des soldats irakiens reprennent le contrôle du puits de pétrole d'AI-Fakkah, le 25 décembre 2009, dans le sud-est de l'Irak,
près de la frontière avec l'Iran, après qu'il eut été «occupé» durant trois jours par des soldats iraniens, essam al-sudani/afp
8
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
dam. » A la fin de son texte, l'am¬
dépendancefinancière ». «Les chif¬
mis les points sur les « i ». Puisque
américaine, commence à «traiter
bassadeur américain, Christopher
fres exacts sont inconnus, maisl'as-
l'Iran prétend tout faire pour aider
les Irakiens avec plus de respect».
Hill, note : «Il devient clair que les
sistance financière
à
à « stabiliser » son voisin, ce qui est
Les relations entre les deux pays
deux parties [l'Iran et l'Irak] réali¬
ceux qui l'acceptent est estimée de
son intérêt stratégique, pourquoi
«deviennent plus matures».
sent que leurs relations bilatérales
100 à 200 millions de dollars cha¬
ne pas commencer «par nous ren¬
C'est que, écrit Christopher Hill
sont moins conduites par leur héri¬
que année, dont 70 millionspour les
dre les 17 avions Iïiouchine que Sad¬
en novembre 2009, les Iraniens
iranienne
tage chiite commun que par les
seuls coffres du Conseil suprême
dam Hussein
avait envoyés en
ont découvert que « leur pouvoir
priorités du monde réel et des inté¬
islamique en Irak (CSII) » et sa bran¬
Iran» avant la guerre lancée en
en Irak n'est pas sans limite ». Leur
rêts divergents.»
che armée, la milice Badr.
1991 par Washington, demande
«principal obstacle politique reste
Dans une note «secrète» du
Depuis 2003, c'est « le général
M. Maliki au Guide iranien. «Il n'y
l'autorité dominante et la crédibili¬
13 novembre 2009, le diplomate
Ghassem Soleimani, commandant
a pas eu de réponse», souligne le
té religieuse incarnée par le grand
américain rédige un long texte
des Gardiens de la révolution -for¬
diplomate dans son compte rendu.
ayatollah Ali Sistani, lequel, bien
intitulé « Efforts iraniens dans la
ce Al-Qods (un proche du Guide
Lors de ce voyage, «Maliki affir¬
qu 'iranien de nationalité, est un cri¬
politique électorale de l'Irak ». Dès
suprême iranien, Ali Khamenei),
me avoir présenté à ses hôtes les
tique
le sommaire de son étude, l'am¬
qui dirige laformulation et la mise
preuves, "irakiennes et non améri¬
layat-e-faqih" (gouvernement des
bassadeur reconnaît que «l'Iran
en
de la politique irakienne
caines", des activités clandestines
clercs) en vigueur en Iran».
est un des joueurs dominants dans
du gouvernement d'Iran ». L'inté¬
iraniennes dans son pays ». Confes¬
Lors de sa visite en Irak en
la politique électorale irakienne».
ressé
totalité des
sions écrites « des agents et des com¬
mars 2008, si le président Mah¬
La République islamique « use des
moyens de la diplomatie, de la sécu¬
plices irakiens capturés» et «pho¬
moud Ahmadinejad n'est pas allé
liens de proximité qu'elle a établis
rité, du renseignement et des outils
tos des armes saisies avec estam¬
dans la ville sainte chiite de Nadjaf,
avec des figures chiites, kurdes et
économiques pour influencer ses
pille iranienne ». Ali Khamenei, rap¬
nous
une sélection de sunnites (...) en
alliés et ses détracteurs irakiens
porte le premier ministre à l'ambas¬
« confidentiel », c'est qu'Ali Sistani,
faveur d'une victoire chiite aux
pour établir un régimepluspro-ira-
sade américaine, «a juré» sur tous
qui vit modestement dans la vieille
élections». « Un gouvernement ira¬
nien, à Bagdad comme dans les pro¬
les saints du chiisme qu'il n'était
ville, près du mausolée de l'imam
kien pro-Ira n, dom inéparles ch ii-
vinces». Selon L'ambassadeur Hill,
pas au courant, qu'il a « personnelle-
Ali, le premier des chiites, avait fait
tes et préférablement islamiste,
« Soleimani entretient d'anciennes
demeure la priorité numéro un de
et proches relations avec le prési¬
Téhéran. C'est pour cela, pôursuit-
dent Jalal Talabani, le vice-prési¬
il, que l'Iran cherche à accentuer la
dent Adel Abdel Mahdi (numéro
pression sur Maliki pour qu'il joi¬
deux du CSII), Nouri Al-Maliki, l'an-
« emploie
la
gne ses forces aux autres çoali-
cien premier minisire [Ibrahim A1-]
tz'orischiites.» Finalement.M. Mali¬
Jaafari et le président (sunnite) du
ki
Parlement, [Ayad A1-] Samaraï. »
ira
seul
aux
mars 2010 mais
élections
de
sera contraint,
arithmétique oblige, de s'allier
Pour faire bonne mesure, « les
outils
d'influence»
de
l'Iran
aux autres partis chiites pour res¬
incluent «des aidés économiques
ter premier ministre.
aux organisations religieuses, un
,
de
la
doctrine
apprend
un
du
"ve-
télégramme
savoir qu'il ne le recevrait pas.
Problème, Ali Sistani a 83 ans, sa
Le guide iranien
Khamenei « a juré »
que l'Iran aurait « salarie plus de
sur tous les saints du
dix mille imams chiites » en Irak
pour élargir le soutien à la doctrine
chiisme qu'il ignorait
du «gouvernement des clercs»,
l'ayatollah irakien qui pourrait lui
toute activité de
succéder en tant qu'autorité spiri¬
déstabilisation en Irak
tuelle, Mohammad Said Al-Hakim,
ment édicté unefatwa interdisant
gramme de mai 2008, « adepte du
"velayat-e-faqih" » à l'iranienne.
serait lui aussi, d'après un télé¬
économiquement
soutien en armes à des militants
toute activité de déstabilisation en
dépendant et politiquement subor¬
chiites sélectionnés et un sanctuai¬
Irak», que quelqu'un a dû «violer
Un autre télégramme américain
donné donnerait à Téhéran une
re aux politiciens irakiens qui ont à
ses ordres». Le général Soleimani
expliqué que le grand ayatollah Sis¬
plus grande profondeur stratégi¬
craindre des Etats-Unis ou qui veu¬
jure, lui aussi, que les actes en cau-
tani, qui a discrètement approuvé
que», écrit encore le diplomate.
lent revitaliser leur crédit politico-
seontdûêtreengagés«sansautori-
l'accord sécuritaire irako-américain
«Le
religieux
Moqtada
sation». Il va enquêter. M. Maliki
fin 2008, a « interdit» l'enrôlement
récemment parlé de l'Irak comme
Al-Sadr». Replié dans un séminai¬
dira aux Américains qu'« il accorde
d'étudiants religieux iraniens dans
.. d'une "base chiite" confrontée aux
re de Qom depuis plus de trois ans,
zéro Crédit» à ces dénégations.
les séminaires dé Nadjaf. Il « craint
« Un
Irak
président
Ahmadinejad
a
comme
Pour parvenir à ces
le prêcheur radical chiite, qui veut
Fin 2008, en dépit de la ferme
les infiltrations » par lés services du
résultats, l'Iran « a compris qu'il lui
devenir ayatollah et dont la milice
opposition des Iraniens à la conclu¬
général Soleimani. Dans la même
fallait faire montre d'une grande
a livré en 2004 deux guéries meur¬
sion de l'accord stratégique améri¬
dépêche,
flexibilité opérationnelle, et même
trières
américains,
cano-irakien (SOFA) qui prévoit,
Oudaï», chef des services de rensei¬
parfois idéologique». Il n'est ainsi
vient d'apporter, sur pression ira¬
entre autres, le retrait progressif
gnement de la province de Nadjaf,
«pas rare» que l'Iran «finance et
nienne, le soutien de ses 40 élus à
des
Nouri
explique aux Américains combien
soutienne des entités chiites ou kur¬
la coalition de M. Maliki. :
Al-Maliki signe le document et le
« l'Iran représente une menacepour
Parlement de Bagdad l'approuve.
la stabilité de l'Irak» M
menaces.»
des rivales- etparfois même sunni^Jes-^dàns le but dé développer une
aux soldats
En juin 2008, le premier minis¬
tre irakien, en yisite à Téhéran, a'
Une histoire longue et tourmentée
637 Victoire des musulmans sur
islamique sur le régime du chah
les Perses à Qadissiya, près
RezaPahlavi.
.
deNadjaf.
1988 L'Iran accepte la résolution
1975 Accords d'Alger délimitant
598 dû Conseil de sécurité des
les frontières entre riràk et l'Iran,
Nations unies adoptée en 1987,
notamment sur le Chart Al-Arab.
qui prévoit un cessez-le-féu immé¬
diat, le retour aux frontières de
1980 Le président irakien Sad¬
1980 et l'échange des prisonniers.
dam Hussein, un sunnite, dénon¬
ce les accords d'Alger ; début de
2003 Chute du président Sad¬
la guerre entre l'Irak et l'Iran où .
dam Hussein à la suite de l'inva¬
vient de triompher la révolution
sion américaine de l'Irak.
j
santé est chancelante et, tandis
soldats , américains,
L'Iran, se félicite la chancellerie
un-
certain
« major
Patrice Claude
;
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
Lki Rudaw*^"
5 December 2010
Wikileaks Reveals Kurdish Secrets
By WLADIMIR VAN
Kurds constitute a por¬
WILGENBURG
tion of the secret US
diplomatic documents
disclosed by Wikileaks.
The founder of
AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands:
Kurdish affairs
Wikileaks, Julian
such as Kirkuk and
Assange, said that more
drug trafficking are under the interna¬
"waves" of leaked cables
tional spotlight with the recent release
should be expected in the
of hundreds of thousands of confiden¬
tial
US
documents
by
next month-and-a-half
whistle-blo¬
Photo/AFP/DPA.
wing Wikileaks.
In leaked US diplomatic cables the
Turkish
ambassador
to
Iraq,
Murat
Ozcelik, told US officials on January
Kurdistan President Massoud Barzani
being involved in the narcotics trade
11th that for the first time a Kurdish
had
by Turkey and Europol. In October
official understood that Kirkuk would
Turkoman-Kurd
Arab-
2009 the US Treasury named PKK
not be
Kurd reconciliation efforts in Kirkuk
leader Murat Karayilan and two other
mous Iraqi Kurdistan region, indica¬
and Nineveh respectively. He indica¬
PKK
ting to Turkey that a compromise and
ted that Kirkuk's Turkomans realized
"kingpins", but the PKK denied this,
a
the limit of their influence in the elec¬
claiming mey were against drugs.
included
special
in the semiautono-
10-year
status
for
Kirkuk
was needed.
involving Turkey,
government
Regional
and
the
the Iraqi
Kurdistan
Government
Interior
(KRG),
Minister
Karim
participate
and
Sunni
in
in Ankara as
also
noted
gress
in
that,
ties
troublesome and
despite
between
as
drug
trafficking
But the leadership of the PKK dis¬
missed the allegations as "baseless."
Ozcelik admitted that Kurds were
seen
members
recent pro¬
Turkey
and
According to further leaked docu¬
ments, published by Arabic language
newspaper Al Akhbar, an outspoken
critic
of Kurdish
security
forces
in
Kurdistan, Kurds feared the Turkish
Nineveh, Yezidi Progress Party head
Sinjari said the KRG had now unders¬
military's
Wa'ad Hammad Matto was arrested at
tood
reverse
that
Kurdistan
would
not
be
incorporating Kirkuk into the region.
The
Turkish
official
claimed
it
hard-line
Turkey's
reconciliation.
elements
current
Ozcelik
could
policy
said
it
of
his Nineveh home and then detained
was
in Baghdad by Iraqi military intelli¬
important for Turkey to emphasize to
gence for meeting with Baathists
was the first time a senior Kurdish
the
Syria in October 2009.
leader had suggested that there could
security
be
interests lay in keeping Turkey-KRG
claimed
relations on an even keel.
arrest because he did not join the pro-
some
approach
flexibility
to
the
in
the
KRG's
implementation
of
Article 140, which would determine
the
future
of
disputed
multi-ethnic
regions including Kirkuk.
However,
any
Sinjari
compromise
on
KRG
and,
Other
Kurdish
denied
making
Kirkuk
saying
context."
that
Turkey's
critically,
secret
Wikileaks
long-term
commercial
cables
alleged
guerilla
leaked
that
by
Turkey's
movement,
the
Matto,
a
former
the
KDP
in
KDP-member,
orchestrated
the
KDP Ninewa Fraternity List led by a
KDP
leader,
Khasro
Gorran,
in
Nineveh in the Iraqi elections.
Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), was
involved in drug trafficking.
that his words were "taken out of their
But, according to the documents,
During a meeting between officers
US intelligence sources said he had
from the US and Iraq at the Trilateral
meetings
Intelligence Sharing Office hosted by
politicians in Syria and was not politi¬
nor in that context. They have been
the
cally motivated by the Kurds, and this
misinterpreted," said Sinjari.
Major
"My words were neither like that
"We insist on the implementation
KRG
on
November
General
25th
"Delshad"
2009,
of
the
with
prominent
Baathist
was why he was arrested.
Kurdish Border Guard (Zerevani) said
The document shows that Sheihk
140 without any compro¬
the "PKK/Kongra Gel is involved in
Abdullah of the Sunni nationalist al-
mise on it. But we are ready to nego¬
narcotics trafficking through transpor¬
Hadba party paid $20,000 for Matto 's
tiate in order to facilitate the imple¬
tation
defense in court.
mentation of the article as
protection."
of Article
it needs
cooperation."
and
"Safa",
Ozcelik speculated that if the par¬
General
associated
services,
like
Yezidis
an
aide
"Fukaiki"
of
Iraqi
added
Major
mat
"die
are
primarily
ethnic
Kurds, mostly living near Mosul, with
smaller communities
in
surrounding
ties were able to buy enough time, the
PKK regularly uses the border seams
countries. Their religion incorporates
Kurds would understand that increa¬
to traffic narcotics from Iran through
local Kurdish and Islamic Sufi beliefs.
sed economic activity in the context
the
of a more stable Iraq made adminis¬
onward to the European market."
trative boundaries less important.
Furthermore,
10
to
tive to work with Kurds.
negotiations on December 21st 2009
Kurdistan
him
tion law debate and were more recep¬
Ozcelik said diat, during tri-lateral
in Erbil
asked
Ozcelik
mountains
west
to
Turkey
and
Wikileak's revelations are not new
said
as the PKK has often been accused of
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
Kurdish concessions in Baghdad
resolving the Kirkuk issue (Article 140).
Foreign Policy
By Denise Natali
The Kurds also have new challenges at
the societal level. Nearly all nonKurdish communities across Iraq have
become increasingly concerned, if not
hostile, to what they perceive as an
The Obama administration may view
the recent Iraqi power-sharing agree¬
ment as a milestone toward creating a
'unity' government in Baghdad, yet the
real litmus test of Iraq's political viability
will come when key legislation is presen¬
ted to the parliament. Two of die most
challenging issues for Baghdad-Arbil
relations involve territory and oil ~
resolving disputed boundaries and pas¬
discrimination of Arabs in the northern
region. Their collective response has
been to reassure that Kirkuk is an inte¬
gral part of Iraq and that it will not
become administratively attached to
the Kurdistan Region. This is why, des¬
pite Kurdish influence in Baghdad, no
real progress has been made on key
Kurdish nationalist issues since 2005.
The census has been delayed, Article
sing a national hydrocarbons law.
Although the Kurds are pressed to deter¬
mine the administrative status of the oilrich province of Kirkuk, nearly all Arab
groups ~ Sunni and Shia alike
over-reaching of Kurdish rights and
remain
adamantly against such a proposal.
Given current trends in Iraq and the
140 is defunct, and the Kurds must
now address the findings of the
Committee to Review the Iraqi
Constitution, which seeks to revise
those articles that empower the
regions.
ged nationalist agenda and shift its focus
from intractable land claims to Baghdadapproved petroleum deals. The region's
long-term political and economic prospe¬
rity rests on such a compromise.
Indeed, the Kurds face important obs¬
tacles in the petroleum sector as well.
Even though the KRG has signed
dozens of oil deals with international
companies and optimistically projects
one million barrels daily within five
years, the central government does not
The Kurdistan Regional Government
recognize the contracts.
arrangement in Iraq is a façade. The
Kurds are not kingmakers or even
equal participants, but rather a politi¬
cally expedient swing vote for the two
key Iraq political groups: Nuri alMaliki's State of Law Party and Ayad
Allawi's Iraqqiya. Even though the
Kurdish leader, Jalal Talabani retained
the presidency position and has been
able to use his charismatic personality
to give the role more substance, it is
still a ceremonial post. The Kurdish
Coalition may secure one of the key
ministries in Baghdad; however, it will
Consequently, the oil companies are
still unable to export their crude to
international markets and have not
been fully paid for production.
the premiership, security for¬
ces, or the Council of Ministers.
nies that have recently entered the
Kurdish market, the Kurdistan region
is likely to face increasing competition
from southern Iraq, particularly as the
central government attempts to reac¬
tive its role in OPEC, develop the
mega-fields in Basra, and repair its oil
infrastructure, with the hopes of expan¬
ding output from 2.6 million to more
than 12.5 million in seven years.
any real ally in Baghdad. Maliki may
have expressed support for Kurdish
nationalist demands during the transi¬
tion period; however, he is likely to
withdraw from his promises as he
consolidates power, much the way pre¬
vious Iraqi leaders have done during
regime changes. Iraqiyya also is likely
to frustrate Kurdish territorial
demands. The speaker of the parlia¬
ment, Usama al-Nujaifi, has a reputa¬
tion for challenging Kurdish nationalist
interests and has opposed the idea of
larly as the focus shifts from 'rights to
exploration' to 'transparency of
contracts.' In his recent visit to the Iraqi
Kurdistan Parliament (IKP), soon-to-be
ex-Iraqi Oil Minister Ali Sharistani sta¬
Kurdish oil contracts only if they were
all presented openly to the IKP for
approval. Further, the central govern¬
ment has included in its draft 2011
budget a line item for oil exports from
the Kurdistan Region, although a relati¬
vely small amount. The demand for
transparency also has become a mantra
which has recently withdrawn from the
Kurdish Coalition and also demands
full public disclosure of all KRG-signed
oil deals.
The idea of disclosing oil contracts may
challenge the secretive nature of the
KRG's Ministry of Natural Resources, a
one-man show run by Ashti Hawrami.
It also may do little to resolve the long¬
standing political distrust that runs
deep between Arbil and Baghdad or
the historical legacies of Kirkuk that
shape Kurdish identity, which is tied to
the land. Yet, given the new role of oil
in driving the Kurdistan region's deve¬
Even if Baghdad cannot effectively
raise production to the levels it pre¬
dicts, it would still have control of the
Nor does the Kurdistan Coalition have
made on the oil conundrum, particu¬
Additionally, despite the larger compa¬
not have control of the crux of political
power
issue. In fact, slight progress has been
for the Goran opposition movement,
(KRG) will need to make political
concessions because the power-sharing
ter chance of negotiating a hydrocar¬
bons law than resolving the Kirkuk
ted that Baghdad would recognize
Kurdistan Region, the Kurdish Coalition
would do best to nuance its highly-char¬
Still, the Kurdish elites may have a bet¬
Iraqi oil sector, including markets in
the Kurdish north. Regional states see¬
king to profit from Iraqi oil, particu¬
larly Turkey, are looking toward
Baghdad and not Arbil as the main
lopment and the absence of support
from key Sunni and Shia Arab groups
for Kurdish control of Kirkuk, the KRG
may have little choice but to substitute
emotional nationalism for political
pragmatism. This option may be the
best possible way to realize any politi¬
cal and economic gains in the years
ahead.
source of revenue generation. Turkey's
Energy Minister recently confirmed
that foreign companies will need the
Denise Natali is the Research Centers
central government's approval to sign
Director at the American University of
oil and gas deals. Not surprisingly, des¬
Iraq, Sulaimani and author of The
pite improved relations between
Kurdish-Quasi State: Development and
Ankara and Arbil, Turkey recently re-
Dependency in Post-Gulf War Iraq
extended its pipeline agreement with
(Syracuse: Syracuse University Press,
Baghdad, indirectly bypassing the
2010).
Kurdistan region.
11
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
INTEK NATIONAL*
ïîeralô
Meddling by neighbors
DECEMBER 6, 2010
adds to Iraq's troubles
WASHINGTON
'if' '
BY MICHAEL R. GORDON
i£wm^3M^i ii\M M\-"'
- - 5
'
-
Saddam Hussein's Iraq was a regional
menace thafrsen^shudders through its
neighbors. Today's
Iraqi leaders
are
struggling to restrain the ambitions of
the countries that share Iraq's porous
borders,
eye
the
country's
rich
re¬
sources and vie for influence.
"All Iraq's neighbors were interfer¬
ing, albeit in different ways, the Gulf
and Saudi Arabia with money, Iran with
money and political influence, and the
Syrians by. all means," Jalal Talabam,
Iraq's president and the senior Kurdish
official in the government, told Defense
Secretary Robert M. Gates in a Dec. 10,
2009, meeting, according to a diplomatic
cable. "The Turks are 'polite' in their in¬
terference, but continue their attempts
to influence Iraq's Turkmen community
Baquba, Iraq Policemen during a parade to mark the withdrawal of U.S. forces from
and Sunnis in Mosul."
With American troops preparing to
Iraqi cities. As the troops leave, the risk of interference rises.
withdraw from Iraq by the end of 2011,
the meddling threatens to aggravate the
sectarian divisions in the«country and
undermine efforts by Iraq's leaders to
get beyond bitter rivalries arid build a
stable government. It also shows how
deeply Iraq's leaders depend on the
United States to manage the meddling,
fighters
to
sneak
into
Iraq.
The suspicions have often been mutu¬
Even Turkey, which has good relations
al. "I don't trust this man," King Abdul¬
with the Iraqi government, has secretly
lah of Saudi Arabia told John O. Bren-
financed nationalist and
nan, Mr. Obama's top counterterrorism
Sunni political parties.
anti-Kurdish
,
adviser, according to a cable about a
Some leading Iraqi politicians have
March 15, 2009, meeting at the king's
tried to cast themselves as the right
even as it exposes the increasing limits
private palace in Saudi Arabia. "He is
ones to resist Iranian influence and help
on America's ability to do so.
an Iranian agent."
Cables obtained by the anti-secrecy
Iraq improve ties with its Arab neigh¬
Jockeying for influence in Iraq by out¬
bors.
made
side countries has been going on ever
Ayad Allawi, who leads the Iraqiya
available to several news organizations
since Mr. Hussein was ousted, hardly
bloc, has emphasized his relationship
describe flustered Iraqi leaders com-
surprising given Iraq's strategic posi¬
with Arab leaders while his supporters
plairfing of interference by manipulative
tion in the Middle East, its vast oil re¬
have cast Mr. Maliki's Dawa party sup¬
neighbors; some of whom
serves,
population
porters as fearful of interacting with the
and the fact that it is a nascent, if un¬
Arab world, the cables show. Mr. Ma¬
steady, democracy largely surrounded
liki's aides have presented themselves
by undemocratic neighbors.
and
organization
WikiLeaks
of the United States
and
in the view
do not want it to
regain its previous position of power.
"The challenge for us is to convince
Mraq neighbors, particularly the Sunni
Arab governments, that relations with a
new
Iraq
are
not
a
zero-sum
game,
where if Iraq wins, they lose," noted â
Sept. 24, 2009, cable from Ambassador
Christopher R. Hill that was aptiy tided
"The Great Game, in Mesopotamia."
U.S.
diplomatic cables disclosed by
WikiLeaks show that Prime Minister
Nuri Kamal al-Maliki's fears about out¬
side interference are so great that he
asked President Barack Obama during
a July 2009 visit to Washington to stop
the Saudis from intervening. Saudi Ara¬
its
multisectarian
The Iranians, who waged a bloody
their
boss
as
being
more
eight-year war with Mr. Hussein, have
many of their rivals
no desire to see a strong Iraq emerge
icans can keep the Saudis in line.
from the ashes of his regime, especially
one that has ties with the United States.
So they have sought to influence its
politics by funneling cash to Iraqi polit¬
ical
factions,
ordering
assassinations
and shipping arms to militants, some of
which an Oct. 23, 2008, cable from Dubai
warned might be disguised as Red Cres¬
savvy
about resisting Iranian pressure than
if only the Amer¬
Iran, by the United States' reckoning,
has done the most to try to shape Iraqi
politics. A Nov. 13, 2009, cable sent by
Mr. Hill that called Iran "a dominant
player in Iraq's electoral politics," esti¬
mated
that
Iran's
annual
support
to $200 million. Some $70 million of that,
cent medical supplies. The Saudis, who
see Iran as the principal threat in the re¬
gion, have used their control of satellite
Jockeying for influence in
Iraq by outside countries has
Sunni groups. Syria, which Iraqi leaders
been going on ever since
sectarian tensions and providing Iran
have repeatedly complained to Ameri¬
Saddam Hussein was ousted.
with an excuse to intervene in Iraqi pol¬
can diplomats is dominated by a Baath-
leader
complained,
were
heightening
itics, according to an account of the Oval
Office session Mr. Maliki shared with
to
political groups in Iraq was $100 million
television and deep pockets to support
bia's efforts to rally the Sunnis, the Iraqi
12
surgent
Mr. Hill.
ist regime unduly sympathetic to the
ousted Baathists in Iraq, has allowed in
the cable asserts, is directed to the Is-
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
làmic Supreme Council in Iraq, a lead¬
the Arab World."
ing Shiite party that has also worked
and
Toward this end, Egypt promised to
recounted
that
the
Syrians
had
boasted to him during his years in exile
closely with American officials, and its
send a new ambassador to Baghdad, a
that they were skilled in negotiating
former militia, the Badr Corps.
noteworthy move given that the previ¬
with
ous
cable about the meeting.
Using an acronym for the Iranian gov¬
ernment,
the
ambassador
Egyptian
ambassador
was
kid¬
the
Americans,
according
to
a
acknowl¬
napped by insurgents and killed in 2005.
Of all Iraq's neighbors, Turkey has
edged Iran's pragmatism: "The IRIG
In a conversation with King Abdullah,
forged one of the best working relations
recognizes
Mr. Mubarak advised the Saudi mon-
with the
that
influence
in
Iraq
re¬
quires operational (and at times ideo¬
logical) flexibility. As a result, it is not
uncommon for the IRIG to finance and
Like the Iranians, the Saudis
key, the cables note, also played an im¬
have not hesitated to use
portant behind-the-scenes role in help¬
support competing Shia, Kurdish, and to
some extent,
Sunni entities,
with the
aim of developing the Iraqi body pont¬
ing the United States and Iraq negotiate
their money and political
the security agreement that provides
influence inside Iraq.
for the withdrawal of American troops
by the end of 2011.
ic's dependency on Tehran's largesse."
But Turkey has been unable to resist
In a Sept! 24, 2009, cable titled "Prime
Minister Accuses Iran of Trying to De¬
stabilize Iraq," Mr. Hill reported that
Mr. Maliki had told him that Iran was
arch "not to search for another man,"
the temptation to intervene in Iraq poli¬
but instead to accept Mr. Maliki, Mr.
tics. Turkey, an April 2009 cabled noted,
Suleiman confided.
try to "control" the Iraqi Parliament
and was prepared to provide military
support to Shiite militants if political ef¬
forts failed. Iran, Mr. Hill quoted Mr.
Maliki as saying, was trying to rally the
Shiites to counter the "Saudi project to
align the Sunni states."
cables
nonetheless
reflect
American concern that Dawa party offi¬
cials inserted into government posts by
Mr. Maliki may have close ties to Iran.
good ties with
Mr.
Maliki's principal
Embassy's political officer notes
Hadba Gathering," a Sunni led political
group that prevailed in provincial elec¬
send an ambassador to Baghdad, but a
tions in Nineveh Province in Iraq.
Feb. 23, 2010, cable from the U.S. Em¬
According to a Jan. 31, 2010, cable
bassy in Riyadh notes that King Abdul¬
from Mr. Hill, Turkey's ambassador to
lah rolled out the red carpet for Mr.
Baghdad, Murat Ozcelik, also opposed
Allawi by inviting him to his desert en¬
Mr. Maliki's bid to win re-election in his
campment.
private discussions with American dip-,
.
Like the Iranians, the Saudis have not
al influence inside Iraq, according to
American
diplomats.
"For
now
the
Saudis are using their money and media
telligence
of having
power (al-Arabiyya, al-Sharqiya satel¬
Baathist ties with Dawa loyalists. After
lite channels, and other various media
pushback from Iraqi officials, and, ap¬
they control or influence)
parently, interventions by American of¬
Sunni political aspirations, exert influ¬
ficials, the number of people accused of
ence over Sunni tribal groups, and un¬
being Baathists who were to be fired
dercut the
was reduced. But a military intelligence
Council of Iraq (ISCI) and Iraqi Nation¬
headquarters
al Alliance (INA)," Mr. Hill's
accused
was
forced
to
hire
47
Dawa political officers who were in exile
in
Iran
during
Mr.
Hussein's
rule
"where they may have received intelli¬
diplomats
and
generals
have told Arab leaders in the region that
the best way to counter Iran's ambitions
is to establish a good working relation¬
ship with Mr. Maliki, which means send¬
ing ambassadors to Baghdad and re¬
fraining from financing and mobilizing
opposition
groups
or
insurgents
that
seek to undermine him. But as Mr. Hill
acknowledged
"Great
in
Game,"
his
cable
American
on
the
diplomats
"still have work to do to convince them
that a strong, stable, democratic (and
inevitably
Shia-led)
Iraq
is
the
best
guarantee that Iraq will be able to shake
Iranian manipulations and see its future
bound up with that of the West and its
Of all the Arab leaders in the region,
President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt, the
cables suggest, was the most sympa¬
to
the
American
Islamic
Mr. Maliki in the past, Mr. Ozcelik said it
was backing his rivals now because the
Turks believed that if the prime minis¬
ter was reelected he would "would fo¬
cus on increasing his own power and
would not be cooperative in resolving
outstanding issues," Mr. Hill reported.
Supreme
"Great
Game" cable noted.
And Mr. Talabani, the Iraqi president,
complained in a Dec. 14, 2009, meeting
approach,
that the Saudis "had pressured Kuwait
to backtrack on initial agreements with
Iraq on issues dating to the Saddamera," a cable noted. (The cable quotes
Mr. Talabani as saying that Qatar and
Bahrain were seeking better ties with
Iraq "despite Saudi opposition.")
Syria
has
been
another
difficult
neighbor. It has long been accused by
the
Iraqis
of
harboring
senior
Iraq
Baath Party members aligned with the
former regime, and
allowing foreign
fighters to sneak into Iraq. The Obama
administration sought to improve ties
with President Bashar al-Assad of Syria
and even sent a team from the U.S. Cen¬
tral Command to Syria to discuss ways
to better control the border. But after a
moderate Arab neighbors."
thetic
Shia-led
to support
lomats. While Turkey had supported
with a senior State Department official
gence training," the cable notes.
American
tine financial support of the anti-Kurd al
deal with the Iraqi prime minister or
that Mr. Maliki has moved to replace in¬
officers
provincial elections through its clandes¬
rival. They may have been unwilling to
hesitated to use their money and politic¬
A February cable prepared by the
U.S.
"played an unhelpful role in recent Iraqi
The Saudis, on the other hand, have
trying to use its money and influence to
Some
Iraqi government and with
Kurdish officials in northern Iraq. Tur¬
a
policy that reflects Egypt's deep suspi¬
cions of Iran. Omar Suleiman, Egypt's
intelligence chief, told Gen. David H.
Petraeus in a June 2009 meeting that
Egypt's goal was "to bring Iraq back to
series of bombings in Baghdad in Au¬
gust 2009 that Mr. Maliki attributed to
Syria, the Iraqis refused to participate
in the discussions.
In a December 2009 meeting with Jef¬
frey D. Feltman, an assistant secretary
of state, Mr. Maliki, who lived in Syria
for 16 years during Mr. Hussein's rule,
described the Syrian leaders as more
difficult to deal with than the Iranians
13
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
3J Iraq's Kurds build up their own army
IRBIL, Iraq, December 7, 2010
United Press International
IRAQ'S
have
TWO
long
MAIN
sought
KURDISH
an
PARTIES,
independent
state
which
in
their
northern enclave, are building their own army and
intelligence
gripped
apparatus
by
political
as
the
country
crisis stemming
remains
from
incon¬
clusive elections in March.
On Oct. 20, amid the political power struggle to form a
coalition government,
the
Kurdistan
Barham Salih, prime minister of
Regional
Government,
extended
his
administration's powers to establish his direct control of
the enclave's security and intelligence services.
The
Kurdistan
Barzani,
Democratic
Party
president of the KRG,
is
led
and the
by
Masood
PUK is headed
by veteran guerrilla chief Jalal Talibani, Iraq's president.
Salih set up a body known as the Council of the Assiyeh,
which will function as a Kurdish security council. It will
be headed by Karim Sanjani and Korsat Rasul,
military
chiefs for the KDP and the PUK.
Kurdish
sources
say
the
two
known as peshmerga
parties'
80,000
Those Who Face
fighters,
Death
will
Intelligence Online, a Paris Web site that covers security
reports
that
the
process
will
be
overseen
by
Jaafar Sheik Mustapha, the minister for the peshmerga.
"He
is
said.
being
advised
Mustafa
January
with
by several Israeli consultants,"
Barzani
Danny
reportedly
Yatom,
met
former
in
Vienna
head
of
it
in
Israel's
foreign intelligence service, the Mossad, "who has been
tipped to coordinate the military merger."
links to Israel's defense ministry have long been repor¬
aiding
the
Kurds,
an
balkanization
of
the
security
force
will
likely
The Kurds have clung tenaciously to their ethnic iden¬
tity, throughout the cruel years of Baathist rule, largely
under Saddam and then
in the often chaotic post-U.S.
their enclave
became semi-auto¬
nomous under a federal government in Baghdad.
The rebellious KDP and PUK set aside their often violent
differences to help the Americans topple Saddam, who
waged a genocidal war against them.
Deep-rooted
toward
an
Kurdish
nationalism
independent army
has
apart,
been
the
move
accelerated
the emergence of an Iraqi military controlled
by
by Shiite
leaders since Saddam was toppled.
There
are
some
35,000
Kurds
in
the
state
army.
To
reduce KRG influence over Kurdish forces, Baghdad has
deployed predominantly Kurdish brigades from the 2nd
The Mossad and private Israeli defense companies with
ted
the
increase" as the political crisis drags on.
invasion years when
be welded into a single Kurdish army of eight divisions.
issues,
of
on-off relationship that goes
and 3rd Divisions to the south.
It
is
these
forces
that
will
form
the
backbone
of the
Baghdad,
concerned
at the
planned Kurdish army.
back four decades.
The central government in
The U.S.
military withdrawal is having a serious impact
on Kurdish planning. The peshmerga, sworn enemies of
KRG's military plans,
has suggested absorbing another
30,000 pershmerga into the national army.
Saddam's regime, were the Americans' most dependa¬
ble allies during
the
2003
invasion
and
the chaos that
But the
based
ensued.
KRG
on
has
rejected
increasing
that,
concern
a
that
decision
Kurdish
apparently
forces
will
inevitably be pushed into open conflict with state forces
Now
they
find
themselves
losing
a
powerful
ally
at
a
over the oil-rich Kirkuk region.
time when the Iranian-backed Shiite majority has taken
control
of
the
defense
and
interior
ministries,
which
The
tory.
direct the military and security forces.
Kurds claim
During
the
region
Saddam's
rule,
is historically part of terri¬
he
drove
out
Kurds
and
Arabized the city.
The peshmerga, many of them veterans of a long insur¬
gency against Saddam Hussein, remain relatively inde¬
The Kurds, who see the oil fields as the economic core
of an independent state, have been reversing that pro¬
pendent and powerful in the north.
cess since 2003.
"Ultimately,
will
retain
Texas
whatever
ultimate
global
their
organization
loyalty to the
security
status,
Kurdish
consultancy
cause,"
Stratfor
they
the
observed
U.S. forces have kept the lid on the smoldering powder
keg.
But the fear is that it will eventually explode if no
settlement has been reached once U.S. forces complete
recently.
their withdrawal.
"The
Kurdistan
losing
and
its
Regional
security
understanding
interest
Kurds
aligning
and
guarantor with
the
against
Arabs,
Government,
the
consequences
them
decided
to
in
a
form
realizing
U.S.
of
is
withdrawal
Sunni-Shiite
struggle
a
it
unified
between
Kurdish
army to defend their autonomy."
The International Crisis Group has warned that "the risk
14
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
France: interpellation de 6 membres présumés du
PKK près de Marseille
PARIS, 7 décembre 2010 (AFP)
parisien dans le cadre d'une enquête sur le financement du PKK. Certains
seraient également impliqués dans des jets de
cocktails
Molotov à
Marignane, ville proche de Marseille, selon une source proche de l'en¬
SIX membres présumés de l'organisation séparatiste kurde PKK ont
quête.
été interpellés mardi dans la région de Marseille (sud de la France) à
la demande d'un juge antiterroriste parisien, a-t-on appris de sources
A Marseille, environ 250 personnes, selon la police, ont manifesté dans
proches de l'enquête.
l'après-midi pour protester contre ces arrestations.
Ces six personnes, parmi lesquelles figure "un membre important au
Le cortège, composé d'hommes, de femmes et d'enfants de la commu¬
niveau européen" du Parti des travailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK), ont été
nauté kurde, a défilé pacifiquement sur la Canebière aux cris de "Libérez
arrêtées mardi matin dans la région de Marseille par des policiers de la
nos camarades!". La manifestation s'est dispersée sans incident. Une
Direction centrale du renseignement intérieur (DCRI) et des policiers mar¬
délégation de quatre
seillais.
République de Marseille, Jacques Dallest.
personnes a été reçue
par le
procureur de la
Elles ont été placées en garde à vue à Marseille, disposition qui permet de
Le PKK est considéré comme une organisation terroriste par la Turquie,
les garder pendant quatre jours.
l'Union européenne et les Etats-Unis. Le conflit kurde en Turquie a fait plus
de 45.000 morts depuis le début de l'insurrection du PKK, en 1984, selon
Elles ont été interpellées sur commission rogatoire d'un juge antiterroriste
l'armée.
Irak: Rapts entre kurdes et sunnites à Kirkouk
KIRKOUK (Irak), 12
decembr 2010 (AFP)
cheikh al-Ezzi avaient négocié un tel échange il y a deux mois.
Le 28 octobre, La police de Kirkouk avait accepté, pour la première fois,
DES INCONNUS ont kidnappé la belle-soeur d'un haut gradé kurde de
d'échanger cinq insurgées proches d'AI-Qaïda contre deux filles d'un nota¬
la police et ce rapt a été suivi par l'enlèvement d'un chef tribal et de
ble kurde kidnappées quelques heures plus tôt.
sa fille dans la région multiethnique de Kirkouk, a indiqué dimanche
"Nous avons joué un rôle pour que soient relâchées cinq femmes arabes,
la police.
arrêtées pour leur implication dans des crimes terroristes, en échange de
Samedi soir à Ghamata, un quartier du sud de la ville pétrolière de
la libération des deux filles", âgées d'une vingtaine d'années, avait affirmé
Kirkouk, à 240 km au nord de Bagdad, quatre hommes vêtus d'uniforme
à l'époque le colonel kurde Arras ai-Kaki, chef des unités anti-terroristes à
militaire, ont fait irruption dans la maison d'un policier kurde Hamed Taher
Kirkouk.
al-Barzanchi.
"Deux des cinq criminelles libérées sont les femmes de deux chefs
Ils l'ont bâillonné et menotte avant d'enlever sa femme Haifa Abdel Saheb,
d'Ansar al-Sunna actuellement détenus", avait-il ajouté en affirmant avoir
25 ans. Ce policier est le frère du chef du département des affaires inter¬
voulu ainsi éviter des troubles dans la ville.
nes de la police de Kirkouk, le colonel Mohammad Taher al-Barzanchi, a
Quatre insurgés d'Ansar al-Sunna avaient enlevé les deux filles de Walid
affirmé cette source qui soupçonne le groupe d'insurgés Ansar al-Sunna
Jalal ai-Kaki, un homme d'affaires kurde de 55 ans proche du Parti démo¬
d'être l'auteur du rapt.
cratique du Kurdistan (PDK de Massoud Barzani).
Deux heures plus tard à Abou Mohammad, un village à 35 km au sud de
Les ravisseurs avaient proposé d'échanger les deux filles, contre cinq fem¬
Kirkouk, un autre groupe armé a pénétré au domicile du chef de la tribu
mes et deux hommes arrêtés deux semaines plus tôt dans un maison du
sunnite d'Ezza et ont enlevé cheikh Sayyah Thabet al-Ezzi, 52 ans, et sa
centre de Kirkouk, où se trouvaient des armes et des documents d'Ansar
fille Rima, 18 ans.
al-Sunna. Mais finalement, l'échange n'avait concerné que les cinq prison¬
Le chef de la police de la province de Kirkouk, le général Jamal Taher
nières.
Baker, a confirmé le rapt de la femme du policier et a accusé "les criminels
Fondé en 2003, Ansar al-Sunna est une coalition de groupes salafistes
de chercher à susciter un conflit ethnique au sein des communautés de
surtout actifs dans le nord de l'Irak. Il a revendiqué plusieurs enlèvements
Kirkouk".
d'étrangers et leur décapitation.
"La police ne doit pas échanger des personnes enlevées contre des déte¬
Kirkouk est une province multi-ethnique que se disputent les Kurdes, le
nus car cela encourage les terroristes et le troc qui a eu lieu récemment
Arabes et les Turcomans.
était une erreur", a-t-il ajouté.
Le colonel Mohammad al-Barzanchi et
Un rebelle kurde tué lors de combats avec l'armée
dans l'est de la Turquie
indiqué ces sources.
DIYARBAKIR (Turquie), 11 décembre 2010 (AFP)
L'incident survient alors que le PKK a décrété à la mi-août une trêve uni¬
latérale, qu'il a ensuite prolongée jusqu'aux prochaines élections législa¬
tives, prévues pour juin 2011, dans le but de favoriser les initiatives du
UN REBELLE KURDE a été tué samedi lors de combats avec les for¬
gouvernement turc visant à en finir avec ce conflit.
ces de sécurité dans le sud-est de la Turquie, ont affirmé des sour¬
ces locales de sécurité.
Le conflit kurde en Turquie a fait, selon les chiffres de l'armée, plus de
45.000 morts depuis le début de l'insurrection du PKK, en 1984. Le PKK
L'accrochage est survenu dans une zone rurale proche du village de
Caliskan, dans la province de Batman, quand une patrouille de l'armée a
est considéré comme une organisation terroriste par la Turquie,
les
Etats-Unis et l'Union européenne.
surpris un groupe de rebelles du Parti des travailleurs du Kurdistan
(PKK), qui a répliqué aux appels à se rendre par des coups de feu, ont
15
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
REUTERS
Iraqi Kurd leader
says Kirkuk belongs
to Kurdistan
ARBIL, Iraq, December 11 (Reuter) - By Shamal Aqrawi
IRAQI
KURDISH
leader Masoud
Barzani
said
Saturday
that his semi-autonomous region has the right to self-deter¬
mination and to the disputed city of Kirkuk, which is loca¬
ted above some of Iraq's largest oil reserves.
The fate of Kirkuk is one of the main issues of contention bet¬
ween
the
Kurdish
region
and
the
central
government
in
Baghdad, which are locked in disputes over land and some of
the world's richest oilfields.
reserves.
The
city's
population
is
a
mix
of Kurds, Arabs,
Turkmen and others.
Iraq recently postponed a national census that could deter¬
Barzani told a congress of his Kurdistan Democratic Party in
mine what percentage of Kirkuk's population is Kurdish, a
Arbil that Kurdistan's right to Kirkuk was non-negotiable.
key step toward resolving whether the city should be part of
Kurdistan.
"The Kurdish identity of Kirkuk is not a matter of bargaining,"
Tensions
he said.
surrounding
the
census
have
escalated
recently.
Some Arab families have said they are being ordered to leave
At the same event, Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said he
the city before the population count.
would meet the constitutional deadline to form Iraq's new
government. He was charged on November 25 with putting
together a cabinet and had 30 days to deliver.
Barzani sought to dispel concerns about Kirkuk's future.
"If there were fears that the Kurds would rule unilaterally in
Iraq has been without a new government for more than nine
case Kirkuk is joined to Kurdistan, I would like to reassure
months after a March election failed to produce a clear winner.
everyone that we want to make Kirkuk an example of coexis¬
tence," he said.
Shi'ite, Sunni and Kurdish factions squabbled for months over
position and power before finally reaching a compromise last
While previous party congresses had discussed and "confir¬
month that would include all the major political blocs in the
med the right to self-determination" for Kurdistan, Barzani
next government.
said this year it would be a fundamental issue on the agenda.
KIRKUK'S HOME?
Maliki's pledge to name his new government by the constitu¬
tional deadline could be a sign of the difficulty of reaching
Barzani's region and Iraq's central government have argued
for years whether Arbil had the right to sign oil development
contracts with foreign oil companies. Baghdad says Iraqi oil
resources
are
under
its jurisdiction
and
calls
agreement with rival political blocs on specific nominees for
cabinet posts. He had previously said he would name a cabi¬
net by mid-December.
the Kurdish
"The
region's contracts illegal.
government
will
see
the
light
in
this
constitutional
period and before the limit of 30 days," Maliki told the KDP
The disagreement shut down oil exports from the region last
congress.
year and they have yet to restart, although the oil ministers of
both sides have said recently that exports should begin early
"I call upon all the blocs to accelerate submitting their nomi¬
next year.
nees and not to stop long for minor issues," he said.
Central to the territorial disputes is the fate of Kirkuk, which
U.S. officials say may be sitting on 4 percent of the world's
La Provence
11 DECEMBRE 2010
Les Kurdes manifestent contre toutes les répressions
des
pour dénoncer "la pression exercée par
Calanques", une autre manifesta¬
les autorités françaises sur la commu¬
Dans
le
sillage
des
"pro-parc
tion a attiré l'attention des Marseillais,
nauté kurde de Marseille".
cet après-midi sur la Canebière : celle
organisée à l'appel du Collectif médi¬
Les représentants locaux du Parti com¬
terranéen pour les droits de l'Homme
muniste ont notamment exprimé leur
en Turquie. Un défilé qui a réuni lui
solidarité
aussi
Maison
près
d'un
millier de
personnes
avec
du
les
peuple
responsables
kurde,
de la
boulevard
réclamant non seulement l'arrêt de la
Longchamp,
répression de la minorité kurde par le
récemment l'objet d'une perquisition.
gouvernement
16
turc,
mais
également
dont les locaux ont fait
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
Irak: Massoud Barzani revendique le droit à
l'autodétermination pour les Kurdes
11 décembre. 2010
De Abdel Hamid ZEBARI (AFP) -
ERBIL , Le président de la région autonome du Kurdistan irakien,
Massoud Barzani, a revendiqué samedi lors du congrès de son parti
le droit à l'autodétermination pour les Kurdes, ce qui pourrait être un
prélude à une scission de l'Irak.
"Nous allons soumettre aujourd'hui la question de l'autodétermination aux
personnes participant à ce congrès, car nous considérons que nous avons
droit à l'autodétermination", a-t-il déclaré lors d'un discours au début du 1 3e
congrès du Parti démocratique du Kurdistan (PDK), dont il est le chef.
C'est la première fois que le dirigeant kurde propose en des termes aussi
clairs à son parti de se prononcer sur une possible indépendance du
Kurdistan irakien, qui bénéficie depuis une vingtaine d'années d'une large
Souleimaniyeh), s'est véritablement émancipé de la tutelle de Bagdad
autonomie vis-à-vis du gouvernement central de Bagdad.
après la guerre du Golfe, en 1991.
Le congrès du PDK s'est ouvert en présence notamment du président ira¬
Mais le Kurdistan a ensuite été divisé par la guerre impitoyable que se sont
kien Jalal Talabani, chef de l'Union patriotique du Kurdistan (UPK), du
livrée l'UPK et le PDK de fin 1994 à 1998, qui a fait 3.000 morts.
Premier ministre désigné Nouri al-Maliki et d'Iyad Allawi, chef de file
d'Iraqiya, liste laïque soutenue par une majorité de sunnites et qui a obtenu
le plus de sièges au Parlement de Bagdad lors des dernières législatives.
Les 1 .300 membres du PDK seront appelés à voter sur la question de l'au¬
todétermination, a indiqué une source au sein du parti, sans préciser quand
ce scrutin aurait lieu.
Les deux partis se sont réconciliés sous les auspices de Washington au
point de s'allier pour les élections de 2005, qui ont porté Massoud Barzani
à la présidence de la région.
Le Kurdistan possède son propre Parlement et dispose de prérogatives
étendues dans tous les domaines, à l'exception des Affaires étrangères et
de la Défense.
Le PDK constitue la principale force politique du Kurdistan, et la coalition
qu'il forme avec l'UPK est majoritaire au Parlement régional depuis les élec¬
tions de 2009.
Une autonomie qui s'est maintes fois heurtée ces dernières années à l'au¬
torité du gouvernement central, notamment sur la question des contrats
pétroliers qu'il a signés avec des compagnies étrangères, et que Bagdad
Le parti doit en outre se doter de nouvelles instances dirigeantes, compo¬
sées d'une cinquantaine de membres.
ne reconnaît pas.
Les Kurdes revendiquent en outre de vastes portions de territoires hors de
Le PDK est l'une des composantes de la coalition au pouvoir en Irak. Et M.
leurs frontières administratives actuelles, principalement dans la province
Barzani vient de jouer un rôle crucial pour dénouer la crise politique dans
riche en pétrole de Kirkouk, mais aussi dans celles de Ninive (nord),
laquelle l'Irak s'est enfoncé après les élections du 7 mars.
Salaheddine et Diyala (centre).
C'est en effet lui qui est parvenu à arracher le mois dernier aux dirigeants
"Quand Kirkouk reviendra dans le giron de la région, nous en ferons un
des principales formations irakiennes un accord de partage de pouvoir, qui
exemple de coexistence (...) et de gouvernance partagée, mais nous ne
a ouvert la voie à l'attribution des plus hautes charges du pays, après huit
négocierons pas son identité", a déclaré M. Barzani dans son discours.
mois d'impasse.
Fils de Moustafa Barzani, dirigeant de l'éphémère république kurde procla¬
M. Maliki a encore 15 jours pour former son prochain gouvernement.
Après une première forme d'autonomie obtenue dans les années 1970, le
mée en 1946 à Mahabad, en Iran, Massoud Barzani dirige le PDK depuis
1979.
Kurdistan, qui rassemble trois provinces du nord de l'Irak (Erbil, Dohouk et
M REUTERS
Irak - Barzani réaffirme l'identité
kurde de la ville de Kirkouk
kiennes relèvent de sa responsabilité et tient pour sans valeur
ERBIL, Irak, 11 décembre (Reuters) -by Shamal Aqrawi
les accords conclus par les autorités semi-autonomes avec des
compagnies étrangères.
MASSOUD BARZANI, leader des Kurdes d'Irak, a affirmé
samedi que la ville de Kirkouk appartenait au Kurdistan et
que son statut n'était pas négociable.
"L'identité kurde de Kirkouk n'est pas sujet à des marchanda¬
ges", a déclaré Massoud Barzani à la tribune du congrès du
Parti démocratique du Kurdistan.
Kirkouk, dont le sous-sol regorge de réserves pétrolières, est
au coeur d'un litige entre les autorités semi-autonomes du
Kurdistan irakien et le pouvoir central, qui se disputent le
L'imbroglio a conduit l'an dernier à la suspension des expor¬
tations pétrolières en provenance de la région de Kirkouk,
suspension toujours en vigueur.
La composition démographique de Kirkouk complique la
situation:
la population de la ville mêle Kurdes, Arabes,
Turkmènes et autres communautés.
Le pouvoir irakien a décidé fin novembre de reporter le pre¬
mier recensement complet du pays depuis 1987, qui aurait pu
fournir des éléments de règlement du litige.
droit de signer des contrats d'exploitation du brut.
Bagdad soutient que la totalité des ressources pétrolières ira
17
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
^INTERNATIONAL
aenUCTfcBrUmne
December s, 2010
war in 1991. That census put the coun¬
try's population at 19 million.
Wary of facing facts,
A new one would measure the pro¬
found demographic shifts in Iraq after
the
Iraq postpones census
U.S.
invasion
in
2003,
including
wholesale movements of Shiites, Sunnis
and Kurds in the country and the flight
of millions of Iraqis abroad.
Barham Salih, the prime minister of
KIRKUK, IRAQ
conducted last Sunday. They have done
the Kurdish region, called the latest
so despite a constitutional obligation to
census delay a setback to the nascent
hold one as long ago as 2007, when sec¬
BY STEVEN LEE MYERS
tarian bloodshed made it inconceivable.
Here in this contested city, as in much of
Iraq, numbers are not facts. They ate
assertions.
. how
many people live here now and who?
from regional officials, each laced with
underlying political motives and threats
of impending violence.
The simplest way to resolve the mat¬
ter would be a national census, some¬
thing Iraq has not conducted in full for
nearly a quarter of a century. Its plans
so,
however,
have
become
so
mired in ethnic and sectarian discord
that many here fear the results would
tear the country apart.
The population of Kirkuk, the main
city of a region rich in oil and rife with
sectarian tension
side," the country's prime minister, Nuri
grant our province to
Kurdistan."
Kama! al-Maliki, said in a statement after
invite a bewildering swirl of answers
do
"If we go to the census
now, it means we will
tiie past was due to the conditions experi¬
enced in Iraq, especially on the security
Even the simplest questions
to
"The postponement of the census in
is either 1.3 million,
1.4 million or 1.6 million, officials here
say, though a U.N. report in 2009 cited es¬
timates that it was fewer than a million.
The number of Arabs who have left
since the American invasion in 2003
might be 250,000, or not; the number of
Kurds who have since arrived is said to
be far higher, or not. Turkmens once
made up 60 percent of the city of Kirkuk,
compared with 30 percent now. Maybe.
" No one can give you an accurate num¬
ber," said Ali Medhi Sadiq, a Turkmen
member of Kirkuk's provincial council.
Iraq's leaders have repeatedly sched¬
uled a census, only to repeatedly post¬
the latest postponement. Now, he added,
"there are no more security reasons."
coalition. "We need to have the confi¬
What there is, is a fear that a census
dence and courage to tackle some of
might turn assertions into facts, espe¬
these issues head on," He said in an in¬
cially in the disputed regions of Kirkuk,
terview
Nineveh and Diyala, where ethnic iden- '
northeast of Kirkuk.
tity looms ominously over every issue,
in
Rather
Dokan,
than
a
lakeside
setting
a
resort
new
date,
from political power to the spoils of land
though, Mr.Maliki's government has in¬
and oil. At the heart of the problem are
stead established a committee to try to
disputed territories arcing from the Ira¬
resolve the underlying impasse, includ¬
nian border to the Syrian that the Kurds
ing Sunni complaints that the census
want to absorb into their semiautonom-
will not be conducted accurately in parts
ous region in northern Iraq. In the zero-
of Nineveh and Kirkuk provinces under
sum politics of today's Iraq, Arab and
Kurdish control. Originally planned for
Turkmen
2007, then October 2009, October 2010
leaders
in those territories
warn that an accurate population count
and
would bolster Kurdish claims. So they
likely to be postponed indefinitely.
have vowed to boycott any census.
"If we go to the census now," said a
this, month,
the
census
appears
"Delaying it has only delayed a prob¬
lem, making it more complicated," Mr.
Sunni tribal leader in Kirkuk, Sheik Ab¬
Salih said of the census. "This will only
dul Rahman Minshid al-Aasi, "it means
feed the paranoia. This will only feed the
we will grant our province to Kurdistan.' '
mistrust. This will only feed the sense of
The last full census in Iraq was done
a lack of confidence in the leadership of
in 1987. Ten years later Saddam Hus¬
this country that ultimately does not
sein's government conducted one with¬
want to solve its problems.' '
out
including
the
three
Kurdish
provinces: Dohuk, Erbil and Sulaimaniya, which were slipping out of Bagh¬
dad's control under U.S. and U.N. pro¬
tections dating from the Persian Gulf
pone it, most recently one to have been
. INTERNATIONAL
îtealbiiatiSribunc December 13.2010
A new exodus of Iraqi Christians
J;Thisi exodus, which is not the first,
QOSH, IRAQ
BY STEVEN LEE MYERS
and the hear resolution of the political
Jews," said Nassir Sharhoom, 47, who
A new wave of Iraqi Christians has fled
impasse that gripped the country after
fled last month to the Kurdish capital,
to northern Iraq or abroad amid a cam¬
elections in March.
Erbil, with his family from Dora, a once-
paign of targeted violence and growing
It threatens to reduce further what
fear that the country's security forces
Archdeacon Emanuel Youkhana of the
1 are unable or, more ominously, unwill¬
Assyrian Church of the East called "a
ing to protect them.
The flight
involving thousands of
j residents from Baghdad and Mosul, in
I particular
"'
""*.""
"It's exactly what happened to the
mixed
neighborhood
in
Baghdad.
' 'They want us all to go.' '
Iraq's leaders, including Prime Minis¬
ter Nuri Kamal al-Maliki, have pledged .
even before Christ."
to tighten security and appealed for tol¬
Those who fled the latest violence
many of them in a panicked rush, with
1 at a church in Baghdad that killed 51
only the possessions they could pack in
j worshipers and 2 priests, and a sub-
cars
sequent series of bombings and assassi-
in 1948.'
community whose roots were in Iraq
followed a siege on Oct. 31
: n ations singling out Christians.
18
Iraq's Jews after the founding of Israel
displacement of
Iraqis despite improved security overall
erance for minority faiths in what is an
overwhelmingly Muslim country.
"The Christian is an Iraqi," he said'
warned that the new violence
after visiting those wounded in the siege
presaged the demise of the faith in Iraq.
of the church, Our Lady of Salvation, the
Several evoked the mass departure of
worst
single
act
of
violence
against
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
Christians since 2003. "He is the son of
Iraq and from the depths of a civilization
that we are proud of."
For those who fled, though, such pro¬
nouncements
have met with growing
skepticism. The daily threats, the uncer¬
tainty and palpable terror many face
have
overwhelmed even the
pleas of
Christian leaders not to abandon their
historic place in a diverse Iraq.
"Their faith in God is strong," said the
Rev.
Gabriele
Tooma,
who heads
the
Monastery of the Virgin Mary, part of the
Chaldean Catholic Church here in Qosh,
which opened its monastic rooms to 25
families in recent weeks. "It is their faith
in the government that has weakened."
Christians, of course, are not the only
victims of the bloodshed that has swept
Iraq since the
than seven and a half years ago; Sunni
and
A shelter in Qosh. Iraq's leaders have pledged to tighten security for minority faiths.
U.S.-led invasion more
Shiite Arabs have died on a far
greater scale. Only two days after the
The U.S. Commission on Internation¬
The United Nations has registered
more than 1,100 families. A steady flow
of Christians to Turkey spiked in No¬
attack on the church, a dozen bombs ,
tore through Sunni and Shiite neighbor¬
hoods in Baghdad, killing at least 68 and
Christians
and
other
president and Congress, said that the
nominal protections for religious minor¬
ities
The Kurdish regional government in
in
Iraq
including
Christians,
Yazidis and Sabean Mandeans, follow¬
northern Iraq offered itself as a haven
ers of St. John the Baptist
smaller
and pledged to help refugees with hous¬
stop violence or official discrimination
wounding hundreds.
The
vember to 243, an official there said.
al Religious Freedom, appointed by the
did Utile to
minority groups here, however, have
ing and jobs. Many of those who fled are
in employment, housing and other mat¬
been targeted explicitly and have emig¬
wealthy enough to afford rents in Kur¬
ters.
rated in disproportionate numbers. Ac¬
distan; others have moved in with rela¬
It noted that few of the attacks against
cording
High
tives; the worst off have ended up at the
minority groups were ever properly in¬
these
monastery here and another nearby, St.
vestigated or prosecuted, "creating a
for 20 percent of the
Matthew's, one of the oldest Christian
climate of impunity."
to
the
United
Commissioner
groups
Iraqis
for
account
who
have
Nations
Refugees,
gone
abroad,
while
they were only 3 percent of the coun¬
try's prewar population.
monasteries in the world.
"The violence, forced displacement,
There have been previous exoduses,
discrimination,
marginalization
and
especially from Mosul. In October 2008,
neglect suffered by members of these
more than 12,000 Christians left after a
groups threaten these ancient commu¬
number
wave of assassinations killed 14 Christi¬
nities' very existence in Iraq," the com¬
800,000 to 1.4 million before the invasion
ans. In February of this year, more than
mission said in its latest annual report,
4,000 fled to the Kurdish-controlled re¬
in May.
More
than
community,
half of
Iraq's
estimated
Christian
to
in 2003, have already left the country.
The Islamic State of Iraq, an iteration
of
the
insurgent
Mesopotamia,
group
claimed
Al
Qaeda
in
responsibility
gion in Nineveh or to
Syria after 10
Christians were killed.
Last
week,
security
officials
an¬
nounced the arrest of insurgents who
When violence ebbed after each ex¬
they said planned the attack on Our
for the suicidal siege and said its fight¬
odus, many returned to their homes and
Lady of Salvation; those who actually
ers
jobs, though not all, leaving fewer and
carried it out died when Iraqi forces
would
kill
Christians
"wherever
fewer Christians. By one estimate, only
they can reach them."
stormed the church. They offered few
details, though, and a spokesman for the
What followed last month were dozens
of shootings and bombings in Baghdad
"When the army comes
U.S. military, which regular joins Iraqi
and Mosul, the two cities outside of the
and says we cannot
forces during such arrests, said he had
semi-autonomous
northern
Kurdish
region
in
no information on those arrested.
protect you, what else
Archdeacon Emanuel said the gov¬
Iraq. At least a dozen more
Christians died, eight of them in Mosul.
can you believe?"
ernment needed to do more to preserve
a community that has been under siege
Three generations of the Gorgiz family
15 in all
morning of Nov. 23 as the killings spread.
Crowded into a single room at the mon¬
astery in Qosh, they described living in a
state
of virtual
siege,
afraid
to wear
crosses on the streets, afraid to work or
even leave their houses in the end.
The night before they left, Diana Gor¬
giz, 35, said she heard voices and then
screams; someone had. set fire to the
garden of a neighbor's house. The Iraqi
Army arrived and stayed until morning,
only to tell family members they were
not safe there anymore. The Gorgizes
took it as a warning
of
complicity,
tacit
and an indication
or
otherwise,
by
"When the army comes and says we
cannot protect you," Ms. Gorgiz said,
"what else can you believe?"
There is no exact accounting of those
have
fled
internally
or
abroad,
though the number is believed to be sev¬
eral thousand.
from the first mas¬
5,000 of the 100,000 Christians who once
sacre of Christians in
lived in Mosul remain.
after the creation of the modern Iraqi
"I expect that â month from now not a
Sumail in
1933
nation, to the dictatorship of Saddam
single Christian will be left in Mosul,"
Hussein, to today's nihilistic extremism
Nelson P. Khoshaba, an engineer in the
that, in his words, has taken Islam hos¬
city's waterworks, said in Erbil, where he
tage.
joined a chaotic scrum of people trying to
register with the local authorities there.
The displacement of Christians has
continued despite the legal protections
that the Iraqi Constitution offers reli¬
Invitations by European countries for
Christians to emigrate after the attack,
he said, would only hasten the depar¬
ture of more, which ' 'is not a solution.' '
Instead,
the
latest
violence
should
gious and ethnic minorities, though Is¬
give impetus to the creation of an auton¬
lam is the official state religion and no
omous Christian enclave in the part of
law can be passed contradicting its ba¬
Nineveh Province near here that is now
sic tenets.
under the control of the Kurdish region.
Christians have a quota of 5 seats in
Iraq's security forces.
who
in Iraq for decades
fled their homes there on the
the
new
325-member
Parliament,
That idea, though,
has
little political
support in Baghdad or Kurdistan.
though little political influence. Christ¬
"What happened has been done re¬
mas was declared a national holiday in
peatedly and systematically," he said.
2008, but celebrations are muted, and in
"We have seen it in Mosul, in Baghdad.
Kirkuk, a tensely disputed city north of
The message is very clear:
Baghdad,
Iraqi Christians from the roots and force
Christmas
Mass
celed altogether last year.
was
can¬
to pluck
them out of the country.' '
19
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
ENERGY, INVESTMENT DEALS
M REUTERS
A day before Maliki's visit to Ankara, Turkish oil company
TPAO won deals to develop two Iraqi gas fields, a sign of
Turkey, Iran
Ankara's ambitions to become an energy bridge between
Europe and the Middle East.
battle for clout,
TPAO also has small stakes in two Iraqi oilfields, among a
series of deals Iraq signed with global firms in a bid to qua¬
druple its crude output capacity to Saudi levels.
deals in Iraq
As
Baghdad
ment,
embarks
foreign
on
investors
unprecedented
also
are
eyeing
energy
develop¬
opportunities
in
industry and infrastructure. War-damaged Iraq is starving for
December 8, 2010
(Reuters) By Rania El Gamal
housing and electricity investments.
Turkish
construction
firms
are
building
houses
in
Arbil,
BAGHDAD - Turkish clothing and beer are hot sellers in
Turkish goods flood the malls and many young Kurds spend
the streets of Arbil, the capital of Iraq's Kurdish north. Far
holidays in Istanbul, where some learn to speak the language.
to the south, Iranian cars roam the streets of Basra and
About 55 percent of the foreign firms in Iraqi Kurdistan - 640
Iranian pilgrims flock to Iraq's holy sites.
of 1,170 - are from Turkey, which expects bilateral trade of
Sunni Ankara and Shi'ite Tehran, old rivals turned friends,
about $6 billion last year to grow to $20 billion in four years.
are vying for post-war economic clout in neighboring Iraq to
Iran has invested in power plants, schools and factories in
capitalize on an expected oil boom, and have been flexing
Iraq, and expects exports to rise to more than $8 billion in
their
muscles
in
Baghdad's
government
formation
talks,
2010 from $6 billion a year ago despite Western-backed eco¬
diplomats and politicians said.
nomic sanctions aimed at curbing business with the Islamic
Already one of Iraq's main trade partners, Turkey wants a
bigger foothold in its southern neighbor through increased
Republic.
Iranian-made Saipa and Peugeot cars are common on the
investment to counter Iran's growing influence and to boost
roads and some Iraqis favor an illegally imported Iranian
its stature as a regional economic and political power.
liquor.
Turkish companies are top investors in hotels, real estate,
industry
and
energy
in Iraq's
semi-autonomous
"It is best described as the latest manifestation of a latent and
northern
sometimes overt Iranian-Turkish rivalry that has existed in
Kurdish region, and increasingly in the Shi'ite south where
the region for decades and centuries," said Gala Riani, Middle
Iranian influence had been almost unchallenged.
East Analyst at IHS Global Insight.
Iran is Iraq's main trading partner and has been one of the lar¬
"Iran and Turkey have each historically considered themsel¬
gest investors in its construction and industrial sectors since
ves
as
being
the
bigger
political,
economic
and
military
the fall of Sunni dictator Saddam Hussein.
power of the region. In Iraq, both sides are capitalizing on the
"It is clear that they are competing, specifically in Turkey's
vast economic
effort to dam in Iranian influence. Iran has undoubtedly gai¬
south and the north."
opportunities
that are present in both
the
ned a significant role in Iraq since 2003, and from about 2007
on, Turkey has started to push back," said Joost Hiltermann
of the International Crisis Group.
KURDISH FEARS
"They are holding each other in balance."
Turkey and Iran also have an interest in a stable Iraq as they
seek a solution to their decades-long conflict with separatist
Ankara, which spent years focusing its diplomacy on Europe,
has turned its attention to the Middle East and an emerging
Kurdish rebels, who fight for an ethnic homeland for Kurds.
Like Iraq, Turkey and Iran have large Kurdish minorities.
role as a neutral mediator and economic power. It has lobbied
for an inclusive Iraq government that does not exclude mino¬
"Turkey remains justifiably somewhat wary of Iran and, to
some degree, still a rival. However, Ankara's AKP-dominated
rity Sunnis.
government has sought to improve relations with Tehran, in
Tehran, a regional Shi'ite power, made sure Iraq's majority
Shi'ites tightened their grip on power by backing a merger
between
the
country's
main
Shi'ite
blocs,
part to reduce the likelihood of regional conflict," said Wayne
White, a scholar at the Middle East Institute.
guaranteeing
incumbent Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki another term, poli¬
"In Iraq, both Turks and Iranians have no desire for greater
ticians said.
Kurdish autonomy. Both seek greater influence in Baghdad,
although Iran clearly holds the upper hand in that respect."
Maliki, a Shi'ite, visited Turkey and Iran in October as part of
a tour to gain regional backing for his bid to form Iraq' new
But Iraqi political analyst Ibrahim al-Sumaidaie said Turkey
government in exchange for investment deals.
may win growing influence in Iraq, at least in the short term,
as a more neutral party that can win acceptance from all
Iraq's Arab neighbours and the United States are worried
sides.
about Iran's growing clout in Iraq, particularly as U.S. forces
prepare to withdraw by end of 2011, tempting anxious neigh¬
bours to vie for influence in Baghdad.
"With the rising pressure of the international community and
increase of sanctions and hints of military actions against
Iran, the near future will witness a rise for the Turkish role,"
"They (Turkey) are doing this throughout Iraq, in Kurdistan
he said.
as well as in Baghdad and even Basra, which is not usually an
area of Turkish influence," said Hiltermann. "The presence of
"The Turkish role has the blessing of the international com¬
a Turkish consulate in Basra is very much part of a strategy to
munity and is backed by Arab countries. It has not met any
dam in Iranian influence in Iraq through investments and
Iraqi
trade."
objections from the Shi'ites, or with the Iranians, who faced
objection,
as
happened
with
objections from the Sunnis," he said.
20
the
Saudis,
who
faced
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
The Kurds: coping with
globalpost
DECEMBER 6, 2010
cultural identity suppression
Kurdish people in southeastern Turkey face daily reminders
of the suppression of their culture.
Life for a Kurdish family is mar¬
By Shanika Gunaratna
ked different on the foreigners of
(Northwestern Univ.) Student
Diyarbakir than in the city. In the
Correspondent Corps
villages,
degree
HIYARBAKIR,
E9
Americans
the
city
Turkey
have
of
Most
never
Diyarbakir.
heard
To
where
Kurds
removed
are
from
one
official
authority, people feel much freer
of
to
most
speak the Kurdish
language
and pass it on to their children.
Turks, it's a city in the country's volatile
Photo:
southeast region, closely associated with
balpost.com
Shanika
Gunaratna/glo-
the Kurdish resistance movement. To the
Kurds who live there, however, it is not
only a home but much more: It is a hub of
sersby to weigh themselves on rickety
public. The Kurdish language is spoken
Kurdish
scales for small change.
only behind closed doors, within families
and those that threaten it.
Though characterized as one of the most
Kurdish to a police officer or low-level
conservative regions in Turkey, southeast
government
Here, the hum of Turkish fighter jets is
Turkey contains a prism of attitudes and
affront to established order, and one can¬
language
and
culture
caught
between the forces that define daily life
part
of
the
soundtrack
is
considered
an
life.
styles. Some women are fully covered,
not
not a strand of hair or square inch of skin
public without a quick look over one's
planes are headed two hours southeast of
exposed. They wear black burqas that
shoulder.
Diyarbakir
border
drag to the floor and have sparse, sequi-
where Turkish armed forces are engaged
ned details. On the same street, there are
Southeast Turkey stands in stark contrast
in a prolonged struggle with the mem¬
young women in tight jeans and rhines-
to its surrounding regions. In northern
bers of the PKK (the Kurdistan Worker's
tone-studded tops, hair pulled back with
Iraq, for instance, the word "Kurdistan"
Party). The struggle reached new heights
bobby
this
black lines and blue shadows.
Turkey's
summer
when,
daily
official
Flying overhead nearly everyday, these
to
of
and far from official contexts. To speak
volatile
after
a
14-month
pins,
eyes
done
with
dramatic
Turkish
military
(as
GlobalPost
reported).
exists just
off
the
in
however,
exists
in
is
semi-autonomous,
and
every¬
thing from road signs to news outlets
"attrac¬
assert proud Kurdish ownership over the
radar. The city's most striking
Diyarbakir,
openly
tourist's
tion" lies in the ancient basalt city wall
Life
issues
is spoken without a second thought in
ment
Diyarbakir
Kurdish
public, the Kurdish provincial govern¬
cease-fire, the PKK stepped up attacks on
the
discuss
land.
that surrounds the inner, old city. Largely
beyond the border battles, beyond the
unknown outside of Turkey, the wall is
But progress is coming, if slowly. In July,
headlines,
the second largest in the world after to
Turkey
the Great Wall of China.
law that had equated protest activities
beyond
the
often
tense
Kurdish-Turkish relations. The popula¬
tion of Diyarbakir has soared in recent
softened
a
2006
anti-terrorism
with being a member of a terrorist group
years, with displaced families streaming
Just a few minutes outside of the walls,
and
in to escape border violence. Many of
the pounding noise of the city vanishes.
peripheral
these families boast eight, nine, 10 chil¬
The transition is sudden, from crowded
this
dren.
urban
convicted of terrorist activity for actions
roads
and
haggling
vendors
to
effectively
law,
made
the
PKK's
supporters terrorists.
174
minors
under
18
most
Under
were
dusty streets, small square houses, and
such as being present at a rally, singing a
Thus Diyarbakir has ballooned from a
sprawling
pro-PKK chant, or throwing stones, as
mid-sized, vaguely metropolitan city to
patches.
one bursting at the seams with one-and-
Diyarbakir, many individuals choose to
the government's hard-line stance chan¬
a-half million residents. There are chil¬
speak their native Kurdish over Turkish.
ged, minors charged for such activity are
cucumber
Here,
on
and
the
watermelon
fringes
of
dren everywhere. There are many unem¬
the New York Times reported. But since
now taken to juvenile courts, not courts
ployed who try to make a living as lone
In the central city, this does not happen.
entrepreneurs selling Marlboro cigarettes
While Diyarbakir is an overwhelmingly
or wind-up stuffed animals. There are
Kurdish city, Kurdish culture is largely
This summer in Diyarbakir, I taught mul¬
boys
invisible. There are no Kurdish flags in
timedia journalism
in
small
clusters
soliciting
pas-
for serious security crimes.
agers,
some
to
Turkish,
a
class
most
of teen¬
Kurdish.
Careful not to get anywhere close to poli¬
tics in my instruction, I focused on tack¬
This extended family lives in
a cluster of small stones hou¬
ses in a village 20 minutes
outside of Diyarbakir. The
Kurdish population in eastern
Turkey is visually surprising,
with appearances ranging
from blond hair and blue eyes
tan skin and black hair. Photo:
Shanika Gunaratna/globalpost.com
ling social issues through the lens of the
individual. By telling the story of a suc¬
cessful paraplegic musician, for instance,
readers can learn about local medical ser¬
vices. By doing a profile on a 10-year-old
child trying to supplement his family's
income through odd jobs, you can learn
about slack child labor laws. Never in the
class could we openly discuss Kurdish
issues, Kurdish-Turkish relations or pro¬
test activities
the very issues that spill
out of Diyarbakir and make headlines
21
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
without risking a knock on the door.
Once, while surfing the internet with
"They want this to be their own coun¬
to person, parent to child and friend to
try. I
friend, attitudes are cemented and rein¬
don't like it."
She crinkled her
forced
nose.
one of my Turkish students, we stum¬
bled
upon
an
article
over time.
reflected
about Kurds in
That crinkled nose was a lesson: While
southeast Turkey. "Do you know about
official policies beget change in small,
. . . the Kurds?" she asked, pronouncing
incremental steps, attitudes are a much
"Kurds" slowly as if it was a dirty word
more powerful, resistant force in places
she had just learned on the school bus.
like Diyarbakir. Passed on from person
reality,
That
and
crinkled
was
a
nose
painful
gauge of progress still to be made.
Barzani backs Kurdish referendum
Prominent Iraqi Kurdish leader tells party congress that northern
region has right to self-determination.
11 DECEMBER
2010
Al Jazeera
Aprominent Iraqi
Kurdish leader has called for the
right to self-determination for his region, the AFP
news agency
Massoud
Maliki,
says.
Barzani's
Iraq's
remarks
prime
on
Saturday
minister-designate,
came
is
as
Nuri
al-
attempting
to
form a cabinet, in which Barzani's bloc is expected to obtain
several ministerial posts.
Speaking at
a
congress of
his
Kurdistan
Democratic
Party
(KDP), Barzani said "the issue of self-determination", which
he considered "a right", would be presented to those atten¬
ding the conference "to be studied and discussed".
Iraq's Kurdistan region remains mired in disputes with cen¬
tral government authorities in
Baghdad
over land
and oil
Barzani, right, was instrumental in forging a compromise
between key Iraqi parties in November [AFP]
revenues.
The comments mark the first time Barzani has officially pre¬
sented the issue to the KDP's congress, with the proposal set
to be voted on during the party's week-long meeting.
as well as
Osama
al-Nujaifi,
President Jalal Talabani,
the
speaker
of
a fellow Kurd,
parliament,
and
over
two
main
issues:
a
land
dispute
centred
distribution of revenues from the region's energy reserves.
Among those in attendance during Barzani's address were alMaliki,
Baghdad
around the ethnically-mixed oil-rich city of Kirkuk and the
lyad
Allawi, whose Iraqiya bloc won the most seats in Iraq's par¬
Arbil claims Kirkuk and parts of three neighbouring provin¬
ces, and has attempted signing its own deals with interna¬
tional
energy
firms
without
consulting
Baghdad,
both
of
which central government authorities contest.
liamentary elections in March.
On
Members attending the congress, the first of its kind since
1999, are to elect around 50 new members to the KDP's top
leadership committee.
Al-Maliki,
subject
of
Kirkuk,
Barzani
pointedly
told
the
Kirkuk
an
example
of
coexistance,
forgiveness
and
joint
administration, but we cannot bargain on its identity".
who was awarded the premiership on
November
25, has two more weeks in which he must form a cabinet.
Iraq
the
audience that "when it returns to the region ... we will make
has been without a new government since the March
polls.
The region first attained a modicum of autonomy in 1974,
but
Barzani's
father
and
then-leader
of
the
KDP,
Mulla
Mustafa Barzani, returned to war with the Baghdad govern¬
ment instead of accepting limited autonomy.
Barzani's KDP is a key member of al-Maliki's governing coali¬
tion, and the Kurdish leader played a major role in bringing
Iraq's divided political factions together to agree a power-
Kurdistan won greater freedom after the 1991 Gulf War, but
Barzani and Talabani, the region's other dominant political
leader, remained at loggerheads.
sharing deal last month.
A power-sharing deal was eventually struck between their
two blocs and today, Barzani is seen as the dominant part of
the pair.
Disputes
Iraq's Kurdish north, made up of three provinces, has its own
parliament
and
exerts
control
over all
areas
of
policy
-
except for national defence and foreign affairs.
It is currently in dispute with
22
Iraq's central government in
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
THE JORDAN TIMES |12DECEMBER 2010
Iraq Kurd leader
seeks right to
self-determination
The KDP is a key member of
Maliki's
governing
coalition,
and the Kurdish leader played
ERBIL, Iraq
a major role in bringing Iraq's
Qraqi
Kurdish
Massoud
leader
Barzani
Saturday
called
on
for
the
divided political factions toge¬
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki (right) speaks to Kurdish leader
ther to agree a power-sharing
Massoud Barzani during a congress of the latter's Kurdistan
deal.
Democratic Party in the northern city of Erbil on Saturday. Barzani
right to self-determination for
the
northern
move
that
break-up
Iraqi
could
of
region,
lead
the
Agence-France
to
The party, which is part of a
a
joint
country,
Presse
called during the conference for the right to self- determination for
a
repor¬
slate
His
remarks
come
as
Minister-designate
Maliki
attempts
Cabinet,
with
expected
to
to
(PUK), controls
of
the northern Iraqi region, a move that could lead to a break-up of
the country (AFP photo)
Kurdistan
a substantial
seats
in
the
cal
leader,
Kurdish parliament and jointly
control
Prime
holds
that
Nouri
assembly with the PUK.
form
Barzani's
obtain
Talabani's
Patriotic Union of
majority
ted.
with
43
seats
in
Baghdad's
bloc
several
of
three
provinces,
except for national defence and
eventually
the Baghdad government over
foreign affairs.
their
land and oil.
It is currently in dispute with
Speaking at a congress of his
Baghdad over two main issues:
Kurdistan
A land dispute centred on the
Party
leader
the
Hussein
KDP
meeting,
announce
power-sharing
blocs
seen
between
and
as
the
to get distracted with "margi¬
nal
nant part of the pair.
issues"
ticking.
New Cabinet delayed
minister said he was still see¬
Saturday's
energy reserves.
king
the
attending
the
conference
His
city
"to
be studied and discussed".
comments mark the first
ces
and
has
signed
its
own
without consul¬
to be voted on during the wee-
central
klong meeting that opened on
ties contest.
government
On
lyad
bloc
Allawi,
won
Nujaifi
whose
the
and
Iraqiya
most
seats
in
March elections.
the
Barzani
authori¬
government
December
forming
a
earlier
than
25
new
deadline,
subject
of
pointedly
Kirkuk,
told
the
to the region...
we will
make
Kirkuk an example of coexis¬
after
with
his
Nouri Maliki, a Shiite Muslim,
forgiveness
and
new government by December
The
15 and end the political dead¬
expected
lock
parlia¬
major
March
Kurds,
that
mentary
began
after
elections
in
reflects
Maliki's
together
struggle
an
to
inclusive
tackle,
including
then-leader of the KDP, Mulla
ders that he remains commit¬
troops
ted
next year.
autonomy
the
government.
in
to
he
assured
to
political
meeting
a
lea¬
30-day
war with the Baghdad govern¬
constitutional
ment rather than
ending December 25 - to bring
premiership on November 25,
limited autonomy.
together
has two more weeks in which
Iraq
has
a
developing
economy
and
resurgence
of
violence as the last American
leave
by
the
end
of
deadline
Shiite,
Sunni
and
Kurdish factions in a govern¬
Kurdistan
won
greater
free¬
ment that can overcome endu¬
govern¬
dom after the 1991 Gulf War,
ring
ment since elections in March.
but Barzani and Talabani, the
appealed for their help to do
new
struggling
preventing
Maliki, who was awarded the
accept that
the
parties
It will have a slew of issues to
Mustafa Barzani, returned
of
including
the election.
bargain on its identity."
a
the
aligned with Iran and a Sunni-
joint
attained
is
all
backed bloc that narrowly won
The delay announced Saturday
first
include
failed to produce a clear win¬
top leadership committee.
a
fell
ner.
50 new members to the KDP's
Cabinet.
party
Shiite political
But
a
has
government
to
factions,
1974, but Barzani's father and
without
Maliki
political
new
1,000
form
whom
seats in parliament.
modicum
to
by
short of winning a majority of
since 1999 is to see more than
been
Iraq's
had to create uneasy alliances
The
around
in
attended
cians
The first gathering of its kind
elect
also
the
administration, but we cannot
region
region
was
the
Associate Press reported.
cobble
delegates
Erbil,
Kurdish
had pledged to announce his
audience that "when it returns
tence,
of
which
Saturday.
Maliki; parliament
in
the
Sunni and Shiite Arab politi¬
ting Baghdad, both of
Osama
of
bility
energy firms
Kurd;
meeting
capital
of three neighbouring provin¬
sented the issue to the KDP's
speaker
nominations
autonomous
congress, with the proposal set
low
Cabinet
prime
north,
international
included
Iraq's
cians, signalling the improba¬
with
audience
he said.
yesterday,
from the country's top politi¬
deals
President Jalal Talabani, a fel¬
a
Erbil claims Kirkuk and parts
time Barzani has officially pre¬
The
facing
will not tolerate exceeding it,"
of revenues from the region's
those
the clock is
are
constitutional deadline and we
right",
to
since
"We
Also
"a
to
leader¬
domi¬
of Kirkuk and the distribution
be presented
new
He also warned politicians not
which
considered
promising
today,
of
would
during
was
ethnically mixed
was
said
Iraq's
(KDP), Barzani said "the issue
self-determination,"
oil-rich
is
deal
struck
two
Barzani
Democratic
Iraqi
ship by December 25.
region mired in disputes with
the Kurdistan
the
Iraqi
exerts
A
and
present their candidates,"
was still in power.
control over all areas of policy
ministries,
"I call upon all blocs to quickly
tariff
former
Saddam
for
routes
valuable
while
President
Iraq's Kurdish north, made up
war
smuggling
provided
revenue
a
waged
of
sectarian
tensions,
and
region's other dominant politi-
23
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
TfrT
dz.com
DES SUNNITES PRÉCONISENT
l Expression
DÉSORMAIS L'AUTONOMIE
5 décembre 2010
de Mouqdadiya, dans la pro¬
L'Expression
/Algérie
La
la population est majoritaire¬
propre
eux,
budget.
Les
occupent
ment
donne
le
le
part plus importante du bud¬
get, et davantage d'autonomie
dénonce-t-il.
dans la gestion de leurs affai¬
les résultats des tractations
«Nous, nous n'obtenons rien,
res internes. Pour qu'une telle
politiques envisagent de sui¬
à part les raids des forces de
consultation soit organisée, il
vre
sécurité
faut recueillir l'accord de 10%
nites irakiens déçus par
le
modèle
kurde
pour
central»,
chiites,
et
les
arrestations».
région
Minoritaires dans le pays, les
de la population de la province
autonome, et contrebalancer
sunnites, qui ont dominé l'Irak
ou du
créer
leur
propre
tiers des membres
qu'ils
de sa création en 1920 jusqu'à
son
jugent confisqué par les chii¬
la chute de Saddam Hussein
autonomisme
ainsi
un
pouvoir
en
tes.
ciations,
le
Premier
2003,
boycotté
Après des mois de négo¬
2005.
ministre
sortant, Nouri al-Maliki, chef
teurs
de
avaient
les
Cette
largement
législatives
année,
sunnites
les
ont
conseil
provincial.
sunnite»
nites
ment
fortement
rejeté
la
des
et
sun¬
provinces
de
putent Arabes et Kurdes, sem¬
blent
par
davantage
la
préoccupés
querelle
avec
le
Kurdistan que par l'influence
du gouvernement central. A ce
de
jour,
la
Bassora
un
avoir
province
(sud)
est
organisé
chiite
la
une
de
seule
à
consulta¬
tion sur l'autonomie.
sunnites, qui avaient initiale¬
élec¬
Diyala
Kirkouk et Ninive, que se dis¬
tournant pour les responsables
de
(Anbar,
Salaheddine), les arabes
Cet
constitue
ignorer».
son chemin dans le «Triangle
région, ce qui leur confère une
gouverne¬
les
cependant inégal. Si l'idée fait
former, après référendum, une
«Au Kurdistan, ils ont leur
De nombreux arabes sun¬
Constitution
pas
L'intérêt pour l'autonomie est
droit à plusieurs provinces de
ment sunnite.
BAGDAD, (AFP)
pourra
obtenir plus de pouvoirs».
vince de Diyala (centre), dont
Constitution,
C'était
en
2008,
et
elle
lors de son vote par référen¬
avait été rejetée. Pour le poli¬
tologue, Taha Moustafa Adel,
soutenu la liste laïque Iraqiya
dum,
chiite, a finalement été chargé
de
son article relatif aux régions.
les problèmes de l'Irak pour¬
fin novembre de former le pro¬
M.Maliki
«A
rejetons
raient pourtant être résolus par
chain gouvernement, ce qu'a
plus vaste coalition parlemen¬
l'idée (de l'autonomie), mais
la création de régions selon les
longtemps
taire.
il est vrai qu'elle fait l'objet de
frontières
discussions», a déclaré Abdoul
nelles.
file
d'une
vaste
convoité
coalition
un
autre
M.Allawi.
chiite, Iyad Allawi, qui a réa¬
qui
«Nous
Mais
a pu
avons
c'est
forger la
voté
pour
lisé un bon score aux élections
Iraqiya pour enrayer la campa¬
du 7 mars à la faveur du sou¬
gne de marginalisation contre
tien massif des sunnites.
les
arabes
sunnites»,
Talal Abdoul
«Que les Kurdes prennent
en raison justement de
Iraqiya,
nous
Karim al-Samarrai, un député
«Nous
d'Iraqiya de Samarra, capitale
comme
père et qui nous battons pour
«C'est risqué, car cela peut
son héritage, estime ce profes¬
le Nord et les chiites le Sud!
al-Matar, chef de la tribu Albo
entraîner
Ils
Aswad,
de
pays», a-t-il poursuivi ajoutant
«Cette
Salaheddine. «Mais si le nou¬
toutefois que «si les réformes
que si l'héritage est justement
notre affaire», déclare Ahmed
veau
continue
politiques ne sont pas mises en
partagé».
Dhiyab al-Joubouri, imam de
comme cela, nous utiliserons
place, les gens vont de plus en
la
la loi sur les provinces pour
plus
n'ont
qu'à
représentants,
choisir
ce
leurs
n'est
mosquée Abdoul
pas
Rahman
**éMi\ibX
dans
la
province
gouvernement
y
l'éclatement
sommes
des fils qui avons perdu notre
de la province de Salaheddine.
affirme
Karim Hussein
ethno-confession-
réfléchir,
et
du
on
seur de l'université de Diyala.
ne
de Paris de ces 18 personnes et du
Centre culturel kurde Ahmet-Kaya,
en tant que personne morale, pour
y
être
jugés
malfaiteurs
geants présumés
du Parti
de
une
Parmi les personnes renvoyées
figurent
faits
notamment
Riza
Altun,
présumés de terrorisme et de finan¬
Attila Balikci et Nedim Seven, res¬
cement de l'organisation séparatiste
pectivement considérés
kurde, a-t-on appris aujourd'hui de
représentant
Ces
18
personnes,
du
PKK
comme
en
le
Europe,
son "secrétaire" et le "trésorier" du
sources proches du dossier.
mouvement.
essentielle¬
Le
ment de nationalité turque, avaient
PKK,
considéré
mouvement
été interpellées en France en région
comme
terroriste
par
un
la
parisienne et en Bretagne en février
La chambre de rinstruction de la
Turquie, l'Union européenne et les
2007. Présentées comme des mem¬
cour d'appel de Paris avait ordonné
Etats-Unis, a déclenché en 1984 une
bres actifs du Parti des Travailleurs
la libération de la majorité d'entre
rébellion
du
elles
sud-est de la Turquie, région pau¬
Kurdistan
soupçonnées
(PKK),
d'avoir
elles
sont
participé
au
deux
semaines
interpellation,
aveu"
Turquie, ainsi qu'à des combats au
selon leurs avocats.
pecte
également
d'argent.
de
blanchiment
à
la
après
infligeant
financement d'attentats commis en
Kurdistan irakien. La justice les sus¬
24
avec
ces sources.
été renvoyées devant le tribunal cor¬
des
association
relation
d'une organisation terroriste, selon
des
travailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK), ont
pour
pour
en
entreprise terroriste et financement
Dix-huit personnes, dont des diri¬
Paris
s'arrêtera
voi devant le tribunal correctionnel
JUGÉES À PARIS
de
ne
14 décembre 2010
PKK: 18 PERSONNES
rectionnel
dispute
justice
un
leur
"dés¬
anti-terroriste,
juge
d'instruction
et
sous-développée,
majoritairement
de
dans
le
peuplée
Kurdes.
Ce
conflit a fait plus de 45.000 morts
Au terme de trois ans d'enquête,
le
vre
sécessionniste
Thierry
Fragnoli a toutefois décidé du ren
depuis
cette
l'armée.(AFP)
date,
selon
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
11 décembre
2010
Vers un Kurdistan
rassemble
trois
provinces
du
nord de l'Irak (Erbil, Dohouk
et Souleimaniyeh), s'est vérita¬
irakien indépendant?
blement émancipé de la tutelle
de Bagdad après la guerre du
Golfe, en 1991.
cie depuis une vingtaine d'an¬
nées
d'une
vis-à-vis
large
du
autonomie
gouvernement
central de Bagdad.
Mais le Kurdistan a ensuite
été divisé par la guerre impi¬
toyable
1998,
Scrutin sans date
Le congrès
du PDK
président
Talabani,
s'est
patriotique
(UPK),
de
du
du
désigné
irakien
chef
Jalal
l'Union
Kurdistan
Premier
Nouri
se
sont
livrée
qui a fait 3.000 morts.
Les deux partis se sont récon¬
ouvert en présence notamment
du
que
l'UPK et le PDK de fin 1994 à
ciliés
les
auspices
de
pour les élections de 2005, qui
ont porté Massoud Barzani à la
présidence de la région.
ministre
al-Maliki
sous
Washington au point de s'allier
«Un
exemple
de
coexis¬
et
tence»
d'Iyad
Allawi,
chef
de
file
d'Iraqiya, liste laïque soutenue
par une majorité de sunnites et
qui a obtenu le plus de sièges
Massoud
Barzani,
président
de
la
région
autonome
au Parlement de Bagdad
du
lors
des dernières législatives.
Kurdistan, le 8 novembre 2010 à Erbil. (© AFP Safin Hamed)
Les
1.300
a
autonome
du
Kurdistan
irakien,
Barzani,
a
Massoud
revendiqué
samedi
lors du congrès de son parti le
congrès, car nous considérons
que nous avons droit à l'auto¬
détermination»,
a-t-il
tique
les Kurdes, ce qui pourrait être
dont il est le chef.
à
une
scission
du
Kurdistan
(PDK),
le dirigeant kurde propose en
«Nous
aujourd'hui
allons
la
soumettre
question
de
des
termes
du
parti,
sans
préciser
quand ce scrutin aurait lieu.
Le PDK constitue la princi¬
pale
force
aussi clairs
à son
parti de se prononcer sur une
au
politique
depuis
Parlement
les
élections
Une
sonnes
participant
aux
à
per¬
ce
possible
indépendance
Kurdistan irakien,
du
qui bénéfi
autonomie
du
régional
de 2009.
qui
s'est
maintes fois heurtée ces
nières
années
à
ment
sur
signés
la
étrangères,
des
du
notam¬
question
pétroliers
avec
der¬
l'autorité
gouvernement central,
des
qu'il
a
compagnies
et que Bagdad ne
reconnaît pas.
Les
Kurdes
revendiquent
en outre de vastes portions de
territoires hors de leurs frontiè¬
Le parti doit en outre se doter
res
l'autodétermination
dans
à l'excep¬
tion des Affaires étrangères et
forme avec l'UPK est majori¬
taire
étendues
les domaines,
contrats
Kurdistan, et la coalition qu'il
C'est la première fois que
de
l'Irak.
tion, a indiqué une source au
sein
tous
du
la question de l'autodétermina¬
13e congrès du Parti démocra¬
droit à l'autodétermination pour
un prélude
déclaré
lors d'un discours au début du
prérogatives
de la Défense.
membres
PDK seront appelés à voter sur
e président de la région
Le Kurdistan possède son
propre Parlement et dispose de
de
nouvelles
instances
diri¬
geantes, composées d'une cin¬
quantaine de membres.
de
la
vince
coalition
au
vient de jouer un rôle crucial
pour dénouer la crise politique
laquelle
l'Irak
s'est
enfoncé après les élections du
7 mars.
l'Irak
pro¬
de
et Diyala (centre).
«Quand Kirkouk reviendra
dans le giron de la région, nous
en
ferons
un
exemple
de
coexistence (...) et de gouver¬
nance partagée, mais nous ne
a déclaré M. Barzani dans son
discours.
C'est en
effet
lui
qui
est
parvenu à arracher le mois der¬
nier aux dirigeants des princi¬
pales formations irakiennes un
accord de partage de pouvoir,
qui a ouvert la voie à l'attribu¬
tion des plus hautes charges du
passe.
la
pétrole
négocierons pas son identité»,
Trois provinces du nord de
pays,
en
de Ninive (nord), Salaheddine
pouvoir en Irak. Et M. Barzani
dans
riche
actuelles,
dans
Kirkouk, mais aussi dans celles
Le PDK est l'une des com¬
posantes
administratives
principalement
après
M.
huit
mois
Maliki
a
Fils
de Moustafa Barzani,
dirigeant de l'éphémère répu¬
blique
1946
kurde
à
Massoud
proclamée
Mahabad,
Barzani
en
en
Iran,
dirige
le
PDK depuis 1979.
(Source AFP)
d'im¬
encore
quinze jours pour former son
prochain gouvernement.
Après une première forme
d'autonomie obtenue dans les
années 1970, le Kurdistan, qui
25
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
La Tribune d'Algérie
14
décembre.
2010
Prélude à la partition de l'Irak
L'autbdétërmïnàBoh \^^ juTiriMB 55^59 '"£'
retardement au Moyen-Orient
présents au congrès n'ont
pas réagi pour ne pas mettre
Par Abdelkrim Ghezali
de l'huile sur le feu», a-t-il
souligné. Dimanche dernier,
a revendication d'un
Q
droit à l'autodétermination lancée par le
président de la région auto¬
le Premier ministre de la
région kurde a enfoncé le
clou. «Il y a un consensus au
sein des Kurdes sur le fait
nome du Kurdistan irakien,
Massoud Barzani, a suscité la
stupeur des Arabes sunnites
et chiites qui y voient le pré¬
lude à une scission de l'Irak.
«Le droit à l'autodétermina¬
tion concerne les peuples
sous occupation, mais ce
n'est pas le cas du Kurdistan
qui jouit d'un statut spécial
en Irak», a affirmé dimanche
dernier à l'AFP la députée
qu'il est légal et légitime
d'avoir le droit à l'autodé¬
termination», a affirmé aux
journalistes Barham Saleh.
Lors du débat sur la
Constitution irakienne, «lors¬
que nous défendions l'idée
d'un Irak fédéral, nous avons
dit que c'était un forme
d'expression du droit à l'au¬
todétermination. Nous
n'avons jamais abandonné ce
Alia Noussayef , de la liste
laïque Iraqiya soutenue par
une majorité de sunnites.
«Je me demande si le fédé¬
ralisme réclamé par les
Kurdes [durant les négocia¬
droit», a-t-il ajouté. Mais le
député Khaled al-Assadi, de
la liste de l'Etat de droit
dirigée par Nouri al-Maliki,
s'est montré plus circons¬
pect, en estimant qu'il
tions sur la Constitution ira¬
kienne] visait en fait à for¬
mer une région pour mieux
se séparer de l'Irak», a-t-elle
ajouté. En ouvrant samedi
dernier à Erbil le 13e congrès
du Parti démocratique du
Kurdistan (PDK), dont il est
s'agissait de «propos à
consommation interne».
«L'autodétermination fait
partie de l'ambition kurde et
ils en parlent de temps en
temps, mais je pense que les
Kurdes sont assez sages pour
ne pas quitter l'Irak», a-t-il
le chef, Massoud Barzani
avait affirmé que «la ques¬
confié.
tion de l'autodétermination»
Aux origines de la
serait soumise aux partici¬
conscience kurde
son des divisions parmi les
millions, on compte 1 Kurde
Arabes irakiens entre sunni¬
pour 4 Turcs. En Irak, ils
tes et chiites». «Je crois que
vivent dans le Nord, sont
les Kurdes n'ont jamais envi¬
environ 3 800 000, soit 1
sagé un Irak uni», assure-t-il.
Kurde pour 3 Irakiens, le
Le PDK constitue la princi¬
gouvernement essaie d'effa¬
pale force politique du
cer leur histoire récente ;
Kurdistan et la coalition qu'il
tous les livres mentionnant
forme avec l'UPK (Union
le nom du Kurdistan ont été
patriotique du Kurdistan) est
détruits. En Syrie, ils sont 1
majoritaire au Parlement
million regroupés dans la
régional depuis les élections
province de Djezira. En Iran,
de 2009. Après une première
le gouvernement appelle les
forme d'autonomie obtenue
provinces kurdes la «région
dans les années 1970, le
occidentale» ; ils y sont 6
Kurdistan, qui rassemble
millions, soit 1
trois provinces du nord de
Iraniens. 320 000 Kurdes
l'Irak (Erbil, Dohouk et
vivent aussi en Arménie où
Kurde pour 5
pants, «car nous considérons
Souleimaniyeh), s'est vérita¬
leurs droits linguistiques et
que nous avons droit à l'au¬
blement émancipé de la
culturels sont reconnus. (Voir
todétermination». Le congrès
s'était ouvert en présence
En 1 920, le traité de Sèvres
prévoyait la création d'un
Etat kurde sur les restes de
notamment du Premier
ministre désigné Nouri al-
l'empire ottoman détruit,
comme pour les autres peu¬
Maliki et d'Iyad Allawi, chef
de file d'Iraqiya. «C'est hon¬
teux que tous les politiciens
présents au congrès n'aient
pas réagi», a déploré Alia
Noussayef. La consternation
dominait également chez les
ples de la région. Mais le
traité de Lausanne de 1923,
qui a remplacé le traité de
Sèvres, a divisé le MoyenOrient en plusieurs pays,
sans prendre en compte le
droit des Kurdes à disposer
partisans du chef radical
de leurs terres. Le Kurdistan
chiite Moqtada Sadr. «Ces
déclarations ne servent pas
les intérêts de l'Irak et susci¬
se situe à cheval sur la
Turquie, l'Irak, la Syrie et
l'Iran. Pour Hamid al Fadel,
tent des tensions», a déclaré
le député Jawad al-Hasnawi.
professeur de sciences politi¬
ques à l'Université de
«Je crois qu'un Irak uni de
Bagdad, «les Kurdes se sen¬
Zakho [province du
Kurdistan, ndlr] jusqu'à
tent aujourd'hui assez forts»
et estiment que «c'est le
Bassora [sud du pays, ndlr]
est bien meilleur qu'un Irak
divisé. Les chefs politiques
26
bon moment pour réclamer
l'autodétermination en rai
tutelle de Bagdad après la
tablau ci-dessous). Ces chif¬
guerre du Golfe, en 1991. Le
fres remontent à 1987.
Kurdistan possède son propre
Parlement et dispose de pré¬
Les populations kurdes à tra¬
rogatives étendues dans tous
dition nataliste ont connu
les domaines, à l'exception
une importante croissance
des Affaires étrangères et de
démographique et doivent
la Défense. Le Kurdistan n'a
avoisiner aujourd'hui les 25
pas de frontières, c'est un
millions d'âmes réparties sur
pays qui n'existe plus sur les
les cinq pays. L'histoire du
cartes géographiques où il
peuple kurde en tant que
était indiqué du temps de
groupe ethnolinguiste débute
l'empire ottoman.
dans les régions montagneu¬
Actuellement, seule est
ses du sud du Caucase ;
appelée «Kurdistan» une par¬
cette aire géographique est
tie des provinces kurdes de
dénommée Kurdistan. Il y a
l'Iran. En fait, le Kurdistan
différentes hypothèses quant
est à cheval sur cinq pays et
à l'identité des ancêtres des
regroupe 20 millions de
Kurdes, entre autres les
Kurdes ; en Turquie, on les
Kardouques. Les plus ancien¬
appelle les «Turcs de la mon¬
nes dynasties kurdes connues
tagne» et leur terre, la «pro¬
sous autorité musulmane (du
vince orientale». Ils sont 10
Xe au XI le siècle) sont les
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
Hassanwayhites, les
traité de Sèvres, l'empire
pas été vraiment oppressive
l'impulsion du vieux leader
Marwanites et les
ottoman est démantelé ;
jusqu'en 1961. En effet, la
charismatique Mustapha
Chaddadites, suivies de la
l'Irak se voit attribuer les vil¬
langue kurde était admise,
Barzani, soutenu par l'Iran
dynastie des Ayoubites fon¬
lages kurdes de Mossoul. En
des publications circulaient
mais en 1975, l'Iran et l'Irak
signent l'accord d'Alger, le
dée par Salah Eddine El
fait la Grande-Bretagne avait
et, si l'école était faite en
Ayoubi (Saladin). Ce n'est
un mandat sur l'Irak et elle
arabe, nombre d'abécédaires
mouvement de Barzani choi¬
qu'au XXe siècle qu'une
était très intéressée par les
en kurde étaient utilisés. En
sit de se rendre. A partir de
ce moment, l'Irak adopte
conscience identitaire kurde
réserves de pétrole de
1961, on commence à accu¬
a commencé à prendre forme
Mossoul. Dans le tracé de
ser les Kurdes de menées
une politique d'arabisation
avant que la chute de l'em¬
frontière franco-syrienne, la
contre l'arabisme. En 1962,
dans les régions kurdes
pire ottoman n'accélère
France, mandataire de la
le gouvernement lance le
pétrolières et frontalières ;
l'avènement de fait national
Syrie, intègre trois zones de
plan dit de «la ceinture
une centaine de milliers de
kurde qui va s'exprimer avec
peuplement kurde : Djezira,
arabe» prévoyant d'expulser
Kurdes sont déplacés vers le
force notamment dans les
Kurd-Dagh, Arab-Pinar. La
toute la population kurde de
Sud ou vers la région «auto¬
nome». En 1976, Saddam
provinces sous domination
division du peuple kurde est
la région de Djazira le long
turque, avec comme objectif
consommée. Quelles vont
de la frontière turque et de
Hussein fait connaître un
l'indépendance de tout le
être les attitudes des divers
la remplacer par des Arabes.
nouveau programme qui sera
territoire kurde. Une autono¬
pays vis-à-vis des minorités
La découverte de pétrole à
appliqué jusqu'à la guerre
mie partielle a été réalisée
kurdes ? En Turquie : dès
Karatchok n'est certainement
Iran-Irak ; sur 20 km de large
par le Kurdistan Ouyezd
1924, la Turquie interdit l'en¬
pas étrangère à cette politi¬
aux frontières soit trois fois
entre 1923-1926 et par le
seignement du kurde et la loi
que. Les Kurdes de cette
la superficie du Liban, les vil¬
Kurdistan irakien en 1991. Le
turque précise que les partis
région, recensés, se sont vu
lages seront détruits au bull¬
territoire le plus chaud reste
de minorités ne peuvent pré¬
retirer tous les droits affé¬
dozer, les sources bouchées,
le Kurdistan turc où un
tendre à l'existence, sur le
rents à la citoyenneté
les cultures détruites. 1 500
affrontement entre l'armée
sol turc, et viser ainsi à la
syrienne. 120 000 doivent
villages seront supprimés ;
turque et le PKK a débuté en
destruction de l'unité natio¬
alors être établis au sud de
les Kurdes seront dispersés
1984. En dépit de la trêve de
nale. Trois grandes révoltes
façon dispersée. Cette politi¬
par petits groupes dans des
1999, des violences sporadi-
en 1925, 1930 et 1955, pri¬
que, un moment en sommeil,
villages arabes ou regroupés
ques sont signalées dans la
vent les Kurdes de tout droit.
sera relancée en 1967. En
en grand nombre dans les
région.
Plusieurs milliers d'entre eux
Irak : dès 1922, le gouverne¬
«villages stratégiques», véri¬
sont déportés en Anatolie,
ment reconnaît aux Kurdes le
tables camps de concentra¬
tion. Les Kurdes d'Irak sont
Traitement des Kurdes
Les Kurdes sont une popula¬
leurs chefs sont exécutés. Il
droit de se constituer en gou¬
fallut plus de deux ans à l'ar¬
vernement à l'intérieur des
les plus actifs et les plus pro¬
mée turque pour prendre
frontières irakiennes. L'Irak
ches objectivement et sub¬
tion de montagnards qui
Dersimou ; la résistance
obtient son indépendance
jectivement d'une indépen¬
occupe depuis l'Antiquité
populaire kurde résista à
nominale en 1931, mais il
dance.
une vaste zone, le Kurdistan,
trois corps d'armée. La
faudra attendre la révolution
qui s'étend des monts Aurus,
répression fut d'autant plus
de 1 958 pour que cet État se
Cette perspective est d'au¬
à l'ouest du plateau iranien
violente qu'elle avait coûté
débarrasse de la domination
tant plus possible que les
et de la région du mont
cher en hommes et en maté¬
anglaise. En 1943, on assiste
craintes du pouvoir central à
Ararat jusqu'au pied où
riel. D'après le PC de Turquie
à une révolte organisée des
Baghdad n'y peuvent rien
s'élève la plaine de
de 1924 à 1938, il y eût plus
Kurdes, car les promesses ne
changer en raison de la situa¬
Mésopotamie. Ils parlent une
de 1,5 million de Kurdes
sont pas tenues ; en 1945,
tion sécuritaire et de l'état
langue indo-européenne du
déportés ou massacrés. Le
une grande partie d'entre
de délabrement de l'armée
groupe iranien. Leur langue
régime progressiste d'Ankara
eux passe en Iran lors de la
irakienne qui a besoin de
est très vivante, puisque
déclara «le pays au-delà de
République du Moabad. La
temps pour se reconstituer et
beaucoup d'entre eux sont
l'Euphrate» en état de siège
révolution de 1958 définit
devenir opérationnelle sans
monolingues kurdes, elle est
jusqu'en 1950. Il fut interdit
l'Irak comme le pays de deux
le concours des Américains.
l'élément primordial de leur
aux étrangers jusqu'en 1965.
peuples, arabe et kurde. A
Si les Irakiens sunnites et
identité. Ils sont musulmans
En Iran : plusieurs révoltes
ce moment-là, Mustapha
chiites risquent d'être mis
sunnites de type chaféite ce
ont lieu contre Reza Chah qui
Barzani rentre d'URSS. En
devant le fait accompli par
qui les différencie de tous
veut instaurer un État cen¬
1968, les Kurdes se rendent
les Kurdes, la Turquie n'ac¬
leurs voisins. L'empire otto¬
tralisé, quand en 1941, les
autonomes au sein de la
ceptera jamais l'avènement
d'un Etat indépendant dans
man était très étendu, pen¬
Anglais et les Russes inquiets
République ; de 1961 à 1968,
dant longtemps, Turcs et
des amitiés de ce dernier
la lutte des Kurdes entraîne
le Kurdistan irakien, au ris¬
Kurdes vivent en bonne intel¬
avec l'Axe envahissent l'Iran.
la chute de quatre régimes
que de faire des émules dans
ligence ; à la fin du siècle
Azerbaïdjanais et Kurdes
avant que la tendance
le Kurdistan turc dont les
dernier, la Sublime Porte
s'organisent. Ils proclament
actuelle du Baath prenne le
velléités indépendantistes
cherche à dominer les Kurdes
en 1945, la République de
pouvoir ; en 1970 une paix
sont mises en sourdine par la
en rognant leurs prérogatives
Mohabad, elle durera un an
est signée et le gouverne¬
liste noire américaine qui a
; cela entraîne les premières
jusqu'à ce que les troupes du
ment s'engage à donner l'au¬
qualifié le PKK, bras armé
révoltes en 1826, 1834, 1853,
Chah y pénètrent et exécu¬
tonomie à toutes les régions
des Kurdes de Turquie, d'or¬
1855, 1880 ; elles sont sim¬
tent les dirigeants ; Mustapha
à majorité kurde après
ganisation terroriste. La
plement des révoltes contre
Barzani et une centaine
recensement. Le recense¬
Turquie étant l'alliée straté¬
une autorité qui empiète sur
d'hommes se réfugient en
ment ne sera jamais fait (il
gique des Etats-Unis et le
les droits acquis. C'est en
URSS. En Syrie : depuis son
était décisif pour la région
pays tampon entre l'Orient
1898 que pour la première
accession à l'indépendance
pétrolière de Kirkouk). Une
musulman et l'Occident chré¬
fois une presse kurde voit le
en 1946, même si elle ne
région autonome leur sera
tien.
jour. Mustapha Kemal mènera
reconnaissait pas de droit
attribuée de façon unilaté¬
sa lutte d'indépendance aidé
aux Kurdes en tant que mino¬
rale et sans pouvoir réel. En
par les Kurdes. Après le
rité nationale, la Syrie n'a
1974, la guerre reprend sous
27
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
Aswat ai-Iraq rH
December 13, 2010
1st General Census
meeting in Kirkuk with
absence of al-Iraqiya
KIRKUK / Aswat ai-Iraq: the Special Action
Committee, formed by the Planning Ministry, has held
its 1st meeting to discuss the problems of the forthco¬
ming General Census in Kirkuk on Sunday, with the
presence of Kirkuk legislatures, representing the
Kurdistan Coalition and absence of Arab and
Turkoman legislatures, to discuss the security plans
and preparations by the Kirkuk Census Office for the
Turkomen of Kirkuk, did not attend the meeting, des¬
General Census operation.
pite fact that they should have attended it, not as
The meeting, attended by Kirkuk Governor, the
representing their own persons, but as representatives
Chairman of the Province's Council, the Director of
of their blocs, especially after their agreement to repre¬
Kirkuk Census, the city's Education Office, its Census
sent the bloc in the action committe of the census,"
Commission, the Commander of the Army's 12th
she said.
Division, the Commander of the 1 st Brigade for
The Letislature from al-Iraqiya Coalition, Umar al-
Kirkuk's Guards, as well as representatives of the
Jibouri, had justified his bloc's non-attendance of the
Province's Reconstruction Office and the U.S. Forces,
said meeting, "to have taken place for reasons related
discussed the security plans laid for the census day
to the imbalacement of the three components of
and the obstacles facing them.
Kirkuk in the census committee."
Kirkuk's Census officials have expressed their pre¬
"We did not attend the meeting, because we want
paredness to cany out the Census in the Province,
the Iraqi Planning Ministry to revise its ministerial
and Kirkuk's Census Director, Adnan Baba, told Aswat
order in this respect, in such a way that copes with
al-Iraq news agency that his office "is prepared to
the current laws and rules, because their presence
carry out the census in Kirkuk, after the completion of
has no relationship with the Kirkuk's current pending
the process to prepare its cadres, who attended special
problems," Jibouri told Aswat al-Iraq.
courses in the field of census."
Noteworthy is that the Arab and Turkomen
On his part, the Legislature of the Iraqi Parliament
Legislatures in Kirkuk, who are all al-Iraqiya Coalition
for the Kurdistan Coalition, Najmiddin Karim told
members, have considered the mechanism of the for¬
Aswat al-Iraq that "technical and security preparations
mation of the census committee, issued according to
have been completed in the Province, pointing out to
the order, issued by the Planning Ministry as "not
the confirmations by the leaders of the security forces
coping with Article 23 of Law No.36 for 2008."
and the Director of Kirkuk Census Office in this res¬
pect."
"The Census is not a Kurdish demand, but it is a
The Ministry's order had pointed out to the partici¬
pation of three legislatures from the Kurdistan
Coalition, two from the Arab legislatures and one from
ncessity that shall take place according to the Iraqi
the Turkomen, whilst Article 23, pointed out to equal
government's laws, to accomplish all necessary details
representation by all blocs, representing Kirkuk, whe¬
related to the whole country of Iraq, because the car¬
ther members of committees or any other committee,
rying out of the census shall serve the interest of the
according to al-Iraqiya Coalition.
Iraqi people," Karim said.
Commenting on the absence of al-Iraqiya Coalition,
The Iraqi Council of Ministers, in its normal ses¬
sion on 30/11/2010, had defined a new date for the
led by former Prime Minister lyad Allawi, Karim said:
census, instead of 5/12/2010, to take place after the
"Their absence won't affect the activity of the meeting,
meeting of the political blocs, in which it had agreed to
but we do hope that they would participate in the
keep the "nationalism" definition within the census
forthcoming meetings, as the Turkomen and Arabs of
document, following the agreement of representatives
Kirkuk don't support the boycott of the census pro¬
of Kirkuk and Ninewa Provinces, along with
cess."
Parliament members of the Kurdistan Coalilition, al-
He called on Kirkuk Governor, being the chairman
of the census committee, to "carry out his duty and
raise the meeting's decisions to the higher committees,
Iraqiya Coalition and other blocs, to keep the said defi¬
nition on the document.
Iraq had withessed its first general census in 1927,
related to the preparations of Kirkuk Province to carry
its second census in 1934, the third in 1947, followed
out the census process."
by the fourth in 1957, the fifth in 1965, sixth in 1977
On her part, the Iraqi Parliament's Legislature,
Aala Talabani, told Aswat al-Iraq that "the formation of
a special committee for the census took part in res¬
and the seventh in 1987, whilst the last census took
place in 1977.
The oil-rich city of Kirkuk, facing a conflict among
ponse to the demands of (Kirkuk's) Arabs and
Arabs, Kurds and Turkomen, is 280 kms to the nor¬
Turkomen; that is why the absence of our colleagues
theast of Baghdad.
from al-Iraqiya Coalition had not been a normal atti¬
is
tude."
"The Arab and Turkomen blocs, according to their
statements, wish to participate in the census process,
but al-Iraqiya legislatures, representing the Arabs and
28
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
^DoBy
-
Cnfllïti EcKttm
jgàsliar'iq .alawsat
Sê&b
Iraqiya Bloc Does Not Want to
^? it" U1-
hP^M* 11 il L LÎl LLLLI l
14 December 2010
Recognize Article 140 - Kurdish MP
in his party's conference, and the preoc¬
cupation of other party's members with
By Sherezad Sheikhani
their consultation on ministerial portfo¬
lios which have yet to be resolved, the¬
refore we expect the signing of this
Erbil, Asharq Al-Awsat - Kurdistan
document to take place next week."
Alliance MP Mahmoud Othman told
Asharq Al-Awsat that the National
Othman added that "the Iraqiya bloc
Alliance which is made up of Ammar al-
continues to reject the two issues rela¬
Hakim's Iraqi National Alliance and Iraqi
ting to Article 140 and the issue of the
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's State of
Peshmerga force. As for Article 140,
Law Coalition, has endorsed all of the
they want this Article not to be mentio¬
19-points put forward by Kurdistan
Region President Massoud Barzani with
regards to the formation of Iraq's next
government. However Othman revealed
that lyad Allawi's Iraqiya bloc objects to
some of the Kurdish demands, particu¬
larly the points dealing with Article 140
of the Iraqi Constitution and the
Peshmerga. Article 140 calls on areas
with large Kurdish population outside of
the Kurdistan Region to hold référen¬
dums to decide whether they will join
ned in the signed agreement, with this
Othman told Asharq Al-Awsat that
instead being substituted with a refe¬
"the Kurdish leadership requires the
rence to the problem of the disputed
agreement on the Kurdish negotiating
areas being solved constitutionally. As
document that is made up of 19 points
for the issue of the Peshmerga, they
prior to the announcement of the for¬
believe that so long as the Peshmerga
mation of the forthcoming government
receive their salaries, budget, and mili¬
otherwise the Kurds will not participate
tary equipment from the Iraqi Ministry
in this government." He added that "the
of Defense, they should take their
signing [of this 19-point document] has
orders directly from the Ministry, rather
been delayed due to the participation of
than anybody else."
Kurdish negotiator Dr. Rose Nuri Shaways
the Kurdistan Region.
ffBHflfflffrTMirffi
December 17th 2010
KDP leadership council
elections results went
public
Reported by Hevidar Ahmed
Erbil, Dec.1 7,2010 (AKnews)- Late Thursday evening the
members of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP)'s 13th
congress voted through secret ballot, electing 48 members for
the leadership council of the party.
halbjardn kongrai 13According to the initial reports, three
women have also been elected through quota system, raising
the council's members to 51 . The elected members will vote to
15 leaders to represent the KDP politburo. Nine members
were also assigned as "spare"-none were women.
The one-week congress ended Thursday night. Some 150
female members were elected to the assembly.
In previous accounts to AKnews, Barzan Mala-Khalid, the offi¬
cial spokesperson for the congress had said from the 1 ,350
elected members to the congress, women have secured 1 0%
quota. The rest of the total 60 leaders will be elected through
secret ballot.
Barzani, the Kurdistan Region's President Massoud Barzani's
son, brother, and nephew respectively. Masrur Barzani is also
the Kurdistan Region's security chief.
The Region's president himself was re-elected to run the party
for the thirtieth consecutive year since the death of his father
Mustafa Barzani, in 1979. Mustafa Barzani founded the party
in 1946. The former Kurdistan premier, Nechirvan Barzani, the
Kurdish president's nephew, was also assigned as the new
KDP vice president.
Khalid also said if some female members granted the leader¬
ship positions through voting, their seats would not cut from
the predetermined share.
The Kurdistan Interior Minister, Karim Shingali, the current
Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari, the general secretary of
the KDP politburo Fadhil Mirani, the Kurdistan parliament
Two female members Bayan Sami Abdul-Rahman, the
speaker, Kamal Kirkuki, the Kurdistan Education Minister Safin
Kurdistan Regional Government' Representative to the UK and
Dizayi, Erbil governor, Nawzad Hadi and the current Iraqi
the former Kurdish Minister of Martyrs and Anfal, Chnar Saed
deputy prime minister Rozh Nuri Shawes were also elected.
Abdullah were elected through voting.
More details about the outcomes will be leaked at a press
halbjardn kongrai 1 3Among the top elected members are
conference later today, Friday.
Masrur Barzani, Sidad Mustafa Barzani, and the Yusif Idris
29
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
December 16, 2010
Kurds Threaten To Pull
Out Of Iraqi Coalition
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
BAGHDAD - The Kurdistan Alliance will not participate in the new
Iraqi cabinet unless the major Shi'ite parliament faction, the National
Alliance, agrees to its "position paper" outlining 19 key demands,
RFE/RL's Radio Free Iraq reports.
The Kurds attach great importance to signing the 19-point paper as
it is tantamount to a government program, senior Kurdistan Alliance
Kurdistan Alliance members discuss leaving the coalition government.
deputy Mahmud Othman told RFE/RL.
He said failure to sign the paper would be a serious setback to the
political process, because in that case the Kurds would not partici¬
told RFE/RL that no paper would be signed, and agreement on the
pate in the government currently being formed.
Kurdish demands would be reached by consensus, as is generally
the rule in Iraqi politics.
Prime Minister-designate Nuri al-Maliki is expected to announce his
government on December 23, two days before the deadline set by
Muttalibi said the objection centered on the Kurds' demands that the
the constitution for doing so.
National Alliance sign the paper, rather than on its contents.
The Kurdish demands include key positions in the government; reco¬
gnition of contracts signed by the Kurdistan region government with
Meanwhile, National Alliance parliamentary group member Hussein
al-Safi told RFE/RL that the Shi'ite bloc would have 19 ministries in
foreign oil companies but considered illegal by Baghdad; and a solu¬
tion to disputed areas, above all, multiethnic oil-rich Kirkuk, under
the new cabinet, including the oil portfolio and three state ministries
without portfolio.
Article 140 of the constitution.
Kadhum al-Shammari, a member of the Sunni-backed Al-lraqiyah
That article provides for overcoming the aftermath of Kirkuk's
parliamentary group, told RFE/RL that Al-lraqiyah's overall share is
Arabization by former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, a census in the
11 ministries, including the finance and defense ministries.
province, and a referendum on joining or remaining outside the
Shammari said negotiations were continuing on the Ministry of
Kurdish region.
Higher Education, to which both Al-lraqiyah and the National Alliance
Othman said only one of the 1 9 demands was being reformulated,
have laid claim.
that which states that if the Kurdish ministers withdraw from the
Kurdish parliamentary bloc member Said Rasul said that the Kurds
government, it shall disband or be dissolved.
would have six or seven ministries, including foreign affairs.
But National Alliance parliamentary bloc member Saad al-Muttalibi
FINANCIAL TIMES) December 17, 2010
Turkish army wades into Kurdish debate
By Delphine Strauss in Ankara
and
will
continue
to
be
the
party that protects the nation
not
Turkish,
are
excluded
from the Turkish alphabet.
be
vying
with
the
BDP
for
votes in the south-east.
state, unitary state and secu¬
Selahattin Demirtas, lea¬
lar state," read a statement,
der of the pro-Kurdish Peace
tary
released on
It refer¬
and Democracy Party (BDP),
political
debate on the public
red to an article of the consti¬
said he was calling for free
nature
use of Kurdish,
tution
use of Kurdish in education,
Kosaner took over as chief of
asserting that it has
Turkish state is an indivisible
the
general staff in the summer.
a constitutional duty
whole
not for its use in parliament,
Turkey's military
has waded into a
Friday.
specifying
whose
that
the
language
is
Turkish.
to protect the repu¬
media
and
In spite of reforms broa¬
blic against threats
dening Kurds' cultural rights
to national unity.
-
including
state-run
the
launch
Kurdish
not
commerce,
support
any
form of separatism.
has
since
The
much
an
its
overtly
of
this
General
Isik
military
of
Turkish
Politicians from the ruling
made
intervention
has
lost
influence
over
political
life
but
of
Justice & Development Party
that
language
(AKP) have warned the BDP
enforce them, are intact.
is
duty-bound
to
against steps such as intro¬
ducing bilingual noticeboards
appeared
remains a sensitive issue in
and
start of a mass trial, in which
move towards bilingual life in
Turkey, founded as a nation
annulled a municipality deci¬
almost 200 retired and ser¬
south-eastern
state out of the ashes of the
sion to do this in the mainly
ving officers face charges of
Ottoman
Kurdish city of Diyarbakir.
plotting
staff
proposals
by
pro-Kurdish
politicians
to
they
control,
were
reaching
would
municipalities
saying
they
of
minority
empire.
Until
the
governor's
office
Friday's
a
a
statement
day
coup
in
after
2003
the
to
that
recently, the army denied the
But the army's statement
"radically change the
existence of Kurds as an eth¬
appears to be a warning to
AKP, shortly after its arrival in
nic race; teaching Kurdish in
politicians not to go too far in
government.
state
schools
remains
promises
taboo;
and
letters
founding
a
point
philosophy
of
the
republic".
The
Forces
30
use
-
it
the
general
broadcasts
its
ideological views, and belief
languages
The
condemned
television
would
and
It is the first time the mili¬
Turkish
"has
always
Armed
been
and
q,
the
used
in
x,
Kurdish
a
to
the
Kurdish
w
minority in the run-up to July
but
elections, when the AKP will
remove
the
Islamist-rooted
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
Iran arrests family of Kurdish acti¬
Guardian
December 17, 2010
vist due to be executed
Execution of Habibollah Latifi, who has been in jail for three years,
was delayed after protests
"Iran wants to show off its authority
and control at this moment by executing
Saeed Kamali Dehghan
an opposition activist like Latifi who has
been very persistent to his innocence
during interrogations and tortures that
Iran has arrested the family of a
he had faced."
Kurdish student whose execu¬
According to Sheikhi, telephone
tion, scheduled to take place on
communications in Sanandaj faced
Boxing Day, was delayed because
interruptions last night as security offi¬
of protests outside the prison in
cials raided the houses of several acti¬
which he has been held for three
vists.
years.
abibollah Latifi is accused of being
A source close to the family of
Habibollah Latifi, a 29-year-old student
group the PAJK, which his strongly
activist, said his parents and his three
brothers and three sisters were arrested
family denies. Photograph: guar-
also repeatedly interrupted by intelli¬
gence services intercepting the conver¬
sation.
dian.co.uk
last night.
A Guardian phone interview with
Latifi's sister, Elahe Latifi, on Friday was
in the armed Kurdish separatist
Iran says Latifi, a member of the
Human rights activists fear Iran
might carry out the death penalty in
However, Iran's ILNA state news
secret.
series of bombings in Kurdistan pro¬
agency quoted Latifi's lawyer, Saleh
Nikbakht, as saying that "the claim that
At least 10 other Kurdish activists
who have been active in the campaign to
some officials in the countries of our
prevent Latifi's execution were also
neighbourhood have intervened to pre¬
arrested. Among them was Simin
vent the executions of some culprits
Chaichi, a prominent Kurdish poet.
including Latifi is not true".
vince in 2007 and is a member of the
Kurdish Independent Life party (PJAK),
an armed opposition group.
It has convicted him of Muharebeh
(enmity against God), a crime punisha¬
Shahab Sheikhi, a Kurdish journalist
Latifi was scheduled to be executed
Kurdish minority in Iran, is linked to a
ble by death under Iranian law.
His family denies his connection
yesterday , but the prison governor hal¬
and human rights activist based in
ted the execution when around 300 pro¬
Germany, said: "I am absolutely sure
with PJAK and claims the charges
testers gathered outside Sanandaj pri¬
that the reason Iran halted Latifi's exe¬
against him are fabricated.
son, where he has been since 23 October
cution temporarily is because of the pro¬
2007.
test outside the prison and also the
which has been campaigning to stop his
international attention to his case.
execution, his trial was held behind clo¬
His parents were then given permis¬
"However, we are very worried that
sion to meet him after dawn.
PUK media, an official news website
these arrests might be the indication
that Iran wants to execute him in secret.
of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan
"Sentencing Latifi to death at this
(PUK), reported that Jalal Talabani, the
According to Amnesty International,
sed doors and in the absence of his
lawyer.
In France, six protesters chained
themselves to the fences of the Iranian
president of Iraq and the founder of the
critical situation in Iran, when so many
embassy in Paris in a recent show of
PUK, had intervened to persuade the
people are unsatisfied with the econo¬
support.
Iranian authorities to stop Latifi's execu¬
mic situation in the country, has diffe¬
tion.
rent functions for the Islamic republic.
Rudaw.Net
21 December 2010
KRG
Kurdistan
official
conference
Wants Atomic
at
of
an
Arab
atomic
energy
countries
last
week in Erbil, the capital of Kurdistan.
Dr.
Energy
KRG
Kamal
Hamada
representative
in
Amin,
the
ERBIL,
Kurdistan
Iraqi
(KRG) has sent
United
Nations
Commission
for
the
Kurdistan:
Regional
The
Government
14 proposals to the
Atomic
requesting
semiautonomous
Energy
permission
region
of
Iraqi Kurdistan to use nuclear power
to supply energy to its people, said a
said the KRG had also asked for the
authorization
to
utilize
equipment
the
made with uranium in the health and
Iraqi
oil sectors, and uranium-based techno¬
Nuclear Committee, told Rudaw that
By RUDAW
mission to use atomic energy, Amin
logies such as used in mine defusing.
the KRG planned to begin develop¬
Experts point to the existence of
ment of the peaceful use of nuclear
uranium in Kurdistan - as yet untap¬
energy in 2011 and expected to com¬
ped - without yet knowing how large
plete the project by 2015.
the reserves are.
Presently,
the Iraqi Kurds get an
Dr.
Ali
Hassan
Ahmed,
physics
average of eight hours electricity sup¬
professor
ply per day, which makes them depen¬
Salahaddin, said there was "no doubt"
dent on oil power generators to obtain
that uranium existed underground in
enough power for their daily lives.
Kurdistan.
at
Erbil's
University
of
In addition to the requests for per
31
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
Barzani inquiète l'Irak en demandant
rfi
l'autodétermination du Kurdistan
13 décembre 2010
Par RFI
A quelques jours de la fin du délai légal
Avec notre correspondante à Bagdad,
des tractations, en vue de la formation du
Fatma Kizilboga
prochain
Les
réactions
s'enchaînent
en
cabinet,
cet affront est surtout
perçu comme une stratégie afin de faire
Irak
monter les enchères.
après la revendication d'un droit à l'au¬
todétermination
lancée
par
le
prési¬
En coulisses, on parle déjà de la réattri¬
dent
de
la
région
autonome
du
bution du ministère des Affaires étrangè¬
Kurdistan
irakien,
Massoud
Barzani.
res
à
l'Alliance
kurde.
Difficile
encore
Le chef de file du PDK a formulé cette
revendication,
le
11
décembre
cependant
2010,
de
deviner
quette politique du
la
prochaine
ministère du
éti¬
Pétrole
lors du congrès du Parti démocratique
qui reste l'objet de toutes les convoitises.
du Kurdistan. Si certains Irakiens crai¬
gnent
pays,
désormais
une
pour d'autres,
il
scission
ne
s'agit
du
gue dans la résolution de la crise politique
que
irakienne est aujourd'hui accusé de traî¬
d'une démonstration de force du prin¬
trise.
Reste à savoir si cette menace à demi
cachée
de
Massoud
Barzani
suffira
à
faire pencher la balance en faveur des
cipal parti politique kurde.
Kurdes.
Si certains députés arabes dénoncent la
L'effet de douche froide laisse désormais
mise en application d'un projet de vieille
place à la consternation. Le sage média¬
date, d'autres ne voient dans ces déclara¬
teur
tions qu'une démonstration
salué
quelques
semaines
aupara¬
vant pour ses actions en faveur du dialo
de force du
chef kurde.
Les Kurdes restent en Irak à condition qu'il soit
un Etat fédéral (Barzani)
ERBIL (Irak), 15 décembre 2010 (AFP)
MASSOUD BARZANI, aussitôt après sa réélection à la tête de Parti
démocratique du Kurdistan (PDK), a affirmé que les Kurdes pour¬
raient se détacher de l'Irak si le pays perdait son caractère fédéral
ou était dirigé par des Arabes "chauvins".
"Certains disent: + Les Kurdes veulent leur indépendance, eh bien qu'ils
s'en aillent définitivement+. Mais nous leur répondons: +L'lrak est nôtre,
l'Irak est notre pays", a-t-il lancé à la tribune à Erbil, à la clôture du 13e
congrès de sa formation, tard mardi.
En ouvrant samedi le congrès du PDK, Massoud Barzani avait affirmé
que
les
Kurdes
irakiens
avaient "droit à l'autodétermination".
Cette
annonce avait provoqué la stupeur des Arabes sunnites et chiites, qui y
Bagdad.
ont vu le prélude à une scission de l'Irak.
Fils de Moustafa Barzani, dirigeant de l'éphémère république kurde pro¬
"Mon message aux frères arabes, qu'ils soient sunnites ou chiites, à nos
clamée en 1946 à Mahabad, en Iran, Massoud Barzani, qui dirige le PDK
amis et alliés, à ceux qui n'ont pas compris nos déclarations, est le sui¬
depuis 1979, a souligné que les Kurdes "étaient une nationalité et avaient
vant: nous sommes attachés à un Irak fédéral et démocratique, à sa
donc le droit à l'autodétermination". "Mais le parlement kurde a décidé de
Constitution, mais nous ne sommes pas prêts à rester dans un Irak
rester à une seule condition: c'est que l'Irak soit un Etat fédéral", a-t-il dit.
dominé par des chauvins", a-t-il lancé. Il faisait allusion à la dictature cen¬
tralisatrice de Saddam Hussein.
Après une première forme d'autonomie obtenue dans les années 1970,
a remplacé celui de Sèvres, divisant le Moyen-Orient en plusieurs pays
le Kurdistan, qui rassemble trois provinces du nord de l'Irak (Erbil,
sans prendre en compte le droit des Kurdes, répartis entre la Turquie,
Dohouk et Souleimaniyeh), s'est véritablement émancipé de la tutelle de
l'Irak, la Syrie et l'Iran.
Bagdad après la guerre du Golfe, en 1991.
Le Kurdistan possède son propre Parlement et dispose de prérogatives
étendues dans tous les domaines, à l'exception des affaires étrangères
et de la défense. En outre, les Kurdes sont devenus des faiseurs de rois,
car ils sont indispensables pour la formation
32
En 1920, le traité de Sèvres prévoyait la création d'un Etat kurde sur les
restes de l'Empire ottoman. Mais trois ans plus tard, le traité de Lausanne
d'un
gouvernement à
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
LUND1 13 DECEMBRE 2010
MASSOUD BARZANI: UNE CERTAINE
IDÉE DE L'INDÉPENDANCE KURDE
C'est la première fois que le dirigeant kurde se prononce
sur une possible indépendance du Kurdistan irakien
(nord). Samedi, lors du congrès du Parti démocratique du
. Kurdistan (PDK) à Erbil, Massoud Barzani, président de la
région autonome du Kurdistan depuis 2005, a revendiqué
ce qui pourrait être un prélude à une scission de l'Irak:
«Nous allons soumettre aujourd'hui la question de l'auto¬
détermination aux personnes participant à ce congrès,
car nous considérons que nous avons droit à /autodéter¬
mination.» Le PDK est l'une des composantes de la coali¬
tion au pouvoir en Irak, photo afp
feliîûiide
Mercredi 15 décembre 2010
L'Union européenne et la Turquie laissent
s'enliser les négociations d'adhésion
Les ministres des affaires étrangères des Vingt-Sept devaient renoncer, mardi 14, à ouvrir
un nouveau chapitre, celui de la concurrence, contrairement à ce qu'espérait la présidence belge
treize chapitres sur trente-cinq
Bruxelles
Bureau européen
Les négociations d'adhésion
entre la Turquie et l'Union
européenne (UE) sont désor¬
mais dans l'impasse. Les ministres
des affaires étrangères des VingtSept
devaient
constater,
mardi
I4décembre, à Bruxelles, l'impossi¬
bilité d'ouvrir un chapitre supplé¬
mentaire
parmi
la
poignée
de
Aucun ne peut être refermé en
maintenant. «Pas question d'agi¬
raison du contentieux entre la
ter le chiffon rouge », en a raisonna¬
Turquie et la République de Chy¬
blement conclu la Belgique.
Steven Vanackere, le ministre
jours pas. Une douzaine de chapi¬
des affaires étrangères belges, a
tres ne peut être ouverte pour les
par ailleurs quasiment jeté l'épon¬
mêmes motifs. Et cinq autres font
ge au sujet des consultations qu'il
çais, Nicolas' Sarkozy, car ils pré¬
supposent, selon le chef de l'Etat,
une adhésion. Contre l'avis d'An¬
kara,
M. Sarkozy milite
avec
les
très
très lent»,
constate un diplomate.
plutôt,
chrétiens-démocrates
allemands, en faveur d'un «parte¬
nariat privilégié ».
La présidence belge de l'UE,
mue par ce qu'un représentant de
rait pourtant ouvrir pendant ce
Le gouvernement
tant sur la concurrence. Faute de
turc a décidé
d'utiliser désormais
tous les moyens
pour exprimer
Manifestant un évident agace' ment, le gouvernement turc a déci¬
dé d'utiliser désormais tous les
moyens pour exprimer sa mauvai¬
mission européenne afin d'apai¬
se
ser le contentieux entre la Turquie
humeur.
Partenaire-clé
de
l'OTAN, il compte beaucoup sur le
et la République de Chypre. L'idée
secrétaire général de l'Alliance, le
aurait étédobtenir l'ouverture de
libéral danois Anders Fogh Ras-
quelques ports turcs aux bateaux
chypriotes.en échange d'un assou¬
mussen,
plissement de l'embargo imposé
auprès des Vingt-Sept.
pour plaider sa cause
M. Rasmussen
par la République de Chypre à la
partie occupée par l'armée turque,
a
répété
le
'.. ministres de la défense, qu'Ankara
devait demeurer un partenaire pri¬
priote risque sinon, vu le nombre
vilégié. Il a sous-entendu que les
de chapitres gelés pour ce motif,
ciations.
projets européens de coopération
sa mauvaise humeur
renforcée et de mutualisation de
:
Combien de temps les Euro¬
péens,
à espérer « une bonne discussion »
sur le dossier mardi.
12 septembre, en Turquie.
de bloquer durablement les négo¬
progrès sur la question, elle a dû
renoncer à cet objectif, se bornant
récentes réformes constitutionnel¬
au nord de l'île. La question chy¬
semestre au moins un nouveau
chapitre avec Ankara, celui por¬
mission européenne à l'égard des
9 décembre, devant le conseil des .
ce pays décrit en souriant comme
« l'optimisme de la volonté», espé¬
trop négative l'attitude de la Com¬
menait discrètement avec la Com¬
l'objet d'un veto du président fran¬
«On ne veutpas dire que le train est
mouvement est
dent eux aussi patience, jugeant
les adoptées par référendum, le
pre, qu'Ankara ne reconnaît tou¬
ceux qui sont encore négociables.
sur une voie de garage, mais le
." lité la candidature de la Turquie à
devoir le dire officiellement dès
ont été ouverts.
retranchés
derrière
la
notion d'une Europe «à approfon¬
dir avant de l'élargir», selon le lan¬
leurs efforts auraient plus de chan¬
ce de réussir s'ils pouvaient englo¬
ber la Turquie. Le rapprochement
entre
l'Union,
européenne
et
' l'OTAN est bloqué de longue date
Certains pays n'ont «pas enco¬
gage officiel, parviendront-ils à
«Le climat n'est pasfavorable à
re » demandé de suspendre les dis¬
garder le contact avec le gouverne¬
Philippe Ricard
l'élargissement et Ankara n'en a
cussions mais la diplomatie belge
ment de Recep Tayyip Erdogan ?
et Jean-Pierre Stroobants
pasfait assez, pas assez vite », résu¬
a compris qu'il valait mieux ne pas
Les
me un diplomate belge de haut
appuyer sur l'accélérateur. Elle n'a
surenchère nationaliste en Tur¬
rang.
Toutefois,
admet-il,
Vingt-Sept
craignent
par Ankara. IS
une
le
pas voulu accroître la pression sur
quie lors des élections générales
niveau d'exigence imposé aux diri¬
les gouvernements les moins pro¬
de 2011. Le premier ministre et son
geants turcs est très élevé. Depuis
turcs afin de ne pas tenter le diable
Parti de la justice et du développe¬
le début des pourparlers, en 2005,
et pousser ceux qui refusent en réa-
ment (AKP, islamiste modéré) per
33
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
Mardi 21 décembre 2010
Iran
Forte hausse des prix
Le gouvernement
de l'essence et du gazole
TÉHÉRAN. Les Iraniens ont appris, dimanche 19 décembre, la forte hausse
du prix des produits énergétiques appliquée par le gouvernement dans
irakien prend
le cadre de la suppression des subventions directes. La veille au soir, le
président Mahmoud Ahmadinejad avait annoncé, à la télévision, la mise
en quvre du plan, qualifié de « chirurgie économique». Le prix de l'essen¬
forme, neuf mois
ce subventionné est multiplié par 4 et le prix du gazole par 9. Le gouver¬
nement a précisé que le tarif du pain n'allait pas «augmenterpour le
moment». Les prix de l'électricité, de l'eau et du gaz vont, de leur côté,
être multipliés entre trois et cinq. «Ceux qui consommeront moins dépen¬
après les élections
seront moins », a déclaré Mohammad Reza Farzin, porte-parole du plan.
Les subventions directes coûtent à l'Etat quelque 100 milliards de dollars
(75 milliards d'euros) par an. Le gouvernement a pris des mesures depuis
plusieurs semaines pour éviter tout dérapage des prix. En juin 2007, des
Nouri Al-Maliki devait présenter, lundi,
violences avaient éclaté après l'annonce de quotas d'essence.- (AFP.)
un cabinet incomplet au Parlement
Sauf ultime coup de théâtre -
te par Iyad Allaoui, qui a échoué à
raient temporairement entre les
et le monde politique irakien
nouer des alliances postélectora¬
mains du premier ministre jus¬
163
n'en est pas avare -, le pre¬
les, comme l'a fait M. Maliki, en
qu'à ce que celui-ci obtienne le
repoussée
Nouri
recevrait neuf parmi lesquels les
« consensus » des quatre autres for¬
Selon la Constitution, après la réé¬
Al-Maliki, devait enfin présenter,
finances, l'éducation, l'électricité,
ces politiques de la coalition pour
lection de Jalal Talabani (un Kur¬
lundi 20 décembre, son nouveau .
l'industrie, l'agriculture.
ses trois candidats. Ces derniers
de) à la présidence de la Républi¬
ministre
seront-ils choisis et nommés avant
que le 11 novembre, à l'Assemblée,
Selon les indications fournies aux
«par intérim», désigné par les
le vote de la loi nécessaire à la mise
le nouveau gouvernement doit
médias par divers responsables
Américains en 2004, M. Allaoui,
en place du CNPS ? Mystère.
impérativement
politiques, le cabinet devrait com¬
un ancien baasiste« défroqué » il y
En clair, rien de définitif n'appa¬
prendre, non pas les « vingt - vingt-
a trente ans, qui s'est longuement
raît encore gravé dans le marbre et
cinq ministres efficaces» souvent
battu pour se rasseoir dans le fau¬
il n'est pas impossible que l'appro¬
teuil du chef, s'est finalement ren¬
bation parlementaire du nouveau
mier
ministre
sortant,
gouvernement
au
Parlement.
évoqués par M. Maliki durant sa
campagne en
mars,
mais
plus
d'une quarantaine de membres.
Neuf mois après les élections géné¬
rales
record mondial battu enfer¬
mes d'impasse politique -, le pre¬
mier ministre sortant, qui n'avait
obtenu que 89 sièges alors que son
principal challenger, Iyad Allaoui,
en avait remporté 91, a dû passer
sous les fourches Caudines de ses
principaux concurrents.
et
selon
premier
voix
sur
de
325)
soit
encore
quelques
être
jours.
investi
avant le 25 décembre.
Patrice Claude
du aux arguments de Washington
qui a obtenu, pour lui, le poste de
président d'un futur Conseil natio¬
nal
des
politiques
stratégiques
(CNPS) dont les attributions et les
réels pouvoirs restent à détermi¬
ner. Dimanche, M. Allaoui a réaffir¬
mé qu'il était prêt à travailler avec
M. Maliki
«à
condition que
les
23 décembre 2010
Le Parlement irakien approuve
le gouvernement d'unité nationale
accords» secrets passés avec lui
soient respectés. «S'il y a quelque
Au terme d'interminables marr
chandages
Ephémère
gouvernement (qui doit obtenir
une
règle
, mathématique inédite qui attribue
: à chacun des fiefs mis à l'encan un
changement que ce soit, alors tout
changera », a-t-il prévenu. Selon
l'entourage de M. Maliki, le futur
CNPS n'aurait qu'un rôle « consul¬
\ certain nombre de points (3 points
tatif» alors que, d'après des pro¬
pour les finances, 1,5 seulement
ches de M. Allaoui, ses pouvoirs
pour le secrétariat d'Etat aux droits
seront « exécutifs ».
de l'homme.par exemple), les cinq
principales forces politiques du
Confiance limitée
pays obtiendraient, en fonction de
Preuve delà confiance extrême¬
ce qu'elles sont prêtes à « payer » et
ment limitée qui prévaut entre les
à condition que, les autres, soient
futurs partenaires, c'est à la chan¬
d'accord, tel ou tel ministère.
cellerie
Ainsi l'Alliance nationale ,(chii:
te), qui compreTld.159 sièges dont .
les
89
obtenus en propre
par
M. Maliki,. aurait «droit» à dix-
sept portefeuilles (pétrole, eau,
justice;
transports),
dont
trois
titulaires avec le titre de vice-pre¬
mier
ministre.
Le
Bloc
kurde
(57 sièges) en aurait sept, dont
celui des affaires étrangères qui
resterait entre les mains d'Hoshyar Zibari,
et la
liste Iraqiya
(essentiellement sunnite) condui
américaine
samedi,
qu'un
de
Bagdad,
proche
de
M. Allaoui discutait avec l'ambas¬
Le Parlement irakien a approuvé, mardi 21 décembre, la composition du
sadeur James Jeffrey des contours
gouvernement du premier ministre, Nouri Al-Maliki (photo), mettant
exacts du nouvel organe.
fin à neuf mois de tractations politiques depuis les élections législatives
Lundi, si le calendrier annoncé
du 7 mars. Parmi les 35 ministres nommés figurent 20 chiites, 10 sunni¬
est respecté, c'est un gouverne¬
tes, 4 Kurdes et un chrétien, respectant l'accord de partage de pouvoir ,
ment
encore
incomplet
que
conclu le 10 novembre entre les trois grandes communautés d'Irak (les ;
M. Maliki devrait présenter au Par¬
chiites, les sunnites et les Kurdes). Dix des 45 portefeuilles du gouvernelement. Les trois ministères réga¬
ment de M. Maliki, qui entame son second mandat, n'ont pas encore été
liens de la défense, de la sécurité j
pourvus notamment, selon le premier ministre, afin de pouvoir y inté¬
intérieure et de la sécurité nationa¬
grer des femmes. La communauté internationale a salué la formation de .
le, exclus du système à points réser¬
ce gouvernement. Le président américain Barack Obama a qualifié le
vé aux autres maroquins, reste
vote de « moment important de l'histoire de l'Irak ». (photo reuters)
34
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
®^m*mm
Grim Xmas for Iraqi Christians
December 18, 2010
as many flee north
They saw their
In this Dec.
brethren murdered
stands guard outside Our Lady of Salvation church
during Mass and
in Baghdad, Iraq. Since the Oct. 31 bloodbath in
10, 2010 photo, an Iraqi police officer
then were bombed
their Baghdad church, Iraqi Christians are fleeing
in their homes as
from Sunni Muslim extremists who view them as
they mourned.
nonbelievers and agents of the West. At a time
Al-Qaida vowed to
when Christians in various parts of the Muslim
hunt them down.
world are feeling pressured, Iraqi Christians are
Now the Christian
approaching their grimmest Christmas since the
community of Iraq,
U.S.-led invasion of 2003 and many are fleeing
almost as old as the
north to the safer Kurdish region of Iraq. (AP
religion itself, is
Photo/Hadi Mizban)
sensing a clear
message: It is
ting of homes by bombers who
time to leave.
clearly
By REBECCA SANTANA
Associated Press
brethren
murdered
during
every
Christian
Since
the
church
attack,
sometimes
contain
intolerant
address, and the Internet pos¬
to
United
well as other religions besides
ting in which al-Qaida-linked
Nations
Commissioner
Sunni Islam, according to the
militants
for
took
the
responsibility
church
attack
the
north,
High
Refugees
the
said
Friday.
It
State
of
Christianity
Department
vowed a campaign of violence
Iraqi Christians were arriving
against
in Syria, Jordan and Lebanon
sion
and
Catholic newspaper to refer to
Christians
wherever
they are.
Ban
Daub,
51,
narrowly
contacting
UNHCR
for
religious freedom.
In Malaysia, a court deci¬
last
year
allowing
Al-Qaida vowed to hunt them
and her nephew were at prayer
remain in this nation of 29 mil¬
arson
down. Now the Christian com¬
when
lion is not reliably known. A
Christian churches.
munity of Iraq, almost as old as
They
the religion itself, is sensing a
attackers stormed in, but many
Christian
clear
of
400,000
time
to
leave.
they
the
Oct.
31
blood¬
fleeing
Sunni
have
Muslim
been
extre¬
heard
their
She
explosions.
before
friends
died
did
five
not.
clutching
A
his
son and daughter in his arms.
bath in their Baghdad church,
Christians
onslaught.
escaped
neighbor
Since
Iraqi
the
Days
later
bombs
a
went
Christian
string
off
of
across
mists who view them as non-
Baghdad. Daub and her family
believers
for
State Department report says
leaders
to
estimate
600,000
remain,
God,
sparked
and
a
spate
vandalism
Following
the
church
mayhem,
European
countries
of
against
Baghdad
some
offered
down from a prewar level as
asylum to Iraqi Christians. But
high as
Younadam Kanna, a Christian
1.4 million by
some
estimates.
member of Iraq's Parliament,
In the Middle East and in
Muslim
countries
beyond,
worries
that
intercession
such
will
Christians are finding themsel¬
discrimination
Muslims
Western
be
seen
as
by
Iraqi
wonder
why
packed a few belongings and
ves
headed to a Christian district
harassment. The Vatican is so
outside countries are so quick
Christians in various parts of
called Ainkawa in this Kurdish
worried that it hosted a two-
to
the Muslim world are feeling
city of Irbil.
week
Christians but are often silent
a
of
Christians
the
At
agents
many
when
West.
and
How
outside
homes
a
God as Allah, the Arabic word
help.
survived
is
on
said growing numbers of other
their homes as they mourned.
It
report
as
and
Mass and then were bombed in
message:
language
some 1,000 families have fled
for
IRBEL, Iraq - They saw their
knew
time
pressured, Iraqi Christians are
approaching
Christinas
their
since
grimmest
the
U.S.-led
invasion of 2003 and wonde¬
"We are afraid for our sons
They have suffered repea¬
ted
violence
and
harassment
to
violence
meeting
of
and
Mideast
who
offer
assistance
to
bishops this fall, dedicated to
when Muslims are attacked in
and our children. There is no
supporting
Iraq. This could drive a wedge
life
ties.
in
Baghdad
for
the
Christians," she says.
ring if they have any future in
their native land.
subject
Since
2003
no
Iraqi
between Iraq's Christians and
reli¬
ple
died
gious or ethnic group has esca¬
were
clashes
month
in
"We are
a
small commu¬
Christians
nity here, and we are trying to
resist and stay in our homes,"
Kanna said.
gious
Sunnis
who
ominous sign that militancy is
by Saddam Hussein fell apart.
supplanted them in power after
transcending borders, the mili¬
But the attack on Our Lady of
Saddam Hussein, the longtime
tants
Salvation in which 68 people
dictator, was toppled.
Baghdad
died
appears
to
have been
tipping point that has
a
driven
many to flee northward to the
Kurdish enclave while seeking
the
Shiites
and
last
between
Muslims.
150
ding of a new church.
and
bombings
arrested
than
and authorities over the buil¬
enforced
in
thou¬
more
street battles between minority
rigidly
died
of
and
since 2003, when the interrelipeace
sands
Tens
minori¬
In Egypt, at least two peo¬
ped
violence.
Christian
who
carried
out
not
two Egyptian women who they
minister, Karim Sinjari. More
have political clout or militias.
claimed were being persecuted
may have come without regis¬
by their priests for converting
tering with authorities.
minorities,
Even
Christians
before
the
do
church
were fleeing abroad. They are
In
Pakistan,
a
Christian
woman
time was the way the gunmen
Iraqis resettled in the United
death
brazenly
States since 2007, according to
the Prophet Muhammad.
State Department statistics.
the
church
Kurdish
siege,
interior
to Islam.
more than a third of the 53,700
subsequent targe
Kurdish
the
Iraq's
What seemed different this
ground, the
Christian
the
said
of
here.
sacred
600
to
they were acting on behalf of
many
attack, thousands of Christians
onto
than
fled
after
asylum in the U.S. and elsew¬
barged
More
families
area
like
siege
the
said
But
church
In an
is
for
under
sentence
allegedly
of
insulting
In Saudi Arabia, textbooks
The
Kurds
are
Muslims
who have suffered oppression
and
discrimination
but
now
have an autonomous, Westernsupported
homeland
in
nor-
35
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
thern
Iraq.
Iraq's
president,
Jalal Talabani, who is a Kurd,
Christians have been in Iraq
since
earliest Christian
times,
tions of Sunni extremists, who
Mosul,
sow
they fled. A monk at the sanc¬
terror
through
assassina¬
the place
from
which
has gone so far as to suggest
and although there are several
tion,
something
denominations,
faiths but Christians in particu¬
fied
lar.
said Christians trying to get out
similar
Christians.
for
Iraq's
Meanwhile
the
their
enemies
do not discriminate.
targeting
Kurdish government has set up
The Our Lady of Salvation
a committee to help the fleeing
church is Syrian Catholic, and
from
Christians.
Miriam
refuge
letting
Proposals
them
include
transfer
their
Suleiman
Mosul
at
recently
St.
found
Matthew's,
a
himself
only
as
Joseph,
often cannot afford hundreds of
dollars
in
bribes
to
obtain
monastery founded in A.D. 374
fled
provinces
of a bomb.
now home to a few monks. The
2006.
families live in the stone rooms,
denied
their
the
Baghdad was getting safer, they
kitchen
returned to the capital. A few
ges and universities.
She and her family are ren¬
ting
an apartment in Irbil for
laundry
drying
in
$500 a month, her son is on
courtyard
"They've been part of Iraq
unpaid leave from his govern¬
utensils piled on the shelves.
for years. They are part of the
ment job, and her daughter had
community.
to drop out of medical school in
requesting
the history. They are part of the
Baghdad.
of reprisals, said that in Mosul
culture
desire to go back.
They
of this
are
part
country,"
of
said
Still,
they
have
no
A
and
their
23-year-old
Ban
Daub
to
In
2008,
for fear
bedrooms.
in by
glass
said
that
and stability, but suddenly the
Muslim-style. She said people
friend
come
more
situation will deteriorate," said
would say "Oh, so you are sup¬
ring him it was
likely one day to return to their
Suleiman, 61. "We want to go
ported by the West because you
back.
homes
abroad. That is it."
are Christian. ... They say it is
to
Kurdistan
than
those
are
who
leave
Matti, the Ainkawa mayor,
Ainkawa,
enclave
miles)
320
the
Christian
kilometers
(200
north of Baghdad,
churches,
Christmas
trees
has
for
said that about 70 percent of the
Christians
after
the
who
church
Mosul,
swelled from 7,500 to 22,000
city,
since
east of here.
according
to
Ainkawa Mayor Fahmy Matti.
Hie Sîoston (©lobe
there
attack
came
your
country.
covered,
You
should
leave."
into
their
Baghdad
for
would
after
Irbil,
call
a
he
DECEMBER 21,
Iraq's
second
80 kilometers
daily,
assu¬
safe to come
Then another Christian was
killed, and the friend called to
say that maybe it was best that
he leave Iraq for good.
That is not so easy.
largest
To emigrate, Iraqis need a
(50 miles)
passport, and must apply for it
Mosul is one of the last bas
in their city of residence - in the
monastery
refugees'
case
2010
Iraq's new oil minister close ally to predecessor
with Western companies which alShahristani considered illegal. The pre¬
By SINAN SALAHEDDIN
vious minister, al-Shahristani, blacklisted
The Associated Press
the companies involved from participating
in any deals in the rest of Iraq.
BAGHDAD
Iraq's new oil minister
The new oil minister was bom in Baghdad
appointed Tuesday was a close aide to his
predecessor, suggesting he is likely to keep
in 1959 and holds a B.A. degree in oil engi¬
pursuing investment by international
neering from the University of Baghdad.
energy companies for the lucrative sector.
He started his career in 1983 with the staterun South Oil Company and occupied
Abdul-Karim Elaibi, a Shiite, replaced
several posts within the ministry before
Hussain al-Shahristani who was the archi¬
reaching his latest position.
tect of Iraq's plans to lure international
investment to its beleaguered industry. As
senior deputy in the oil ministry, Elaibi
In the new government, al-Shahristahi will
very much involved in the talks with the
oil companies."
be the deputy prime minister for energy, a
newly created post. It is still unknown
was instrumental in overseeing Iraq's oil
deals with Western companies and neigh¬
Iraq hopes to raise output to 12 million
what influence and powers it will have
boring countries.
barrels per day by 2017
over the growth of oil production and
a level that
would put it nearly on par with Saudi
Iraq has awarded 15 oil and gas deals since
2008 to international energy companies in
Arabia's current production capacity
from around 2.4 million barrels currently.
the first major investment in the country's
energy industry in more than three deca¬
But Elaibi will have an uphill battle achie¬
des.
ving those ambitious oil output targets
which are seen by some analysts as unrea¬
"Elaibi means good continuity for the oil
companies," said Samuel Ciszuk, Mideast
left
Muslim
from Baghdad, and others from
sale, and a population that has
2003,
moved
not
head
told
Daub's nephew, Izz Annan
Azziz,
tee. He believes Christians who
her
and
shards
"Maybe there will be peace
keeping
in
been
months later a bomb blast rai¬
ned
she would try to blend
Syria
having
asylum
woman,
anonymity
and her family
neighboring
Sinjari, who heads the commit¬
Iraq.
listic, given Iraq's damaged oil infrastruc¬
exports.
It is believed that al-Shahristani still
intends to wield a great deal of influence
over this vital sector of Iraq's economy.
Iraq holds the world's fourth largest oil
reserves of 143.1 billion barrels, according
to the government's latest estimates. Oil
ture, bureaucracy and corruption.
revenues make up nearly 95 percent of
energy analyst with IHS Global Insight in
London. "He was very much involved in
Elaibi also has to address the more than
the negotiations of the contracts. He was
two dozen oil deals the northern self-ruled
Kurdish government unilaterally signed
36
a
passport.
by a persecuted Christian and
dents to study in Kurdish colle¬
after
About 10 Christian families
tuary, who for his safety identi¬
the
stu¬
days
all
attack her house was the target
allowing
but
Syrian
of
government jobs to the Kurdish
and
Orthodox,
is
Iraqis
Iraq's budget.
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
HeialSfeBribmic
December 21, 2010
Anti-American cleric rebounds
: AMARA, IRAQ
As political winds shift
in Iraq, Shiite leader
#"
-
becomes a power broker
BYJACKHEALY
The Shiite cleric Moktada al-Sadr, who in
the past decade has been both an antiAmerican insurgency leader and a be¬
hind-the-scenes power broker, was not in
attendance when Iraqi leaders met Mon¬
day to sketch out a new government.
But with
gain
his
followers
standing to
control of powerful government
posts, his influence is likely to become
apparent in many facets of Iraqi public
life, from the halls of Parliament to the
tomato farms and marshlands here in
southeastern Iraq.
Maysan Province, home to Afnara,
was
a
stronghold
for
Mr.
Sadr
until
A billboard in Baghdad depicting Moktada al-Sadr, second from left His candidates pulled
sweeps by the Iraqi Army in 2008 helped
off surprising victories to win 40 seats in the parliamentary election in March.
break the grip of his militia. Political
change ousted his ally from the gov¬
ernorship here last year.
Sadr's remarkable political resurgence
feats and Mr. Sadr's own flight to Iran.
governor's
seat
in
iKamal
al-Maliki,
in
Minister
office
political
power
has
"We don't want to be radical
Islamists. I tell my supporters:
Don't dress all in black or
In Iraq's last government, Mr. Sadr's
carry weapons."
followers were accused of using their of¬
fices to spread corruption and sectarian
That the party, the Sadrist Movement,
enmity, with officials lining their pock¬
1 still Iraq's most fiercely populist and antiAmerican bloc, has come this far is a re; flection of its members' efforts in recent
' years to recast themselves as maturing
ets and death squads roaming public
Women on the Sadrist slate, who cam¬
hospitals.
remaining
paigned in head-to-toe abayas, fared par¬
: fears, among Americans and.Iraqis, that
ticularly well against secular candidates.
There
are
also
The Sadrists are now embracing
the militia that helped bring Mr. Sadr to
politicians who can actually govern and
least in public
power initially, the Mahdi Army, which
badly needed services.
"We want to show the world we are a
[modern people, an intellectual people,"
j said Fathal Namaa, the group's political
' director in Maysan. "We don't want to
be radical Islamists. I tell my support¬
tional unity and partnership, referring
an violence that threatened to tear the
to
country apart, could again be mobilized
brothers, not foes. After dozens of Chris¬
against his enemies, particularly after
tians were massacred
the U.S. military finishes its withdrawal.
church
rist ministries,"
weapons."
They are tracing a path mapped out
by militant groups like Hezbollah
or
Hamas, which built popular support by
augmenting their armed wings with so¬
said
a U.S.
from his time as an official in the Min-
of
Mr.
"We want to make it work. But we will ,
orphanages
also be true to our own principles, and
And at Mr. Sadr's behest, party leaders
Maliki's deputies.
stemming
at a Baghdad
members
They send out daily news releases to
we think we can win the most seats,"
ser al-Rubaie, a leading Sadrist politi-
and
community
centers..
said some newly elected lawmakers had
been sent to Lebanon and Turkey to at¬
tend,
classes in public speaking and
political etiquette.
'
- The party's newest lawmakersjnclude
appellate
"We're going to get everything,' ' Nas-
i
31,
as
announce street-cleaning projects, new
vice ministries and a slot as one of Mr.
easily after beating charges of murder,
Oct.
lawmakers
under normal diplomatic ground rules.
erase some of the mistakes of the past,
said Hakim Zamili, who was re-elected
on
Kurdish
the party's solidarity,
diplomat,
Maysan, they are seeking control of ser¬
"If we're able to succeed this time and
and
; who spoke on the condition of anonymity
In addition to the governor's seat in
and hospitals and handed out jobs.
Sunni
Sadr's group visited the priests to show
they may not want to work with us."
cial and political groups that ran schools
at
the sunny tones of na¬
was responsible for much of the sectari¬
"We know there are going to be Sad¬
Don't dress all in black or carry'
corruption
prising victories to win 40 seats in March.
Jeffrey, the U.S. ambassador to Iraq.
the
conclusive elections in March.
kidnapping and
After fully embracing the political pro¬
cess, Mr. Sadr's candidates pulled off sur¬
against their opponents," said James F.
months of wrangling that followed in¬
ers:
growing
theory, the idea that, they can use force
Nuri
after
awkward partnership.
its
"We do not see compelling evidence
the coalition intended to keep their one¬
Prime
But
they have renounced, in practice or in
they hope to gain as rewards for joining
enemy,
cials^and former Iraqi rivals, who now
find themselves tlirown together in an
rists will play a stronger hand.
Maysan
; Province again, one of several positions
time
Those outsize ambitions may exceed
the movement's grasp at the moment.
stoked new worries about how the Sad¬
His followers are pushing for control
the
have forced a shift in tone from U.S. offi-
minister's position."
in Iraq after years of schism, military de¬
of
The posture and power of the Sadrists "
istry of Health. "And maybe the primé
Now, the winds are shifting again, and
the area has become a stage for Mr.
.
lawyers,
engineers
and
ac¬
countants, aSjWell as candidates with
cian, said as he emerged from Parlia¬
less technocratic" backgrounds. Among
ment one afternoon.
them is Muhammad al-Khafaji, a former
37
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
bodyguard to Mr. Sadr whose biography
on a Sadrist Web site says he -'participat¬
ed" in the fight against the occupation.
"What
the
Sadrists
want
is
what
Iraqis want," Mr. Khafaji said, sipping a
glass of peach nectar. "We have to lead
the political process."
In Amara, the resurgence of the Sadr
movement has stirred mixed emotions,
as well as resistance from the current
governor, Muhammad al-Soudani, who
has a good working relationship with
the Americans.
This is a city where black, red and
green banners of Shiite devotion flutter
from the rooftops of homes, and where
photographs of clerics adorn the awn¬
ings of fast-food restaurants. But it is
one still unsettled by trie Sadrists' time
in power, when militias dominated local
security
and
bombings
and
attacks
against U.S. forces were common.
Some residents said they welcomed
the Sadrists' return. They blamed the
Maliki-supported
Soudani,
for
governor,
persistentiy
high
Mr.
Friday Prayer in the Sadr City district of Baghdad, a stronghold of the militia that fought
the Americans. The area is informally named for Moktada al-Sadr's father, a revered cleric;
unem¬
ployment and creaky services and said
they were ready to allow the Sadrists
another chance. Some spoke of a deeper
But Abdul Qàrirrï Muhamadawi, a lo¬
bers of Shiite militias back on the streets
fealty to the Sadr family, which includes
cal leader who was a guerrilla fighter
of Amara, among those said to be re¬
towering Shiite patriarchs killed for re¬
during the
Saddam era, spoke to the
leased under part of a deal with Mr. Ma¬
sisting Saddam Hussein's rule.
fears of those who worry about the con¬
liki. And he feared the relative stability
sequences of handing power back to the
of the past two years could unwind.
"The Sadrists, are very good people,
arid qualified," said Abdul Wahid Bedai,
"We are upset about this deal," he
Sadrists.
78, whose living room had a photograph
Mr. Muhamadawi, known here as the
of Mr. Sadr's slain father. "We respect
"Prince of the Marshes," said he had
them. We respect the movement."
already
% REUTERS
seen
once-imprisoned
Iraq oil revenue
plan prompts Kurd
parl't walkout
said. "This is the moment before the
storm."
mem
Kiyani told Reuters.
The Kurdish region was exporting around 100,000 barrels per day
(bpd) before the flow was halted last year. Shahristani said the region
could produce 150,000 bpd next year.
Iraq's exports last month were just over 1.9 million bpd.
The government is trying to ramp up output capacity to 12 million
December 18, 2010 , (Reuters) -By Waleed Ibrahim
bpd within six or seven years
der Saudi Arabia
* Kurdish politicians angry over budget
a figure that would rival global lea¬
from 2.5 million bpd now. But most analysts say
that figure is unrealistic.
BUDGET SEES $73 OIL
proposal
* Kurdish budget to be cut each time local
Iraq's cabinet approved a draft 2011 budget in November based on
oil exports stop
an oil price of $73 a barrel and output of 2.25 million barrels a day
next year. The budget still needs parliamentary approval.
BAGHDAD
Kurdish lawmakers walked out of Iraq's parliament
Mahmoud Othman, a Kurdish lawmaker, said his bloc had objected
on Saturday when they learned of a proposal that would cut Iraqi
to the draft and called for it to be reviewed by parliament's financial
Kurdistan's share of the 2011 national budget if the region fails to
committee.
deliver crude oil for export.
"(The) draft budget was submitted for a first reading without being
The semi-autonomous northern Kurdish region has been locked in a
reviewed by
dispute with the central government in Baghdad over contracts
unconstitutional," Othman told Reuters.
the
financial
committee
of parliament
and
this
is
signed by the Kurdistan Regional Government with foreign compa¬
nies to develop northern oilfields. Baghdad says the deals are illegal.
A request from the Kurdish bloc to disregard Saturday's first reading
and to re-submit it for review was ignored by parliament, Kurdish
The disagreement halted exports from Iraqi Kurdistan last year. Iraqi
member Fouad Masoum said.
Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahristani said this month Kurdish oil was
expected to flow early next year.
Any complaints over the first reading of the budget had to be sub¬
mitted to the financial committee before the second reading of the
Mohammed Kiyani, a Kurdish politician, said lawmakers had tem¬
budget on Tuesday, Masoum added.
porarily walked out on the first reading of the budget in parliament
after hearing that the Kurdish share would be slashed each time the
flow of crude stopped.
"If the export of oil stops, at any time and for any reason, the revenue
for that amount will be cut from the Kurdish share of the budget. It's
not fair and it's a collective punishment against Kurdish people,"
38
Output from the Kurdish region is seen as a key to boosting exports,
which provide Iraq with about 95 percent of its federal revenue.
Shahristani, the architect of plans to turn Iraq into a top global oil
producer, is to be reappointed oil minister when a new cabinet is
revealed on Monday, senior officials told Reuters on Saturday.
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
£tMmèt
22 décembre 2010
Le cinéaste iranien Jafar Panahi; opposé
au régime, est condamné à six ans de prison
Le réalisateur du « Ballon blanc », jugé en secret, est interdit d'exercer son métier durant vingt ans
Six années de prison assorties
d'une interdiction pour une
durée de vingt ans de tourner
des films, de sortir du territoire et
de donner le moindre entretien
aux médias : voilà la sentence qui
vient de frapper le cinéaste iranien
Jafar Panahi, selon une déclaration
de. son avocate, Farideh Gheirat,
lundi 20 décembre, qui a fait appel
de cette décision. Motifs de la
condamnationinvoqués : «Partici¬
pation à des rassemblements et
propagande contre le régime. »
Voici riçuf mois que le réalisa¬
teur, l'un des plus talentueux de
son pays et l'un des plus reconnus
hors de ses frontières, fait l'objet de
la part des autorités d'une persécu¬
tion qui tient de la farce kafkaïen¬
ne dans un pays où le pouvoir et les
cinéastes jouent de longue date au
j eu du chat et de la souris .
Tout a commencé lors des mou¬
vements de protestation consécu¬
tifs à la réélection - contestée - du
Jafar Panahi Ie30 août à Téhéran, après sa libération sous caution le 25 mai. attà kenare/afp
président Mahmoud Ahmadine¬
jad en juin 2009. Tandis qu'il pré¬
cinéaste, alors emprisonné, à faire
l'arbitraire politique et de l'injusti¬
tellectuel
pare un film basé sur ces événe¬
partie de son jury.
ce
pour qui cet événement confirme
sociale.
C'est,
pour
ne
rien
Bernard-Henri
Lévy
gâcher, un immense artiste, qui trô¬
que Téhéran « a déclaré la guerre à
mad Rasoulof, qui ècope aujour¬
bre,
en
ne avec Abbas Kiarostami, dont il
ses artistes». Le ministre de la
d'hui de la même sentence, Jafar
conviant le réalisateur, assigné à
fut assistant, au firmament du
culture, Frédéric Mitterrand, a de
Panahi est arrêté à son domicile le
résidence, à accompagner un court-
cinéma d'auteur iranien et qui a
son côté fait part de son « indigna¬
i"mars 2010, ainsi que sa femme
métrage inédit récemment tour¬
reçu à ce titre de multiples récom¬
tion » après le «pseudo-jugement»
et sa fille, et détenu à la prison d'E-
né. C'est enfinle Festival internatio¬
penses dans les festivals internatio¬
qui frappe le cinéaste.
vin, à Téhéran.
nal du film de Berlin qui a deman¬
naux : Caméra d'or à Cannes pour
Joint par téléphone en septem¬
Libéré sous, caution le 25 mai
dé à Jafar Panahi de faire partie de
Le Ballon blanc (1995), Lion d'or à
bre 2010. alors que son visa pour
après une détention de trois mois
.son jury en février 2011. A cette
Venise pour Le.Cercle (2000), prix
Venise lui était refusé, Jafar Panahi
et une grève de la faim d'une
chaîne de solidarité des trois plus
Un certain regard à Cannes pour
avait eu cçs mots : «Les droits de
semaine, le cinéaste est finale¬
grands festivals du monde se sont
Sang et or (2003).
l'homme
ment jugé le 7 novembre dans le
ajoutées des pétitions de réalisa¬
plus grand secret. Il tient devant
teurs du monde entier, y compris
ses
en provenance d'Hollywood, avec
Le verdict qui vient de tomber
bleàcellequeconnaîtlepaysaujour-
les signatures de- Steven Spielberg,
est donc une très mauvaise nouvel¬
d'hui L'atmosphère est irrespirable,
Martin Scorsese ou Tim Burton.
le pour l'Iran et pour le cinéma. Il a
la population se sent méprisée. Or, le
ments avec le réalisateur Moham¬
accusateurs
d'une
dignité
et
un
plaidoyer
d'un
courage
exemplaires.
La Mostra de Venise, en septem¬
lui
emboîtait
le
pas
sont
bafoues
en
Iran
depuis trente ans, mais on n'avait
Vives réactions
jamais atteint une situation sembla-
De fait, le pouvoir iranien ne
d'ôrés et déjà suscité de vives réac¬
mépris et l'humiliation, c'est ce qu'il
venant
s'est pas trompé de cible. Jafar
tions, telle celle du délégué géné¬
y a de pire pour l'homme. Celapour-
d'abord du milieu du cinéma. Le
Panahi, 50 ans, est certainement le
ral du Festival de Cannes, Thierry
raitnous conduire à une situation
Festival de Cannes' a lancé le mou¬
cinéaste le plus engagé, à travers
Frémaux, qui prépare un comité
totalement incontrôlable.»
vement en mai 2010, en invitant le
ses films, dans la dénonciation de
de soutien, ou encore celle de l'in
Le soutien international s'est
manifesté
très
vite,
Jacques Mandèlbaum
39
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
22 DÉCEMBRE 2010
Iran et Turquie: le rapprochement politique et
économique de deux géants
TEHERAN - L'Iran et la Turquie
n'ont cessé de se rapprocher ces
dernières années sur le plan politi¬
que
mais
aussi
économique,
la
Turquie devenant un allié de poids
pour les Iraniens dans leurs délica¬
tes négociations nucléaires.
Le
président
iranien
Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad et son nouveau chef de
la diplomatie Ali Akbar Salehi partici¬
peront jeudi à Istanbul à un sommet
économique régional.
Cette visite intervient alors que la
Le président iranien Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
Le président iranien Mahmoud Ahmadinejad et
Turquie, qui joue l'intermédiaire entre
(G) et son homologue turc Abdullah Giil, le 7
le Premier ministre turc Recep Tayyip Erdogan,
Téhéran et l'Occident dans son bras de
juin 2010 à Istanbul AFP/Archh/es/Bulent Kilic
le 17 mai 2010 à Téhéran AFP/Archives/Atta Kenare
fer sur le nucléaire, doit accueillir fin
janvier les discussions entre l'Iran et le
groupe
5+1
(Etats-Unis,
France,
Elle
a
également
voté
contre
la
veut également renforcer ses relations
résolution du Conseil de sécurité de
commerciales
l'ONU du 9 juin, renforçant les sanc¬
réduire
Allemagne), après la reprise des négo¬
tions
unis
ciations
contre l'Iran.
Grande-Bretagne,
Russie,
nucléaires
à
Chine
Genève
et
début
décembre.
"La Turquie est un pays puissant,
avec
une
position
stratégique
et
des
le
économiques
internationales
avec
la place
dans
son
la
des
Turquie
Emirats
commerce
pour
arabes
extérieur,
après les restrictions bancaires impo¬
Peu avant, elle avait présenté avec
sées par les Emirats à la suite des sanc¬
Brésil
tions économiques internationales.
une
proposition
nucléaire
L'Iran qui exporte déjà quotidien¬
entre l'Iran et les grandes puissances,
nement entre 15 et 18 millions de m3
rels avec l'Iran", a déclaré M. Salehi
visant à faciliter un compromis sur le
vers la Turquie, a signé en juillet un
soulignant
dossier nucléaire, mais qui a été rejetée
contrat d'un milliard d'euros avec une
par les grandes puissances.
compagnie
relations
avec
le
la
renforcement
Turquie
était
des
une
"priorité".
de
l'Iran
points communs idéologiques et cultu¬
que
d'échange
et
combustible
Le rapprochement de la Turquie et
turque
pour la
construc¬
tion d'un gazoduc de 660 km qui per¬
Longtemps considéré comme l'allié
de l'Iran, qui comptent à eux deux plus
mettra d'exporter chaque jour 60 mil¬
stratégique et même militaire d'Israël
de 150 millions d'habitants, s'est égale¬
lions de m3 de gaz d'ici trois ans vers
la Turquie et l'Europe.
dans la région, la Turquie s'est rappro¬
ment accompagné d'un renforcement
chée des pays arabes et de l'Iran, en
des relations économiques et commer¬
Enfin, geste particulièrement signi¬
particulier
ciales qui ont atteint 10 milliards de
ficatif, M. Erdogan, lui-même sunnite
après
l'offensive
d'Israël
contre la bande de Gaza en décembre
dollars, selon les clùffres officiels, avec
qui dirige un gouvernement islamo-
2008 puis l'attaque de la marine israé¬
pour objectif commun de les faire pas¬
conservateur,
lienne contre une flottille d'aide huma¬
ser à 30 milliards de dollars entre 2013
Istanbul
nitaire
et 2015.
destinée
à
Gaza
au
cours
duquel neuf Turcs ont été tués. Ce qui
a
provoqué
une
vive
colère
de
la
En
septembre
aux
d'Achoura,
dernier,
le
Premier
a
participé
en présence
affaires
appelé à un "rapprochement économi¬
suprême
intervenu,
que avec l'Iran", notamment la signa¬
Khamenei.
Ankara a retiré en août l'Iran de la liste
ture d'un accord de préférence com¬
des pays constituant une menace pour
merciale, en dépit des pressions occi¬
à
elle, selon le document définissant la
dentales.
donné un large écho.
Signe
du
changement
sécurité nationale du pays.
à
chiites
d'Ali Akbar
Velayati, principal conseiller pour les
ministre turc Recep Tayyip Erdogan a
Turquie contre Israël.
jeudi
cérémonies
internationales
iranien
du
guide
l'ayatollah
Ali
Une première dans un pays sunnite
laquelle
les
médias
iraniens
ont
Selon la presse iranienne, Téhéran
Un général assassiné, sa fille blessée à Bagdad
BAGDAD, 23 déc 2010 (AFP)
Egalement dans l'ouest de la capitale, à Amriya, le lieutenant-colonel de
police Majid Hamid, a été blessé mercredi soir dans les mêmes circons¬
UN GÉNÉRAL de l'armée irakienne a été tué et sa fille blessée par
40
tances, ont précisé ces sources.
des inconnus qui ont ouvert le feu avec des armes automatiques
Les insurgés multiplient les attaques contre des militaires et policiers pour
munies de silencieux, ont indiqué jeudi des sources aux ministères
tenter de désorganiser les forces de sécurité. Le Premier ministre Nouri al-
de l'Intérieur et de la Défense.
Maliki a placé la sécurité à la tête de ses priorités.
L'officier supérieur Imad Hachem, qui appartient à la sixième division de
Par ailleurs, dans la ville multiethnique de Kirkouk, à 240 km au nord de
l'armée déployée à Bagdad, a été tué mercredi soir à Mansour, dans
Bagdad, la police a découvert le corps de Barbaras Mohammad Habib, un
l'ouest de Bagdad, alors qu'il circulait en voiture avec sa fille. L'âge de
membre de l'Union patriotique du Kurdistan (UPK de Jalal Talabani), criblé
cette dernière n'a pas été précisée.
de dix balles, a indiqué le colonel de police Azad Abdallah.
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
r=~
Iraq,s poHtica! Impas
EndS)
Cabinet Approved
Maliki Government Voted In by Parliament, Closing 10-Month
Leadership Vacuum; Obama Hails 'Major Step Forward'
Parliament, as part of a U.S.-backed
power-sharing
deal
agreed
to
last
month among Iraq's biggest sectarian
and ethnic factions.
"We announce our full support for
this government, and we will carry out
our effective and productive role.. .as
long as we find a reciprocal spirit,"
said
Mr.
Allawi
in
a
speech
to
Parliament.
The U.S. and Iranian ambassadors to
Iraq were both in attendance for the
ceremonial vote.
A
spokesman
for
U.N.
Secretary-
General Ban Ki-moon congratulated
Mr.
Maliki
on
his
confirmation
as
The new Iraqi government is seen during a swearing in ceremony
Prime
in Baghdad, Iraq, Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2010.
Minister
government
and
welcomed
formation
as
"a
the
major
step forward in Iraq's democratic pro¬
gress." He called on the new govern¬
ment to "address the major challenges
In
By SAM DAGHER
unscripted
Parliament,
comments
Mr.
Maliki
before
expressed
frustration with a complex system of
BAGHDAD,
officially
Iraq's
Parliament
approved
a
second
rian quotas.
Among
al-Maliki and his partial cabinet
"Everyone is upset with me," he said,
after a tribal sheikh, excluded from a
grueling
had
political
stretched
ending
impasse
for
a
that
nearly
10
post he had been coveting, stood up
and began shouting.
confirmed
on
oil minister. He didn't run in the elec¬
tions but is allied to Mr. Maliki. Mr.
Luaiby, a senior oil official, succeeded
his boss Hussein al-Shahristani, who
months since inconclusive elec¬
tions in March.
ministers
Tuesday was Abdul Kareem Luaiby as
lineup
Tuesday,
nal reconciliation, reconstruction and
long-term stability."
governance based on ethnic and secta¬
term for Prime Minister Nouri
on
that face the country, including natio¬
was given a new job with more power
Mr. Maliki himself will take on the
defense,
interior and
U.S. President Barack Obama called
rity portfolios
the government formation a "signifi¬
Parliamentarians
cant moment" in the country's history
vote later in the week on the creation
and a "major step forward." He also
of a new national-policy post set aside
called it a "clear rejection" of sectarian
for
extremism.
Allawi,
Mr.
on
Maliki's
despite
an
as deputy premier for energy.
national-secu¬
interim basis.
were
expected to
chief rival,
lingering
Ayad
disagree¬
ments over its scope and powers.
Parliament
also
approved
Hoshyar
Zebari, a member of the Kurdish bloc,
to retain his post as foreign minister.
Rafie al-Issawi, a Sunni Arab who is
currently one
ministers,
of two
was
deputy prime
approved
as
finance
minister.
The formal and largely symbolic vote
was expected, and it came after Mr.
Mr.
Maliki submitted picks for much of his
bloc won the most seats in Parliament
Allawi's
predominantly
Sunni
cabinet Monday evening. He had said
in March but failed to cobble together
that several posts would be taken up
a governing coalition. That forced Mr.
on an interim basis as political horse-
Allawi to join a unity government hea¬
trading continued.
ded by Mr. Maliki and dominated by
The total number of cabinet posts-
including
including
American cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.
his conservative Islamist Shiite allies,
Mr.
Maliki's
own also
the
movement
of
anti-
Largely
absent
from
lineup were women,
about
a
quarter
of
the
cabinet
who
make up
the
325-seat
Parliament. One woman was named
in
Mr.
Maliki's
cabinet,
triggering
angry shouts by some during the ses¬
sion Tuesday against their exclusion
in the government. The minister of
state for women's affairs was one of
grew, to 45 from 42 on Monday eve¬
the 10 portfolios filled temporarily
ning, in an apparent bid to placate
Members
parties jostling for posts. Ten of those
confirmed
45 portfolios were left unfilled as of
Tuesday. An additional Allawi ally had
late Tuesday.
previously been
of Mr. Allawi's bloc were
in
12
cabinet
named
posts
speaker
by Mr. Zebari, the foreign minister.
on
of
41
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
institute for war & peace reporting
22
December 2010
Kirkukis Dismiss Time Bomb Fears
Residents of disputed area say they get along pretty well, claiming politicians
are behind talk of rising tensions.
By Samah Samad - Iraq - ICR Issue 363
DHE IRAQI government s decision to postpone a nationwide
census has once more cast Kirkuk as an obstacle to poli¬
tical progress, but long-time residents say the contested
province has an undeserved reputation.
The census, which would be the first for Iraq since 1987 and had
been scheduled for December 5, was postponed indefinitely last
week in order to avert potential violence in disputed areas such as
Kirkuk, and to examine the inclusion and wording of certain ques¬
tions, specifically one pertaining to ethnicity.
Contested
ethnically-mixed
areas
include
parts
of the
Nineveh,
Diyala and Tamin govemorates, but ownership of the oil-rich city of
Kirkuk has always been the key issue. This ancient city, reportedly
the home of the tomb of the biblical prophet Daniel, is claimed as an
ancestral homeland by Kurds, Arabs, Turkomans and Christians.
* Kirkuk residents survey the aftermath of a triple car bomb
attack in November. Fear of violence in disputed areas such as
Because of its rich ethnic and religious diversity, Kirkuk has been
Kirkuk has forced the delay of Iraq's nationwide census,
dubbed Little Iraq, a microcosm of the nation as a whole. Since the
but native Kirkukis say reports of ethnic tension are overblown.
toppling of Saddam Hussein s regime in 2003, however, the city and
(Photo: Metrography)
its oil have been caught in a power struggle between Baghdad and
Erbil, capital of the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region.
The census, which was mandated in the Iraqi constitution to be held
in 2007, still appears to a long way off. Kurdish lawmaker Mahmud
Othman described the delay of the census as the result of deep mis¬
Although he supports a census, Mohydin feels that questions requi¬
ring a declaration of ethnicity continue to overlook the integration that
made Kirkuk a successful city in the past.
trust between political groups . But Kirkuk locals say such disputes
In all aspects of everyday life, the original people of Kirkuk are close
do not reach the street level or the bazaar where merchants of diffe¬
to each other. You can see it in all the old, mixed neighbourhoods.
rent ethnic groups conduct business side-by-side.
Only the politicians make these problems,
Kirkuk has long been seen as a hotbed of ethnic and sectarian rivalry,
Archbishop Louis Sako,
but while nationalistic passions remain high long-time residents still
community in Kirkuk, agrees. Sako, who earned a masters degree in
Mohydin said.
leader of the ancient Chaldean Christian
coexist in relative harmony. Analysts say that if violence erupts in the
Islamic studies in Rome and a doctorate in Iraqi history from the
province it is likely to be provoked by rival political forces from out¬
Sorbonne, is known as a mediator between Kirkuk's different groups.
side Kirkuk.
This city has been diverse with many different religions and cultures
Although
there
has
been
sporadic violence
in
the
city of some
since the first century,
he said.
I have heard all the reports about
800,000 people for many years, native Kirkukis say these outbreaks
tension between different groups but I don't see it among my congre¬
are between newcomers, especially the new wave of Kurdish immi¬
gation or in the mixed neighbourhoods where the long-time Kirkukis
grants and Arabs who were given incentives to relocate to the city
during the Saddam era.
live.
The same opinion is held by Colonel Larry Swift, formerly the com¬
The political bickering and intermittent violence do not affect relations
manding
between long-standing Kirkukis who have lived in ethnically-mixed
Forward Operating Base Warrior. Swift recounted being told in dra¬
neighbourhoods for many generations, a range of community lea¬
matic terms by an analyst before he arrived that Kirkuk was a
ders, politicians and security force members told IWPR.
bomb .
The reports about sectarian tension escalating in Kirkuk are ground¬
less,
Abdul Rasheed, 40, a Sunni Arab schoolteacher, said.
These
reports come from the media arms of the political parties and are cir¬
culated by those who have an interest in the political deterioration of
Kirkuk.
side-by-side
at
the
It s not a time bomb,
United
he said.
States
base
in
Kirkuk
known
as
time
Kirkuk is not a Bosnia or a West
Bank. For that type of situation to happen you would need congeni¬
tal hatred on the street level, and that's just not here.
Experts agree that the census will provide much-needed demogra¬
phic information for civic planners charged with reviving the moribund
The ethnic groups of Kirkuk are often related to each other and have
lived
officer
since
ancient times.
Intermarriage
is still
education,
health,
housing,
and
transportation
sectors.
It
is
also
quite
meant to determine who can vote in a subsequent referendum on
common. These ties will not be affected by political tensions or the
whether Kirkuk would be governed by Baghdad or included in the
census, if they ever have one.
Kurdistan region.
The reason Kirkuk has drawn comparisons to deeply divided areas
But native residents, such as community leader Mohydin, say that
such as Beirut is because so many different groups lay claim to it,
Kirkuk should be left to govern itself.
locals and analysts say. Kurdish leaders have vowed to include the
city in Kurdistan, while Sunni Arabs and Turkomans claim such a
move would further marginalise them.
He says he remembers when the city was known for its togetherness,
adding,
I think Kirkuk could be a lesson in how different people can
live together peacefully in Iraq.
But lifelong Kirkuk resident and community organiser Ihsan Mohydin,
63, scoffs at reports that the possibility of a census has created
street-level ethnic tension in his hometown. Mohydin, a Kurd, says
that he has relatives who are Turkomans, Arabs and Christians.
42
Samah Samad is an IWPR-trained journalist.
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
22 December 2010
iMfSlAMAI
Bilingual debate turns into autonomy
discussion, triggering wave of criticism
AYSE KARABAT, ANKARA
The bilingual
debate,
kicked
off
by a pro-Kurdish party, entered
a predicament yesterday when the
Diyarbakir
Office
Public
launched
into
the
Prosecutor's
an
investigation
decisions
Democratic
of
Society
the
Congress
(DTK), which transformed the dis¬
cussion into a demand for
demo¬
cratic autonomy.
Abdullah
leader
of
Workers'
mind
Ocalan,
the
Party
behind
autonomy,
define.
(PKK),
the
a
imprisoned
is
idea
term
The
the
outlawed
no
Kurdistan
the
of
master¬
democratic
one
can
pro-Kurdish
BDP Co-chairman Selahattin Demirtas and other BDP officials are seen in
Parliament on their way to the office of Parliament Speaker Mehmet Ali Sahin
for a meeting.
clearly
Peace
and
should refrain from making statements
Democracy
Party
(BDP)
argues
the
nic country,
that might agitate the society.
Demirtas told reporters.
Responding to a question,
term refers to strong local government,
he said
other parties
Demirtas said the aim of the mee¬
are suspicious that it would lead to the
ting was to correct misunderstandings.
Kurdish in Parliament, but that some of
use of a separate language and flag,
We told him that his remarks targeting
his party s members said a few words in
which they argue is out of the question.
political
Kurdish in order to highlight the issue.
but the government and
parties
harm
politics.
His
they
approach was very positive. We hope
BDP
Co-chairman
Selahattin
on
met
that this meeting will serve the process
Demirtas
Tuesday
with
positively,
he said and added that they
Parliament Speaker Mehmet Ali Sahin
had also submitted a booklet on demo¬
to discuss
democratic autonomy,
but
cratic autonomy.
the meeting was also
public
tension
that
meant to
flared
up
The
DTK,
which
comprises
of civil
society organizations and
pro-
Sahin recently criticized the BDP
Kurdish
politicians,
shared
their
after some of its members used Kurdish
demand for democratic autonomy with
on the floor of the General Assembly in
the public over the weekend. The text
Parliament. The debate heated up after
suggests
several
BDP
members
opened
that the
construct
debate
on
the
national
flag
society,
in
order to
the
and
the
democratic
autonomy
lan¬
model, should be organized in eight dif¬
guage.
The
parliament
speaker
on
ferent dimensions,
among
them
politi¬
several occasions reminded them that
cal, legal, social, economic, diplomatic,
speaking
in
a
language
other
than
ecological,
socio-political
and
self
Turkish in Parliament is forbidden and
defense
that
public
prosecutors
should
- a concept that is not clear
take
but aims to establish a security force.
The text also mentions the adoption
parliament speaker urged
of the Kurdish flag and other symbols as
everyone to respect national laws and
well as education
assembly
rules
forbidding
the
use
in
Kurdish from kin¬
of
dergarten
through
university.
The
text
languages other than Turkish in official
also
underlines
that
their
representatives
Kurds
will
send
platforms. Sahin warned BDP members
against raising tension
in the
political
debate
and
asked
to
Parliament
to
national
participate
them
in
national
politics
but that
to
they
will
have
their
own
local
to
speak
in
language is
But other languages must be
given freedom and should be able to be
used in media, the public sector and in
Sahin,
he said.
while
answering
questions
from reporters on the meeting, said he
had asked Demirtas to explain the rela¬
tionship between the DTK and the BDP.
Demirtas told
independent
me
that the
civilian
DTK
initiative.
is an
He
told
me that some of their colleagues had
suggested
a
separate
flag
and
a
defense force but that this was only an
idea and that the BDP has not launched
an
initiative
to
Parliament
s
bring
these
agenda,
issues
Sahin
to
said,
adding that any subject or law can be
discussed in Parliament.
action to ensure it does not happen.
The
demanding
Of course the official
Turkish.
many
prominent intellectuals, representatives
between the BDP and Sahin.
not
education,
lower
recently
are
parlia¬
refrain from using any language other
Also
on
Monday,
Demirtas,
after
meeting with the DTK, said all authority
is concentrated in the center and their
aim is to change this situation, adding
that it would not be only for the Kurds
but also for other parts of Turkey
such
as in Antalya and Izmir, where such an
administrative model is needed.
ments as well.
than Turkish.
We warned
gues in that regard,
our collea¬
he said after mee¬
He underlined that the nation-state
Demirtas underlined that some parts
of the text are unclear but said he is pre¬
ting with Demirtas.
pared to have a discussion over demo¬
According to the account given to
cratic autonomy.
We suggesting self-administration.
is
part
of
also
Turkey
is
need
a
confessional
to
change
multilingual
country.
He
because
and
multi-
noted
that
Turkey can be divided into 20 regional
reporters by Sahin following the mee¬
ting, the BDP promised to not speak in
should
our
party
program.
administrations.
Turkish will of course
Kurdish in Parliament. Sahin told repor¬
This
If
be the official language in these admi¬
ters
nistrations. The Turkish flag will be the
especially
Turkey switches to a strong local admi¬
deputies in Parliament - should be very
nistration model, this will require consti¬
main
careful when it comes to the indivisibility
tutional
should
of the nation. He added that all parties
multicultural,
that
everyone
-
but
amendments.
We
multilingual
suggest
and
a
multieth
flag.
be
But
local
apart from
flags
and
this,
there
languages.
Democracy can be enhanced when the
43
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
state gets minimized,
he said.
Bahceli: This can go until indepen¬
dent Kurdistan
The
nomy
demand
met
for democratic
fierce
criticism
of a state system that is based on diffe¬
the
rent languages, flags, parliaments and
against the idea of people being allowed
defense forces.
to learn their mother tongues.
In the last stage, there will be efforts
auto¬
from
the
to establish
an
independent
Kurdistan
unitary
Ruling
Party
(AK
state
Justice
Party)
structure
and
with the land taken from Syria and Iran
chairman
terday.
also,
overstepping its limits.
Bahceli
MHP leader Devlet Bahceli claimed
that
the
BDP
is
challenging
the
he said.
Tayyip
said
Erdogan
Prime
had
Minister Recep
encouraged
all
is
Kilic
not
Development
parliamentary
Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) yes¬
Suat
but
said
the
group
BDP
is
The BDP is acting as if it were the
representative
of
all
Kurds.
Both
in
Constitution and the law and aims to stir
these discussions by initiating what he
general and local elections, we are the
up a popular uprising.
called the
ones
Everyone should act with common
sense in these difficult days,
he told his
deputies at a meeting of his party s par¬
rence
gual
speeches
and
democratic
auto¬
in refe¬
very
Party
Kilicdarolu
has
there
are
ethnicities
other
than
the
Turkish nation in Turkey as a founding
element of the republic. He claimed that
this will first be written in the Constitution
and then followed by the establishment
immMzm
December 25,
Aydogan,
sions
on
demands
separation.
that
(CHP)
kept
solve
the
Republican
leader
his
votes
Kemal
silence
over
speaking
Monday
at
deputy
budget
night,
lead
He said
the
the
said
Ergun
discus¬
these
country
in
the
Kurds
Kilic said on a TV show on
Monday night.
In the
meantime,
the Office of the
President said yesterday that President
Abdullah Gul will be visiting Diyarbakir, a
predominantly
Balikesir
might
most
want this ,
to
nomy is to force people to accept that
CHP
the
initiative
these issues.
Only
get
region. It is not right to claim that
interesting
s
who
government-launched
Kurdish problem. He emphasized that it
People
He claimed that the aim of the bilin¬
the
democratization
is
liamentary group.
separation initiative,
to
Kurdish
province
in the
Southeast, on Dec. 31. This will be his
second visit to the province since being
elected president in 2007.
to
CHP defends
Iraqi Christians mark safer
2010
Christmas in Kurdistan
By Namo Abdulla (Reuters)
On some major streets in Ainkawa,
AINKAWA, Iraq
- Ammar Ablahad
children stood together in anticipation of
fled Baghdad to the northern Iraqi region
Santa Claus. Every year, local men dres¬
of Kurdistan just last week, determined to
sed in red costumes drive through town in
celebrate Christmas with his wife and
a pick-up truck, distributing gifts to local
baby without fear of attack.
children.
"There's a 100 percent difference,"
In Arbil, the capital of Iraqi
said Ablahad, 32, a civil engineer who
Kurdistan, upscale shopping centres such
joined thousands of other Iraqi Christians
as the Majidi Mall are decorated with
fleeing to the safer north after deadly
Christmas trees and festooned with ban¬
attacks and persistent militant threats
ners that say "Merry Christmas".
against a dwindling Christian population.
"It's become impossible to have
In the worst recent attack, 52 people
something like this in Baghdad," said
died at Baghdad's Our Lady of Salvation
Ablahad, huddling in the cold outside an
church on Oct. 3 1 when security forces
stormed the church after militants took
hostages during Sunday mass.
Pope Benedict said in his annual
Ainkawa church with his family.
Kurdistan has been an oasis of rela¬
week that some 1,000 Christian families,
area became a semi-autonomous enclave
roughly 6,000 people, had fled to Iraqi
Christmas message that he hoped the
under Western protection. The region has
Kurdistan from Baghdad, Mosul and
holiday would bring consolation to
earned the reputation of being a safe
other areas. Iraq's Christians once numbe¬
Christians in Iraq and all the Middle East,
haven in an otherwise dangerous country.
red about 1.5 million. There are now
where the Vatican fears that violence such
On Christmas Eve, thousands of wor¬
as the October attack is fuelling a
shippers crowded into Ainkawa's Mar
Christian exodus.
Yousuf church and its outside yard, deco¬
Fearing further bloodshed, several
church leaders in cities such as Baghdad -
- which is still plagued by almost daily
attacks
have urged Christians to keep
believed to be about 850,000 out of a
population estimated at 30 million.
Bayan Awdesh, 50, said even her
rated with bright lights and a big
Muslim neighbours were getting into the
Christmas tree.
Christmas spirit.
Dozens of policemen with machine
"They have bought a Christmas tree
guns stood guard outside the church.
as well," she said, as she made last-
Christmas low-key this year and limit
Authorities stepped up security and erec¬
minute purchases in the Boto Bazaar.
celebrations to prayers and mass.
ted checkpoints outside the town to ward
The threat of fresh violence has led
Iraqi security forces to erect high blast
several churches in Baghdad. Holiday
decorations were noticeably absent.
But about 300 km (190 miles) further
north, in Ainkawa and other Kurdish
But for some of the refugees, sorrow
off any attack, said Lieutenant Rawaz
over the lives they left behind means
Azad, director of Ainkawa's traffic police.
Christmas is no longer a cause for joy.
walls topped with barbed wire around
44
The U.N. refugee agency said last
tive calm in Iraq since 1991, when the
"I won't celebrate because I have no
SANTA CLAUS AND JINGLE
BELLS
Outside the Mar Yousuf church, cars
inched forward in a traffic jam, as the
money," said Hekanosh Harkuon, a for¬
mer university professor from Baghdad,
as she shopped for winter clothes for her
four daughters.
towns, the mood is festive. Churches are
song Jingle Bells blared from a car ste¬
decked out with fluorescent lights and
reo. Many of the cars were covered in
guard," added Harkuon. "He's our sole
holiday banners, and Christmas music
colourful streamers, or had Santa Claus
source of income."
blares out in the streets.
toys on the dashboard.
"My husband is a church security
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
Hlirriyet
^Mf^
December 23, 2010
DailyNews.<«nt~ %
Turkey s pro-Kurdish party tries to calm
democratic autonomy
furor
ANKARA - Hurriyet Daily News
Turkey s main pro-Kurdish party
has no intention of dividing the
country with
lism and
its
calls for bilingua-
democratic autonomy,
but
rather seeks total decentralization, its
co-leader said Thursday.
I am sure we can persuade whoever
we talk to about our model
General
Staff,
the
MHP
be it the
[opposition
Nationalist Movement Party]
president,
Selahattin
or
the
Demirta_,
co-
leader of the pro-Kurdish Peace and
Democracy Party, or BDP, told daily
Radikal on Thursday.
Attempting
reactions
to
to
moderate
the
the
harsh
presentation
weekend of a model of
last
democratic
Selahattin Demirtas (R), co-leader of the pro-Kurdish BDP, is greeted by party sup¬
autonomy
by the Democratic Society
porters. AA photo
Congress, or DTK, an umbrella orga¬
nization for pro-Kurdish groups, the
BDP chief emphasized that the topic of
[Kandil] Mountains?
discussion was just a proposal.
he asked, refer¬
the outlawed PKK, which is listed as a
ring to the northern Iraq base of the
terrorist organization by Turkey, the
We
outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party, or
United
gave the opportunity to the govern¬
PKK. We try to strengthen politics, we
Union, declared a unilateral ceasefire
ment
try
earlier this
We
proposed
and
the
However,
they
a
concrete
state
to
offer.
score
scored
an
a
goal.
own-goal,
to
Kurdish
stress
the
problem]
[to
the
is in politics,
solution
he
States
and
year.
He
the
European
said the
right
steps toward a solution to the Kurdish
he said.
said.
Claiming the government was trying
The
to create a perception that the ruling
begun drafting new constitutions that
start,
Justice
will be shared with the people after
ties could be restrained since there
next
will be a race for votes.
issue should be taken immediately, in
two months
AKP,
and
Development
Party,
or
was doing well [in addressing
BDP
year
the Kurdish issue], but BDP has rui¬
Milliyet
ned
draft
it,
Demirta_
criticized
Prime
and
s
presenting a better local adrninistra-
the
tion
autonomy.
He
said
whenever
the
the
the
term
daily
DTK
refers
Autonomous
BDP uses
separately
elections,
While
reportedly
Democratic
project.
general
reported.
Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoan for not
BDP worked to reinstate places
DTK have
to
time at the most.
Three
months later the election process will
he said.
Then no political par¬
s
a
Kurdistan,
democratic
Though he said the latest discussions
were
unfortunate
and the process
was risky, Dernirta_ emphasized that
there is still hope, stressing that the
latest ceasefire is different than pre¬
origi¬
nal Kurdish names, it faced harsh cri¬
The BDP has two basic messages that
vious ones.
ticism, even though the idea was origi¬
it can convince anyone to agree with,
PKK and the state,
nally a government effort.
Demirta_ said:
that
Our purpose is not
dividing the country [and] we suggest
Faced with potential threats to close
that a model of decentralization will
his party, the BDP leader emphasized
carry Turkey forward.
this
It s a ceasefire for both the
poses
an
he said, adding
opportunity
that
should be used.
the importance of pro-Kurdish politi¬
cal groups
in resolving the Kurdish
The
pro-Kurdish
politician
also
If the BDP and
argued that the recent reactions by the
DTK don t talk, then what will hap¬
government and the military have led
pen?
to the most dangerous process since
problem in Turkey.
Will
everybody
go
to
the
45
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
23 décembre 2010
IRAK
Les Kurdes se perfectionnent dans
l'art de la politique
Le congrès du Parti démocratique du Kurdistan (PDK), principal parti au pouvoir dans la région
autonome du Kurdistan d'Irak, s'est déroulé au mois de décembre. Le parti, autrefois composé
en majorité de combattants anti-Saddam Hussein, est en pleine mutation démocratique et voit
émerger une nouvelle classe politique, plus occidentalisée, jeune et féminine.
Mete Cubukcu | Radikal
e
a
Parti
démocratique
du
Kurdistan d'Irak (PDK) qui veut
montrer de lui-même une image
nouvelle en prônant le "renouveau, la
justice et l'unité" sera-t-il en mesure
d'appliquer
son
programme?
Il
A
y
Massoud
Barzani, dirigeant du
figure désormais des concepts tels que
Parti démocratique
les droits de l'homme et de la femme,
du Kurdistan (PDK)
la transparence,
irakien, à Arbil, en
le partage équitable
Irak, le 11 décembre
des revenus, le respect de l'opposition
2010.
politique ou encore le plurilinguisme ?
Le congrès du PDK qui vient de se
dérouler à Erbil [siège du gouverne¬
ment
régional
du
Kurdistan
d'Irak]
devrait faire sentir ses effets non seu¬
était en augmentation.
semble
des
mouvements
y
a
fait le
déplacement jusqu'à Erbil,
dans l'opposition ou que le BDP, pro¬
reconnaissant
d'un
kurde - était patente, preuve supplé¬
semble de l'Irak. Le programme de ce
Barzani qui a réussi à dénouer la crise
mentaire d'une amélioration des rela¬
écrit en
maquis
dans
1946
les
l'importance
au pouvoir, que le CHP, kémaliste et
compris en Turquie, ainsi que sur l'en¬
parti,
lorsqu'il prit le
gouvernementale irakienne qui durait
tions entre les Kurdes irakiens et la
montagnes
depuis neuf mois. Tout le monde était
Turquie. D'ailleurs, c'est en vain que
du
Kurdistan, "est en train de redescendre
là
en ville" pour reprendre l'expression
Talabani,
Nouri
trace du PKK [mouvement séparatiste
de son leader Massoud Barzani
:
le président kurde irakien Jalal
le Premier
ministre
l'on cherchait lors de ce congrès une
Al-Maliki, le président du Parlement
kurde de Turquie] dont une partie de
ailleurs président de la région auto¬
Ossana
la
nome du Kurdistan]. Le PDK est ainsi
ministre Iyad Allaoui, sorti le premier
[par
Noudjaifi,
l'ancien
se
trouve
au
des
tème de politburo
pour tout douce¬
politique chiite. Des personnes qui se
ment se muer en un parti politique à
retrouvent rarement ensemble dans un
inimaginable il y a dix ans. La Turquie
l'occidentale plus social et plus libéral.
même endroit ont donc toutes partici¬
dispose ainsi désormais d'un consulat
Cela
la
pées au congrès du PDK. Celui-ci s'est
à
salle où se tenait le congrès. Certes,
ouvert avec le nouvel hymne national
Turkish Airlines va bientôt ouvrir une
d'ailleurs
dans
[combattants
irakien,
aussitôt
encore
militaire
Ammar Al Hakim,
ressentait
ou
direction
Kurdistan irakien. Le PDK s'est mon¬
mouvement de guérilla avec son sys¬
se
urnes en mars 2010,
Premier
en train d'abandonner sa dimension de
les anciens peshmergas
important
suivi
par
leader
l'hymne
tré suffisamment intelligent que pour
ne
pas
l'inviter.
Les
relations
entre
Erbil et Ankara ont atteint un niveau
Erbil,
ligne
la
vers
le
compagnie
Kurdistan
aérienne
irakien,
les
kurdes] avec leurs médailles n'ont pas
kurde sur fonds de drapeaux irakiens
banques
été oubliés et étaient encore visibles
et kurdes. Jalal Talabani, surnommé
ouvrir des succursales et plus de 120
mais l'ambiance a changé. La musique
en kurde Mam Jalal [Oncle Jalal], en
milles citoyens turcs travaillent dans
de fond diffusée tout au long de ce
tant que président irakien a fait son
la région.
congrès
musique
discours en arabe. Les représentants
musique
politiques turcs d'origine kurde, invi¬
n'était
kurde militante
46
kurdes,
tiques venues de Turquie - tant l'AKP
Toute la classe politique irakienne
lement sur le PDK mais aussi sur l'en¬
plus
mais
une
de
la
classique. De jeunes filles portant des
tés
habits traditionnels guidaient les parti¬
contrariés car ils ne parvenaient pas à
cipants dans une atmosphère marquée
bien comprendre le discours en langue
par une organisation sans
qui
kurde sorani de Massoud Barzani. Ils
n'avait que peu à voir avec la façon
parlent en effet une autre forme de la
faille
à Erbil,
semblaient quelque peu
dont les congrès de ce parti se dérou¬
langue kurde, le kurmandji, et aucune
laient auparavant. On a pu constater
traduction
n'avait
que les cadres du PDK se rajeunis¬
Toutefois,
l'attention
saient et que le nombre de femmes y
l'égard des délégations des partis poli-
été
prévue.
manifestée
à
turques
font
la
file
pour
Les Kurdes irakiens, qui ont jette
les bases de leurs nouvelles
institu¬
tions au début des années quatre-vingt
dix, veulent poursuivre ce processus
en
se
encore
démocratisant,
du
chemin
à
mais
ils
parcourir.
ont
En
effet, le seul parti d'opposition auto¬
risé, Goran (Changement), n'avait pas
été convié au congrès du PDK.
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
23 décembre 2010
En Irak, un gouvernement et un peu d'espoir
e n'est pas encore une situa¬
des influences régionales conflic¬
place à la coalition de M. Allawi
tion normalisée, loin de là,
tuelles : l'Iran soutient les partis
dans un gouvernement qui se veut
mais l'Irak a accompli mar¬
chiites, l'Arabie Saoudite la cause
une équipe d'« unité nationale ».
La formule est très optimiste
te, un sunnite, Ossana Noudjaifi, à
la présidence du Parlement, et un
Kurde, Jalal Talabani, à la tête de
l'Etat, l'Irak s'installe dans un par¬
di 21 décembre un pas dans la bon¬
des sunnites, et, au milieu, les
ne direction. En accordant sa
Etats-Unis, encore omniprésents,
dans un pays où l'invasion améri¬
tage du pouvoir entre ses trois
confiance au gouvernement de
cherchent à se retirer en bon
caine a provoqué un terrible
grandes communautés.
coalition laborieusement formé
ordre après avoir envahi le pays
affrontement entre chiites et sun¬
Barack Obama s'est félicité de
nites - lequel fait encore des dizai¬
la formation du gouvernement
Nouri Al-Maliki, le Parlement ira¬
nes de morts chaque mois. L'équi¬
Maliki. Il y voit un pas de plus
kien permet au pays de sortir
pe gouvernementale reste à com¬
vers une normalisation qui pour¬
par le premier ministre sortant,
d'une longue crise politique : il a
en 2003.
Editorial
pléter, mais sa composition repo¬
se sur un arrangement fragile.
fallu neuf mois, depuis les élec¬
tions de mars, pour arriver au
Les élections de mars n'ont pas
Si M. Maliki reste le chef du gou¬
rait accélérer le calendrier du
retrait américain. Les Etats-Unis
ont mis fin à leur mission de com¬
bat dans ce pays en août ; ils y
dégagé de majorité claire. Deux
vernement, il a dû concéder à
grands blocs s'opposaient : d'une
M. Allawi la présidence d'un nou¬
tions à l'irakienne où ont pesé
part, une Alliance chiite, dirigée
vel organisme : le Conseil national
50 000 hommes qui doivent
tous les éléments qui font de ce
par M. Maliki ; d'autre part, la liste
des politiques stratégiques. Per¬
avoir plié bagage d'ici à la fin 2011.
pays, saigné par six ans de guerre
Iraqiya, coalition laïque, pilotée
sonne ne sait encore trop le rôle
L'Irak connaît la guerre depuis
civile, une mosaïque d'intérêts dif¬
par un ancien chef du gouverne¬
que cette institution devra jouer,
près de vingt ans. C'est toujours
ficiles à concilier.
ment, lyad Allawi, qui a obtenu la
mais d'ores et déjà les uns et les
majorité des voix sunnites.
autres se disputent sur sa qualité :
vue. L'équipe Maliki, bien que mal
instance de décision pour les sun¬
assurée, laisse espérer un début
chiite et une minorité sunnite. Il
né un léger avantage à son concur¬
nites, seulement consultative
d'apaisement communautaire. Il
y a une ligne de fracture ethni¬
rent, M. Maliki a réussi à se mainte¬
pour les chiites...
que, entre Arabes et Kurdes. 11 y a
nir à son poste. 11 a offert une large
vote de mardi...
Ce furent neuf mois de tracta¬
11 y a les divisions confession¬
nelles, entre une majorité arabe
La Croix
Bien que les résultats aient don¬
maintiennent encore
un pays exsangue, à tout point de
serait temps que l'Irak ait de la
Avec un premier ministre chii
chance. 8
VENDREDI 24 DECEMBRE 2010
La Turquie renforce ses liens
avec ses voisins orientaux
Istanbul accueille
un sommet
Asif Ali Zardari devait partici¬
Le sommet, qui sera suivi par
À l'issue de l'entrevùé, une source
per, hier et aujourd'hui, aux côtés
un sommet à trois entre la Tur¬
turque interrogée par l'AFP estimait
du président turc et du président
quie, l'Iran et le Pakistan, devrait
que la Turquie était «prête par tous
iranien Mahmoud Ahmadinejad,
permettre la signature d'une série
ses moyens à maintenir l'élan positif
de la coopération
au sommet de l'Organisation de la
d'accords, en matière de commerce,
obtenu à Genève». La reprise des
économique (ECO),
coopération économique (ECO),
transports, banques et libre circula¬
négociations début décembre à
une organisation créée en 1985
tion des personnes entre les mem¬
Genève avait été jugée construc¬
tive par la chef de la diplomatie
de l'Organisation
qui regroupe dix pays
par son pays, l'Iran et la Turquie,
bres del'ECO - la suppression des vi¬
du Moyen-Orient.
et qui regroupe aujourd'hui dix
sas serait envisagée. Il intervient un
européenne Catherine Ashton, qui
Le dossier iranien est
pays
mois avant là poursuite à Istanbul
soulignait toutefois la nécessité
des négociations entre l'Iran et les
pour l'Iran d'accepter lès garanties
au centre des discussions
Un train à grande vitesse
du
Moyen-Orient.
L'ECO
offre un cadre diplomatique et
Le gouvernement turc
pour transporter des mar¬
chandises de la Turquie au
Pakistan et «ainsi ouvrir dé vastes
marchés européens et asiatiques au
bénéfice des peuples de la région».
poursuit avec l'Iran
la nouvelle diplomatie
du «zéro problème
avec les voisins».
dans une interview parue hier dans
le quotidien turc Hurriyet. Selon lui,
économique
il devrait être baptisé «train Gui»,
Turquie qui se tourne toujours plus
privilégié
exigées par la communauté inter¬
programme nucléaire de Téhéran,
nationale.
sujet de tension avec la communauté
La Turquie poursuit avec l'Iran
internationale, qui soupçonne Ah¬
la nouvelle diplomatie du «zéro
madinejad de développer l'arme
problème avec les voisins» amorcée
nucléaire, malgré ses démentis.
par Ahmet Davutoglu. Huseyin Latif
Lé sujet a été évoqué mercredi lors
C'est le projet que défend le prési¬
dent du Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari,
puissances occidentales au sujet du
pour la
note qu'elle «considère l'Iran comme
d'une rencontre entre le ministre
un pays ami, qui a le droit de produire
des affaires étrangères turc Ahmet
de l'énergie nucléaire civile comme
Davufoglu et le nouveau ministre
ses voisins». Dans un contexte inter¬
des
affaires
étrangères
iranien
national peu favorable, là Turquie a
Akbar Saleh, qui est aussi à la tête
tout intérêt au renforcement de ses
du nom du président turc, Abdullah
vers ses voisins orientaux, dans un
du programmé nucléaire. Le jour¬
liens avec l'Iran, et s'invente au fil
Gùl, artisan de l'intensification des
contexte où son adhésion à l'Union
naliste turc Huseyin Latif, présent
des mois un rôle d'intermédiaire
liens entre la Turquie et ses voisins
européenne n'est pas envisageable
lors de cette rencontre, a constaté
entre Téhéran et l'Occident.
orientaux.
à court terme.
une «cordialité affichée».
BENOÎT BERTHELOT.
47
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
THE WALL SHEETJOURNAL December 23, 2010
Iraq's North Seen as Next Trouble Spot
Arabs, Kurds and Smaller Ethnic Groups Face Off in Region
Under U.S.
supervision, a
By SAM DAGHER
group of Iraqi
Army soldiers,
TUZ KHURMATU, Iraq Now that
Peshmerga, a
Iraq's lawmakers have come toge¬
Kurdish mili¬
ther to form a government, ending a
tary force, and
stalemate that left the country rudder¬
Iraqi policemen
less for months, U.S. diplomats are
patrolled one of
focusing on another divide ethnic ten¬
the main secu¬
rity check¬
sions in the north that threaten to rip
points outside
the country asunder.
Kirkuk in
September.
Parliament on Tuesday approved a
Scott Nelson
partial cabinet headed by Prime
for the
Minister Nouri al-Maliki, filling a
WSJ.com
vacuum that dates to inconclusive
March polls. The breakthrough was the
Sunni Arab and Shiite Arab. As Kurds
diers staff checkpoints shared uneasily
product of a U.S.-backed power-sha¬
have bolstered their power in the
by Kurdish forces and Iraqi army sol¬
ring deal, agreed to last month, that
north, other groups, including Shiite
diers, and conduct joint patrols and
called for a unity government encom¬
leaders in Iraq's oil-rich south, have
operations with both sides, targeting
passing Iraq's main ethnic and secta¬
pushed for their own autonomy.
insurgents.
rian factions.
U.S. diplomats say Washington's No. 1
In November, a U.S. soldier was killed
But in Iraq's north, Arabs, Kurds and
priority, following the formation of a
in a small-arms attack by insurgents
smaller ethnic groups continue to face
new government, will be trying to bro¬
southwest of Tuz. The main U.S. base
off against each other over nearly a
ker a solution in the north. On
in Kirkuk, north of Tuz, remains the
dozen patches of oil-rich territory that
Wednesday, U.S. Ambassador James
target of rocket attacks, prompting the
lie along a 300-mile arc just beyond
F. Jeffrey said Washington is seeking
U.N. in mid-October to temporarily
Iraq's Kurdistan region.
formal authorization from the Iraqi
evacuate expatriate staff.
government to maintain two tempo¬
Kurds, who already have a measure of
rary embassy branch offices in the nor¬
autonomy in their region, are pushing
thern cities of Kirkuk and Mosul.
des here but intensified sharply after
for more. Members of other groups
These, he said, would help "deal with
the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that top¬
Arabs and the region's ethnic
the political issues up there in that
pled Saddam Hussein. For much of the
Turkmen, among others say Kurdish
very complicated area."
ambitions have gone too far.
Ethnic-based mistrust goes back deca¬
past decade, Kurds, Arabs and
Turkmen have battled on three fronts:
Underscoring the combustible atmos¬
over disputed boundaries across an
Amid the standoff, about 9,600
phere here, the region's security servi¬
area that is home to an array of ethnic
American soldiers, accounting for
ces are riven by competing factional
and confessional allegiances; over
about one-fifth of the total U.S. pre¬
loyalties. At the entrance to Tuz
control of Kirkuk; and over the fate of
sence still in Iraq, are scrambling to
Khurmatu, this dusty town that strad¬
the region's oil and natural-gas wealth.
keep the peace as the State
dles Iraq's northern border and the
Department and the United Nations
semi-autonomous Kurdish region, a
Kurds, pushed by their political leaders
try to forge a lasting political compro¬
barricaded compound houses an elite
and backed up by Kurdish security for¬
mise before U.S. troops leave Iraq at
security team answering to Kurdish
ces, rushed to populate much of the
the end of next year.
political leaders. But the town's police
disputed territories after 2003. They
chief, a Turkman, takes his orders
say they simply went back to places
"No one knows what exactly is going to
from the Arab-led provincial govern¬
they were forced to flee when Mr.
happen when we unplug completely
ment seated in another town 60 miles
Hussein razed hundreds of Kurdish
from here," Col. Larry Swift, comman¬
away.
villages in the area.
der of U.S. Army forces in Kirkuk, an
48
oil hub within the disputed area, said
The mistrust has bred violence,
"We will not accept compromise over
in an interview before his unit rotated
making the region still one of the most
Kirkuk's [Kurdish] identity," Masoud
out in early November.
dangerous for American and Iraqi for¬
Barzani, president of the Kurdish
ces. Unlike any other place in Iraq,
enclave's Kurdistan Regional
The outcome of the American peace
where the U.S. mission officially
Government said in a speech this
mission has ramifications across the
became noncombat at the end of
month.
country. Its success or failure could
August, Americans here still man the
help determine whether Iraq splinters
front lines and form something more
In Baghdad's power-sharing deal, Mr.
into several spheres of power: Kurdish,
akin to a peacekeeping force. U.S. sol-
Barzani emerged as a kingmaker, exac-
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
ting a heavy price from Mr. Maliki in
U.S. forces have agreed to train and
our arms and to surrender all our fate
return for Kurdish parliamentary
equip units of the Peshmerga, a
to the nice words of this and that,
backing for a second term. Mr. Barzani
Kurdish military force, to the same
absolutely not," Mr. Salih says.
demanded the government carry out a
level as the federal Iraqi army, which
long-delayed census and referendum
answers to Arab-dominated Baghdad.
Meanwhile, Abdul-Rahman al-Obeidi,
U.S. commanders say newly trained
from Kirkuk, is lobbying to stand up
on the status of contested territory
an influential Sunni Arab tribal leader
claimed by both Arabs and Kurds.
Both measures would benefit the
Kurdish forces will form a "regional
his own 6,300-strong "Army of the
Kurds after years of staking claims to
guard" to patrol the disputed area and
Arabian Knights" to counter the
much of the disputed areas. Mr. Maliki
the northern borders with Syria, Iran
Kurdish influence. He says the Arab
acquiesced.
and Turkey, alongside the Iraqi army.
force will ensure a "balance of power"
But ultimate control of the force
with the Kurds.
Arabs and Turkmens say they will boy¬
remains up in the air. The units would
cott a planned census the first nation¬
technically fall under Iraq's federal
A senior U.S. official in Baghdad said
wide count in Iraq since 1987 citing
"defense architecture," said Barham
Washington "would be concerned
fears that it will tighten the Kurdish
Salih, the Kurdistan Regional
about any suggestion that Iraq's secu¬
political hold on the region.
Government's prime minister. But in
rity would be better served by the esta¬
reality, he said, they would remain a
blishment of new security militias."
separate, Kurdish-controlled force.
All sides are watching and jockeying
for position ahead of American forces'
"If people expect us & to surrender
scheduled full departure next year.
28 December 2010
iil Rudaw.N*
10,000
On the march:
Kurdish pesh¬
Peshmerga in
merga forces
bearing Iraqi
Baghdad To
and Kurdish
flags.
Protect Kurds
Photo/ft.com
From Possible
Coup
Kurdish
By SAMAN BASHARATI
SULAIMANI,
Iraqi
Kurdistan:
Ten thousand members of the Kurdish
peshmerga
forces
have
been
sent
to
leader]
"The Kurds should be aware of the
Talabani are protected from any plots.
Iraqi situation and their own situation,"
It's not as if we are just sitting there in
Kurdish officials there from the possi¬
bility of a military coup, says a senior
official
from
Kurdistan
the
Patriotic
(PUK),
one
Union
of
of
Iraqi
he said.
The
a top Kurdish official has acknowled¬
ged the threat to Kurdish politicians of
affairs,
Mustapha,
confirmed
a senior member
interview with Kurdish television chan¬
nel Gale Kurdistan that the PUK had
"The Kurds [in Baghdad] are one of
Bakhteyar.
"Currently
10,000
said
pesh¬
merga are deployed there to ensure that
a
spokes¬
least
Sheikh
to
"a
stationed
Ja'far
Rudaw
few
in
for
that
thousand
Baghdad
to
there was no real threat of a military
coup against the Kurds in Baghdad.
"I
don't
feel
toward Kurds
there
from
is
any
the Iraqi
threat
govern¬
ment, and we don't have any problems
with any country
to justify preparing
military forces [for this]," said Yawar.
"The peshmergas in Baghdad are only
there to protect Talabani and the Iraqi
cials
Parliament."
and... are under the authority
Iraqi
Defense
Ministry,"
of
said
Confirming this viewpoint, Shwan
Muhammad Darwesh, a Kurdish law¬
Mustafa
However, he said he did not know if
maker in the Iraqi government,
ruled
the number of peshmerga in Baghdad
out any possibility of a coup against the
was as high as 10,000.
Kurds.
"Because
the
blocs,"
at
minister
"[They] are in Baghdad to protect
prepared for the "worst case scenario,"
including military coups.
Jabar Yawar,
Jalal Talabani and other Kurdish offi¬
of the PUK's political bureau, said in an
political
were
peshmerga"
Regional
(KRG)'s
peshmerga
the
a military coup in Baghdad.
main
Kurdistan
Government
there
However,
man for the Peshmerga Ministry, said
come along."
This is the first time since 2003 that
the
[PUK
protect Kurdish leaders.
Kurdistan's two ruling parties.
Mala Bakhteyar,
and
Baghdad quietly waiting for a plot to
Baghdad to protect Jalal Talabani - the
Kurdish president of Iraq - and all other
officials
Iraqi
[they]
military
take
orders
chief
and
from
Jalal
"The era of military coups in Iraq is
over," said Darwesh.
Talabani, we don't have anything to do
with them," said Mustafa, adding that
Kurds should always be aware of the
possibility of a military coup.
49
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
DECEMBER
23, 2010
Southern Iraqi
city eyes break
from Baghdad
By SINAN SALAHEDDIN,
tussles over control of oil, as
Associated Press
have
occurred
Baghdad
BASRA,
Iraq
recent
both
nessmen
topic
a
two
local
dished
simmering
oil-rich
Over
dinner,
friends
to
-
busi¬
over a
in
Iraq's
port city: whether
boost Basra's future
partially
from
breaking
the
federal
by
away
govern¬
and
between
the
Kurds.
breakaway Basra could
A
also
fall into turmoil as local fac¬
The central government in Baghdad resists Basra's provincial
tions
breakaway efforts
vie
could
for
come
influence
Iran,
king to
heavy
neighboring
already
increase
ties
and
under
of
which
mic
power
with
is
loo¬
its
econo¬
the
mainly
Basra is
Basra act as
Iraq's milk cow while we are
starving?"
arguing
Najim
that
province
Edan
the
that
said,
city
and
surrounds
it
strategically crucial
Basra
million
is
Iraq's
province
about
70
people,
second-lar¬
and
home to
percent
of
the
Iraqi
province,
capital
than
it
gets
located
Persian
back in government aid.
After
Gulf
Kuwait
and
on
the
bordering
Iran,
is
Iraq's
Iraq
private
year
has
firms
awarded
since
last
the first deals of their
kind
in
more
decades
than
three
six are for fields
in Basra province.
province
is
entitled
to
the hub for most of Iraq's oil
gas
exports of nearly 1.9 million
percent
barrels a day to the interna¬
crossing and port revenues.
tional market.
In
factions
and
corruption
if
Basra declares autonomy.
produced,
Still,
the
forgotten
milk
replied.
will
we
want,"
"And
not
Abbas
if we
get
it
do,
we
fresh,
but
Basra
red
looks
by
Iraq's
conflicts,
through
It's a constant complaint in
Basra,
where
foreign
spurred
oil
a
self-ruled
a
boom
investment
push
to
region
south.
The
allows
provinces
away
a
Iraq's
constitution
groups of them
into
or
to
2003
break
autonomous
failed
oil
must
and
Basra.
approve
gas
amount
$2
million a
But
Baghdad
each
project
But the tide is turning,
many of al-Maliki's
now
support
Declaring
res
rendum
of Basra's provincial council,
by
Jabar Ameen Jabir.
provincial
council
eligible
either
could
try
province
pools of stagnant water and
share
of
sewage
greater
red
streets
dust-cove¬
where
donkeys,
stray dogs, sheep and goats
profits
over
how
and
they
nal
vote.
federal
twice
and security.
Basra received
it can
from
$190
million
this
council
including a nearly $1
as an
autonomous
has
a
hold
dum,
only to
from
Baghdad.
referen¬
meet
stalling
The
move¬
ment is likely to rev up once
more
now
that
a
investment
Iran
is
coming
billion plan to build housing,
local
administration
year,
but
region
it
could claim up to $9 billion.
voters.
the
Baghdad
Election
organize
the
Baghdad can't refuse
drag
vote.
The push can be traced back
its
has
Baghdad
to
but
feet.
Basra's
twice
asked
organize
The
September,
hotels and a mall.
new
to
the
one
budget given to provinces to
shortages. The biggest new
council
of
or
Independent
bigger
the
motion
attained,
turns
Commission
of
a refe¬
a
third
is
are used. It would also get a
slice
province's
and requests that the natio¬
fund
to
neighborhoods
larger
roam.
sought
Some
oil
say
a
endure water and electricity
vincial
one
and
requi¬
Holding
requires
of
claim
an
referen¬
ning, according to the head
that
its
a
the
Once
mar
in
U.S.-led
by
pro¬
Basra's
autonomy
approval
population.
to
and
backers
holding
dum
of garbage
of
autonomy referendum.
tenth
Piles
Minister
ahead
provincial elections.
regions akin to Kurdistan in
and
Prime
With autonomy, the province
kirts.
for
political
before releasing the funding
its outs¬
in
was
calls
by
for it and that is not happe¬
residential
settlements crowd
by
it
5
border-
should
now to around
day for
of
the
north,
out
nationalism
the
invasion.
Impoverished
attempt
when
Iran
with
with
in
has
create
in
war
the
a city
batte¬
repeated
starting
1980-1988
sour."
like
by history,
the
the
alone
meters
along with
from
theory,
share
"Believe me, we will not get
Another
150
ring
local
port.
2008
of
Abbas was pessimistic, fea¬
between
ces, including Basra. But the
al-Maliki
cubic
of
campaign failed to win sup¬
Nouri
for
of
autono¬
region
allies
and
Council
southern
or
every
conflict
mous
$1 for each barrel of oil pro¬
refined,
the
nine Shiite-majority provin¬
duced
only outlet to the sea and is
friend
Supreme
pushed for an
drowned
The
ouster,
fundamentalist
Iraq
Mohammed
His
Saddam's
Islamic
gas deals
gest
Baghdad, ignored the calls.
Oil promises a bright future
to
3
of 143.1 billion barrels. The
it
chief
auto¬
for Basra. Of the 15 oil and
about
stopped
if
the
Basra's
nomy bid.
for Iraq. With a population of
sending more money to the
thrive
is
of
Shiite
country's proven oil reserves
could
who
Shiite province.
ment in Baghdad.
"How long will
maker
architect
first
the
time
federal
in
officials
demanded additional docu¬
government in Baghdad was
"While
compa¬
to the 1920s, when a group
ments
formed this week.
nies, mainly the oil ones, are
of Basra's elite demanded it
sary
entering Basra to tap into its
be
attempt, in October, bogged
An autonomy move in Basra
resources,
under British protection like
down
with
could
being
neighboring
delay
in
further weaken
Iraq's
the
Basrawis
crushed
central government by divi¬
tion
ding the nation and lead to
Abdul-Latif,
50
foreign
and
by
are
depriva¬
poverty," said Wail
a
former
law-
declared
a
Gulf statelet
Kuwait.
The
to
prove
support.
the
The
the
neces¬
second
nine-month
forming
a
federal
British, who wanted a strong
government, which has held
central
up
government
in
projects
across
Iraq.
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
Parliament finally approved
rule
al-Maliki's new government
violence
on Dec. 21.
could
Maliki's
unleash
in
State
currently
"There
is
a
political
Basra.
of
Law
centralized control from the
cal cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's
ministries
movement
Baghdad
that
of
the
provincial council, but radi¬
including
neighboring
coun¬
the
Dialogue,
cal
over Abbas and Edan's din¬
influence in the city.
"This
ner conversation.
Yet fears abound that self-
Hurriyet
Edan said.
December 27,
that
necessary
be
only
at
the
be
thing
create a hotbed for corrup¬
tion and
a
and then every¬
"That environment will then
major influence
likened
to
will
tical
erupt, with
40-
beginning,
"Disputes between the poli¬
parties or tribes could
a
growing pain.
Jabir said. "We are facing a
clear centralized prejudice."
engineer,
possibility
Worries of turmoil also hung
in developing the province,"
Abbas,
Edan, a 41-year-old electri¬
institution, said.
its
militia
said
Basra-based
a private cultural
holds considerable
represents a major obstacle
suffer,"
year old car dealer.
tries," Yarub al-Mihamadawi
party
dominates
comprehensive
in
from
Al-
will
sorted
out,"
gangs and we will
2010
DailyNews
Turkish government, pro-Kurdish party
quarrel over 'autonomy*
Peace and
ANKARA /Hiirriyet D aily News
Democracy Party, or
BDP, co-leader
The Turkish prime minister has harshly
Selahattin Demirtas
criticized the main pro-Kurdish party s
(L) speaks to repor¬
demand for autonomy and the broader
ters in the southeas¬
use of the Kurdish language, accusing it
of
tern city of
sabotaging the democratization of
Diyarbakir. AA
Turkey.
photo
Turkey s common language is Turkish.
Any
initiative
to
change
this
reality
cannot be accepted. This is a matter of
social peace and unity,
Prime Minister
Recep Tayyip Erdogan told parliamen¬
tary deputies late Sunday during budget
talks at the Parliament.
Peace and Democracy Party, or BDP,
co-chair Selahattin Demirtas responded
to Erdoan on Monday.
the
change
with
He cannot stop
threats
and
Workers Party, or PKK, which is listed
racism or ethnic division. It s to protect
as
a
a terrorist organization by Turkey,
the
United
States
and
the
European
Union.
language.
We
believe
in
he said, arguing
that the projects put forward by proKurdish groups aim to prevent division
insults,
Demirtas told reporters in the southeas¬
banned
democracy and peace,
It
s
a
great
unfairness
to
introduce
in the country.
tern province of Diyarbakir, adding that
these unserious projects as the demands
they were ready even to die in the strug¬
of my Kurdish brothers. To what extent
But if the ruling party is determined to
gle.
do the owners of these proposals repre¬
insult Kurds and drive them away from
sent my Kurdish citizens? How much
the state, they should come clean and
of
openly
We are trying to deepen the bro¬
therhood
while the prime minister is
deepening the division.
[Turkey
they
Erdoan
on
Sunday
was
tight-lipped
s]
East and
represent?
the
Southeast do
prime
minister
asked.
the
a
semi-autonomous
which envision
Kurdish
region
with its own parliament, flag and self-
defense force. Outlined in a draft by the
Democratic Society Congress, or DTK,
an
umbrella
organization
of
pro-
Kurdish groups, the proposals promp¬
ted
investigations
from
a local
court
serve
democracy,
freedoms, social peace or brotherhood,
the
prime
minister
said.
Noting
June, Erdoan accused the BDP of trying
redesign
domestic
politics
with terror organizations
reference
to
the
in
line
approaches, a
outlawed
happy.
The
hand- in-hand
as
ahead of the general elections; this is
Kurdish
his choice. What he is doing will just
the
PKK
representatives
and
its
affiliates
of Turkey
population, Erdoan said:
s
Those who
with
the
nationalists
deepen the crisis.
talk about democracy and freedoms are
preventing my citizens from using their
Demirtas also used a religious reference
citizenship rights. They are doing this
to criticize the prime minister, accusing
through threats and pressure.
Erdogan of defying Allah.
He added
to divide Turkey.
Kurdistan
Erdogan
says,
I
will
make you
all
similar, my nation is one, my language
BDP leader says PM fueling nationa¬
is one,
lism
every one of you different,
the BDP
co-chair
Minister,
that
Turkey will hold general elections in
to
nationalists
His
only make
ledge
any sort of surgery
never
Turkish
said.
will
Reiterating that he will never acknow¬
Bringing these issues into the public
will
Demirtas
that the government will never allow
and the Supreme Court of Appeals.
debate
it,
comments
prime minister seems to want to walk
about BDP proposals under the title of
democratic autonomy,
say
[Erdoan s]
whereas Allah says,
said.
Mr.
Prime
I created
Criticizing Erdogan for fueling nationa¬
which holy book says that? How is this
lism through his statements, Demirtas
being a Muslim?
said Monday that the BDP was trying to
defend
people
s
mother
tongue
freely.
right
to
use
This
is
their
not
51
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
23 décembre
ZAMAN
2010
différences
Du kémalisme vers une
comme
étant
une
richesse plutôt qu'une chose dont il
faut avoir peur, comme par le passé,
démocratie libérale
des
comportements
plus
responsa¬
bles et prudents nous aideraient plus
efficacement en ce sens". Il n'y a pas
dans
Sahin Alpay
ZamanFrance.fr
la
vie
qui
lisent
régulière¬
ment mes chroniques connaissent
mon
point
politique
de
de
vue
la
sur
l'évolution
Turquie.
Je
son
tive légitime vis à vis d'un régime où
a
réussi
total
à
de
instaurer
l'armée
société civile ? Non,
par
mais ils
un
les minorités ethniques et linguisti¬
la
ques ont légalement le droit de par¬
mon¬
ler leur langue maternelle.
trent que les citoyens ne toléreront
évidemment en
désormais plus aucun coup militaire.
cessus
Cela est
phase avec
démocratique
en
le pro¬
cours
en
Turquie répondant aux normes euro¬
Le
deuxième
événement
important
péennes.
Si
nous
voulons
vraiment
qui s'est produit la semaine dernière
que ce processus ait lieu, il est clair
est le fait que Selahattin
qu'il faut que la démocratie libérale
de l'état de démocratie apparente,
sous la tutelle de l'armée, à celui de
le chef du
un processus qui lui permet de passer
paix
démocratie libérale.
et
parti
la
pro
Demirtas,
kurde
démocratie
pour
la
(BDP),
ait
déclaré que désormais la région où il
La
semaine
dernière,
d'importants
événements se sont produits dans le
cadre de ce processus. Jeudi dernier,
y
a
une
majorité
de
kurdes
entièrement bilingue.
serait
remplace
le
kémalisme,
décrit
par
l' Etat-major comme étant le "fonde¬
ment
philosophique
de
notre
République".
Il a incité les
vendeurs dans les magasins à parler
Le kémalisme, qui fait référence à la
laïcité
le procès d'environ deux cent mili¬
kurde durant leurs transactions quo¬
taires
tidiennes, les entreprises et les mar¬
sur trois piliers. Le premier pilier est
encore
retraite,
en
dont
fonction
ou
d'anciens
à
la
chefs
de
nationaliste
ques à prendre des noms kurdes, et
la
citoyens
doctrine
qui
ne sont
turque,
estime
repose
que
pas assez
les
matures
l'armée de terre et des forces mari¬
les restaurants à proposer des cartes
times, ainsi qu'une dizaine de géné¬
et
raux et d'amiraux, a commencé.
Ils
particulier sur le fait que désormais
qu'ils ont
un
tout ceci était légal. Lorsque le pré¬
une
sont
sident du Parlement a déclaré que le
pilier
fait
autoritaire de la laïcité, par laquelle
accusés
d'avoir
organisé
complot visant à renverser le gouver¬
nement élu en 2003.
pour
nom
de
code
Ce plan avait
Sledgehammer.
L'affaire Sledgehammer-qui désigne
ce
procès,
octobre
en
2008,
préparation
d'un
gang
donné le nom d'
«
référence
vallée
à
une
depuis
qui
s'est
Ergenekon
»(en
mythique,
anciennement célébrée par les Turcs)
composé de militaires retraités,
de
commandants de l'armée, d'anciens
chefs
de
la
police,
de journalistes,
d'hommes d'affaires et d'autres sus¬
menus en
de
kurde.
parler
Parlement
Il a insisté en
kurde
pourrait
au
division entre les partis,
répondu,
sein
conduire
à
du
une
Demirtas a
dans une de ces déclara¬
pour
décider
se
l'Etat
Enfin,
comme
ajoutant
que
son
au
Parlement,
parti
ne
ferait
système
toute
la
tiquement élus ne pourront plus dés¬
tes
en
a
la transfor¬
tré
particulièrement
rant
la
sur
nomination
silencieux
son
site
:
«
de
Gen
nous
Isik
sommes
concernés par le fait qu'un certain
débat
public
langue
actuel
»
concernant
«
évolue d'une façon
tellement radicale qu'il risque d'al¬
Fin de l'impunité pour les putschis¬
population,
qui
homogène
kémalistes, en place depuis la fonda¬
notre
ormais échapper à la justice.
unifié
rendre
instituée
par
l'Etat.
Les
politiques
tion de la République, ont rencontré
place
conspirent
de
que et se plie à la forme de l'islam
prises de position du BDP en décla¬
qui
culturel
but
de l'air turque (TSK) qui s'était mon¬
a brisé son silence et a répondu aux
ceux
reli¬
turc, et qui adhère à la culture tur¬
citoyens
que
la
« diviser le pays et créer un conflit
des
contre les gouvernements démocra¬
contrôle
ethnique ». L'Etat-major de l'armée
visant à instaurer le chaos dans
dence
deuxième
conception
mant en une nation qui ne parle que
Kosaner comme chef de l' Etat-major,
d'Etat militaire-montre de tout évi¬
Le
une
jamais aucune demande qui pourrait
depuis
le
sur
et
par
le troisième pilier repose sur
le
parlé
éclairée.
base
monopolise,
un
soit
eux-mêmes
d'être guidés
gion et limite les libertés religieuses.
tions, que le BDSP n'exigeait pas que
kurde
par
besoin
élite
pects tous impliqués dans le complot
pays afin d'ouvrir la voie à un coup
résistances
et
ont
seulement
mesures
de
pu
la
part
être
par
oppressives.
le
des
mises
en
moyen
de
Ces
politiques
ne peuvent plus être appliquées dans
la Turquie actuelle, ni dans un monde
de plus en
lisé.
plus libéralisé et globa¬
La Turquie pourra évoluer plus
térer les fondements philosophiques
rapidement
de notre République ».
d'une démocratie libérale si
vers
la
consolidation
l'Etat-
Major arrive à comprendre cela, mais
Nous
parlons d'un
connu
ces
pays
qui
cinquante
a
déjà
militaires
aboutis
ou
non.
Le
fait
qu'il réussisse désormais à juger les
fomenteurs
de
coups
surtout
Tourner la page du passé
d'Etat
peut
si
comprend
dernières
années énormément de coups d'Etat
Le
commentaire
du
président
l'opposition
aussi.
Cela
du
n'a
CHP
le
pas vrai¬
ment d'importance pour le pays si le
Abdullah Gui, par rapport aux décla¬
CHP, dont l'assemblée générale a élu
rations
récemment ses nouveaux chefs,
du
incitation
BDP,
à
la
ressemblait
vigilance,
à
une
peut-être
réellement
en
fait
Parti
social-
qu'il
démocrate. Ce qui compte, c'est que
citoyens en général, mais aussi cer¬
y
grâce à ses nouveaux chefs, il s'est
tains membres de l'élite administra¬
tive et militaire, ont finalement réa¬
parlées dans notre pays... Alors que
lisé
nous traversons une période où nous
que
le
l'implication
fait
de
que
l'armée
a
aussi
avons
d'autres
commencé
langues qui
à
considérer
sont
nos
engagé à le devenir.
un
le
pour les deux partis : "La langue offi¬
par
être
est
avec
cielle en Turquie c'est le turc, mais il
expliqué
déclare
accord
les
être
52"
sur le fait que les prises
lisme. Ces procès prouvent-ils que la
pense,
que depuis la guerre froide elle suit
de doutes
de positions du BDP sont une initia¬
contrôle
lecteurs
diminue
prestige et surtout son professionna¬
Turquie
Les
politique
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
Observatoire de
la Vie Politique Turque
(OVIPOT).
.23 décembre 2010
La question kurde à
nouveau
au
premier
plan de l'actualité
politique turque
Jean Marcou
Observatoire de la Vie Politique Turque (OVIPOT)
des.
a question kurde occupe à nouveau le devant de
la scène politique turque, depuis la tenue d'une
table ronde, le week-end dernier à Diyarbakir, à
l'initiative
du
DTK
(Democratik
Toplum
Kongresi,
Cet ensemble de propositions et d'initiatives montrent
que
la
question
kurde
est
entrée
dans
une
nouvelle
phase. Après l'échec de l'ouverture kurde du gouverne¬
Congrès pour une société démocratique), ce portail d'or¬
ment, à la fin de l'an passé, et le regain des actions de
ganisations de la société civile kurde. Cette table ronde
guérilla,
a en effet débattu des voies possibles pour établir un
organisations kurdes semblent avoir adopté une straté¬
système accordant une autonomie aux Kurdes, sans pour
gie d'action civique, qui consiste à travailler concrète¬
autant
ment sur le terrain, en procédant aux avancées culturel¬
déstabiliser
l'Etat
turc.
Les
participants
ont
qui
avaient
marqué
le
printemps
2010,
les
notamment évoqué une structure fédérale et la création
les, économiques ou politiques qui peuvent être condui¬
d'un parlement régional.
tes, dans le cadre légal actuel, et en espérant que ce
Cette initiative a provoqué, le 20 décembre, une réac¬
Alors même que des élections législatives se profilent à
mouvement incitera le gouvernement à bouger enfin.
tion
très vive
nationale,
du
président
Mehmet Ali
de
Sahin.
Grande Assemblée
l'horizon 201 1 , le gouvernement se retrouve néanmoins,
Rappelant qu'il n'y avait
la
dans une situation délicate, pris entre son désir de pré¬
qu'un seul parlement en Turquie, celui qu'il préside, il a
server le statu quo qu'il a négocié avec les Kurdes, à l'oc¬
demandé au BDP, la formation politique kurde, qui siège
casion de la tenue du référendum de septembre dernier,
dans son
et la nécessité de ne pas prêter le flanc à des réactions
hémicycle,
de se démarquer de telles posi¬
tions, au risque, si elle ne le faisait pas, «d'avoir à en
subir
les
conséquences».
Cette
menace
n'a
pas
appréciée par le leader du BDP, Selahattin Demirtas (au
centre
sur
la
photo),
qui
a
estimé
qu'elle
nationalistes.
été
était
Ces dernières ne sont pas à exclure puisque le procureur
en
chef
de
la
Cour
de
cassation,
Abdurahman
empreinte de l'esprit qui avait motivé le coup d'Etat du
Yalçinkaya,
12 septembre 1980.
La polémique a été suivie finale¬
contre le BDP, à l'issue de la table ronde de Diyarbakir.
ment, le 21 décembre 2010, par une rencontre entre les
Ce redoutable magistrat, qui a déjà obtenu la dissolu¬
deux hommes, destinée à faire baisser une tension qui
tion du DTP, le prédécesseur du BDP, et qui avait engagé
s'est nourrie, ces derniers jours, non seulement des pro¬
une
positions de la table ronde du DTK à Diyarbakir,
entend démontrer qu'il existe des liens organiques entre
également de
plusieurs
incidents,
qui
mais
ont défrayé
la
chronique.
vient
procédure
d'ouvrir
de
une
dissolution
information
contre
l'AKP,
judiciaire
en
2008,
les DTK et le BDP, et s'appuyer sur les propositions fédé¬
ralistes
de
la
table
ronde
de
dimanche
dernier,
pour
démontrer que le parti parlementaire kurde contrevient
A
évoqué
à la législation sur les partis politiques en soutenant des
l'idée d'une accélération règlement de la question kurde
plusieurs
reprises,
Selahattin
Demirtas,
a
projets qui remettent en cause l'unité de la République.
en Turquie, sans attendre des mesures gouvernementa¬
Une démarche contre laquelle le député kurde,
les, par le biais d'initiatives prises par les organisations
Yildiz s'est élevé, le 22 décembre dernier, en rappelant,
et la société civile kurdes elles-mêmes. Ainsi, a-t-on vu
qu'il n'y avait pas de liens organiques entre le BDP et le
Bengi
récemment des députés s'exprimer en kurde dans l'en¬
DTK
ceinte du
certains membres du BDP aux activités du DTK. Bengui
que
l'on
Turquie,
rues et
parlement,
généralise,
une
des
et Selahattin
dans
dénomination
sites,
les
Demirtas proposer
provinces
bilingue
comme cela
se
kurdes
(turc-kurde)
fait
en
de
mais seulement
une
participation
individuelle de
Yildiz a, en outre, mis en garde le gouvernement contre
des
les effets que pourraient avoir une éventuelle dissolu¬
Catalogne,
tion du BDP, en estimant qu'elle ruinerait les efforts de
depuis que celle-ci a retrouvé son autonomie en 1977.
pacification
Ces développements sont intervenus, alors même qu'il y
depuis les débuts de la trêve proclamée par le PKK. Le
a
député
peu,
le leader du
PKK,
Abdullah
Ôcalan,
tout en
annonçant la prorogation de la trêve qu'il avait décidée,
et
kurde
de
a
négociations
également
qui
se
rappelé
développent
que
la
Cour
Européenne des Droits de l'Homme venait de condamner
avant le référendum du 12 septembre dernier, a déve¬
l'Etat turc pour la dissolution de l'un des prédécesseurs
loppé l'idée d'un système fédéral, en encourageant les
du BDP : le HADEP. Depuis le début des années 1990, 6
organisations
formations politiques kurdes ont été dissoutes
kurdes
à
prendre
des
initiatives
en
ce
sens. Avant d'évoquer la création d'un parlement, le DTK
Cour constitutionnelle
:
le parti du travail du
par la
peuple
avait ainsi proposé, au début du mois de décembre, la
(HEP-
mise en place d'une force de sécurité autonome, desti¬
(DEP - Demokrasi Partisi), le Parti de la liberté et de la
Halkin
Emek Partisi),
le parti de la démocratie
née à lutter contre la criminalité dans les provinces kur
53
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
démocratie (ÔZDEP - Ôzgurlùk ve Demokrasi Partisi),
autres langues maternelles doivent aussi pouvoir être
le Parti de la démocratie du peuple (HADEP - Halkin
librement utilisées en public... » Pour sa part, le lea¬
Demokrasi Partisi), le parti démocratique du peuple
der du parlement, Mehmet Ali Sahin, a qualifié la ren¬
(DEHAP - Demokratik Halk Partisi) et le Parti pour une
contre de «productive», mais il a estimé que les mem¬
société
bres du parlement devaient «prêter plus d'attention à
démocratique
(DTP
-
Demokratik
Toplum
Partisi). Le BDP espère ne pas faire à nouveau cette
l'unité du pays».
expérience.
point contribuera au maintien d'un échange qui ne soit
Il faut espérer que cette mise au
pas un dialogue de sourds,
En tout état de cause, dans un esprit de conciliation,
à
l'issue
de sa
rencontre avec Mehmet Ali
car il est essentiel pour
promouvoir une solution politique durable.
Sahin,
JM
Selahattin Demirtas a assuré que son parti ne deman¬
Professeur de droit public à l'Institut d'études poli¬
dait pas l'usage de deux langues au sein du parlement
tiques de Grenoble, et pensionnaire scientifique à
turc, et que les députés du BDP n'avaient prononcé
l'Institut français d'études anatoliennes d'Istanbul
quelques phrases en kurde que pour attirer l'attention
(IFEA), où il dirige depuis 2006 l'Observatoire de la
sur leur situation. Dans une démarche, à nouveau très
vie politique turque (OVIPOT).
catalane, le leader kurde a poursuivi en déclarant : «
Oui, la langue officielle de ce pays est le turc. Mais les
IRAK: QUATRE MORTS DANS
UN POSTE DE POLICE ATTAQUÉ
PAR DES KAMIKAZES
sassinats.
Les forces de sécurité irakiennes demeurent des cibles privilégiées des mouve¬
ments insurgés en Irak, et notamment de la branche irakienne d'AI-Qaïda.
C'est elle qui avait notamment revendiqué la vingtaine d'attentats perpétrés le
25 août, au cours de laquelle 53 personnes, dont plus de la moitié de policiers,
avaient péri.
MOSSOUL
29 décembre. 2010- (AFP)
Les violences en Irak ont nettement diminué par rapport au pic observé en 2006
et 2007. Et novembre a été le mois le moins meurtrier en un an pour la popula¬
DEUX KAMIKAZES ont visé mercredi matin un poste de police du nord de
l'Irak, tuant quatre policiers, dont un officier qui avait supervisé la
tion irakienne, selon des chiffres officiels.
Pour autant, les attentats demeurent très fréquents en Irak, notamment dans la
semaine dernière une opération contre la branche irakienne d'AI-Qaïda.
province de Ninive, dont Mossoul est la capitale, en raison de tensions ethni¬
Le double attentat suicide a eu lieu vers 7H00 (4H00 GMT) dans le quartier de
ques et confessionnelles qui compliquent la lutte contre Al-Qaïda.
Qabr al-Binat, dans l'ouest de Mossoul, deuxième ville du pays située à 350 km
Les relations entre Arabes sunnites et Kurdes sont particulièrement tendues
au nord de Bagdad.
dans la province en raison de la volonté des autorités du Kurdistan de rattacher
"Les deux kamikazes visaient le lieutenant-colonel Chamil Ahmed Oglah, qui a
une partie de ce territoire à leur région autonome, qui regroupe les trois provin¬
été tué", a indiqué un responsable de la police locale à l'AFP.
ces de Dohouk, Erbil et Souleimaniyeh.
Un troisième activiste équipé d'une ceinture d'explosifs a été abattu par la police
Mossoul se trouve au coeur d'une bande de territoire de 650 km de long, de la
avant de pouvoir activer sa bombe.
Syrie à l'Iran, que se disputent le gouvernement central et les autorités du
Trois autres policiers ont péri dans l'attaque, a indiqué à Bagdad une source au
Kurdistan.
ministère de l'Intérieur.
Ninive compte en outre des minorités de chrétiens assyriens, de Chabaks, de
Mais ce bilan pourrait s'aggraver, car 90% du bâtiment a été détruit par l'explo¬
Turcomans et de Yazidis.
sion, selon le policier de Mossoul, ce qui implique que d'autres victimes pour¬
Malgré la baisse des violences, la sécurité a été citée par le Premier ministre
raient être coincées sous les décombres.
irakien Nouri al-Maliki comme un des dossiers prioritaires de l'action de son
Les forces de sécurité ont fermé les rues proches du poste de police, interdisant
nouveau gouvernement, qui a obtenu la semaine dernière la confiance du
son accès aux journalistes.
Parlement.
Cette attaque pourrait être un acte de représailles contre le lieutenant-colonel
De nombreuses capitales étrangères ont salué la formation de ce gouverne¬
Oglah, qui avait commandé la semaine dernière une opération contre une cel¬
ment, plus de neuf mois après les législatives, comme une étape cruciale pour
lule d'AI-Qaïda au cours de laquelle un dirigeant de la branche irakienne du
tourner en Irak la page de près de huit années de violences.
réseau avait péri, a indiqué le responsable de la police de Mossoul.
Avant de mourir mercredi, l'officier avait été la cible de quatre tentatives d'as
Turquie: une journaliste
kurde condamnée à
138 ans de prison
rement les lois entre 2008 et 2009.
Les juges ont émis un mandat d'arrêt contre la journaliste qui comparaissait
à son procès comme prévenue libre.
Elle peut encore faire appel de la sentence qui a coïncidé avec l'arrivée
dans la ville, la plus importante du sud-est turc à majorité kurde, du chef de
DIYARBAKIR (Turquie), 30 décembre 2010 (AFP)
l'Etat turc Abdullah Gùl.
La Turquie compte une communauté kurde estimée entre 10 et 15 millions
de personnes. Plusieurs lois ont été adoptées ces dernières années en
EMINE DEMIR, une ancienne rédactrice d'un quotidien
kurde de
Turquie, a été condamnée jeudi par un tribunal de Diyarbakir (sud-est),
faveur de l'octroi de droits culturels aux Kurdes pour renforcer notamment
les chances du pays d'adhérer à l'Union européenne.
à 138 ans de prison pour propagande en faveur des rebelles kurdes, a
rapporté l'agence Anatolie.
Cependant les médias kurdes sont parfois la cible d'harcèlement judiciaires
notamment lorsqu'ils défendent la ligne du PKK.
Mme Demir d'Azadiya Welat (liberté du Pays) a été reconnue coupable
d'avoir défendu dans ses écrits la cause du Parti du travailleurs du Kurdistan
Plusieurs journalistes kurdes sont emprisonnés en Turquie pour avoir fait
(PKK), une organisation considérée comme terroriste par de nombreux
l'apologie du PKK ou de son chef emprisonné Abdullah Ocalan.
pays, un crime sanctionné par le code pénal turc.
Sa peine a été alourdie, le tribunal soulignant qu'elle avait enfreint réguliè
54
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
Rudaw.Net
27 December 2010
Kurds' Demand for 'Democratic Autonomy' in
Turkey Causes Backlash
By FIRAT KELEHKI
Turkish
/Rudaw
officials
have
strongly
denounced Turkish Kurds' recent
demands for "democratic autonomy,"
formulated in a draft proposal by the
Democratic
Society
Congress
(DTK)
and the Peace and Democracy Party
(BDP).
"The proposal is simply pre-elec¬
tion political propaganda; it will pro¬
duce no results," said Turkish Interior
Minister Besir Atalay in a recent press
conference.
Altan Tan, a DTK member,
said
no decision had been made about the
proposal's future.
Kurdish demands for "democratic autonomy" are being strongly denounced by
Turkish officials.
"We simply presented the propo¬
sal
for
discussion,"
said
Tan.
"We
have gathered opinions on the propo¬
us what kind of Muslim you are. In
Movement Party
sal from 70 to 80 well-known writers
which book is it written that all people
those involved to behave rationally.
are one?"
in Turkey."
He
He said another conference may
the
prime
minister
was
attacking the basic right of all humans
what would be done with the propo¬
to have their own language, identity
sal.
and culture.
in a few
Atalay
months
described
to
all
uprising," it said.
BDP accused of wanting to abo¬
lish Turkish constitution
The draft proposal for democratic
"If you think you
[Erdogan] can
autonomy was first discussed at a spe¬
erase all these to create one people by
cial conference in Diyarbakir on 18th
the democratic
autonomy proposals as a divisive and
warned
"This proposal is a preparation for
said
decide
be held
(MHP)
"dangerous trap" for Turkey, and said
scaring the population with a wave of
December, attended by a number of
his
nationalism, then I, as the chairman of
Turkish and Kurdish politicians and
the BDP, tell you that the Kurds are
academics.
government
already
allowed
Turkish Kurds their rights, including
not scared," said Demirtash,
those of language.
"Turkey
is
one
country,"
said
Atalay. "Turkey's official language is
mother
tongue
can
do
so
in
The
proposal
dealt
in Turkey in a spirit of "brotherhood."
Kurds: political, legal, security, eco¬
Nationalists
say
two
languages
will partition Turkey
aspects
of
autonomy
parties criticized what they viewed as
fessor who,
although
languages
the
conference,
said
for political
Prime
Erdogan also
proposal
as
Minister
strongly
a
Tayyip
criticized the
political
"trap,"
and
denounced the Kurdish demands for a
"silence"
over
is
one
nation
language - Turkish,"
with
one
said Erdogan.
"We are against a politically decentra¬
lized system,
[although]
we support
Midhet Sancar - a university pro¬
as
threat to Turkey.
BDP
Kemal Kilicdaroglu, head of the
Republican
People's
Party
(CHP),
take action over the Kurds' call
for
"What
a "positive" step,
often
problems
so
promises
behind
might
closed
he
have
doors?"
said
step
constitution.
trying
Demirtash
to
said
compete
Erdogan
with
God's
authority over such matters.
"God said: T created you in diffe¬
rent groups,'" said Demirtash. "If you
think it is your duty to unify all the
people, Mr. Prime Minister, then tell
it
However,
attempting
was
Kurdish
had
not
be
discussed,"
said
toward
the
partitioning
of
the
Rashad
Dughro,
an
MHP lawmaker in the northern city of
Tokat,
Salahadin
he said the
that
addressed but
let
zing two languages in Turkey was a
co-chairman
to
"Now the BDP has offered a pro¬
posal,
Oglu, adding that officially recogni¬
BDP
the
unable
offered any solutions up till now.
be managed through the municipali¬
However,
as
demanded
be
decentralization in services which can
ties alone."
invited to
was
Sancar.
autonomy.
made
he
attend - described the draft proposal
posal, and described the proposal as a
accused Erdogan of not being ready to
more decentralized government.
"Turkey
minister's
the Kurd's democratic autonomy pro¬
campaigns."
Turkish
prime
the
and diplomatic.
party law has changed, so today other
used
for
nomic, social, cultural, environmental
Turkey. As well as this, the political
be
eight
main
The leftist and nationalist Turkish
can
with
that Kurds simply wanted to co-exist
Turkish, but whoever wants to speak
their
adding
told
Rudaw
to
the
abolish
BDP
the
was
Turkish
"We will not allow the partitioning
country.
"Belgium is a very good example
of Turkey," said Dughro. "The official
for us," he said. "As a result of them
language of Turkey is Turkish. When
using
a language other than Turkish is used
two
different
languages,
they
have been divided. This sort of atti¬
in Turkey, it is a strategy to partition
tude
Turkey."
does
not
bring
society
closer
together; it divides society."
A statement from the Nationalist
55
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
DECEMBER 28, 2010
NEWS
Iraqi Kurds push
for recognition
of oil deals
The insistence from the Kurds could foil
Iraq's ambitious plans to raise daily oil
exports to 2.25 million barrels in 2011.
By SINAN SAIAHEDDIN Associated Press
Iraqi oil minister Abdul-Karim Elaibi speaks to reporters
BAGHDAD: Iraq's Kurds said Tuesday they won't
in Baghdad, Iraq, Monday, dec. 27, 2010....(AP)
resume oil exports from their self-ruled territory
unless the central government recognizes the contracts
if all "our deals are recognized officially in a signed paper by
they have already signed on their own with international
Baghdad," he told the Associated Press.
energy companies.
Iraqi Kurds have signed more than two dozen production sha¬
ring agreements with mid-sized companies from Turkey, U.K.,
Austria, U.S., Canada, Korea and China. Under those deals,
the companies are entitled to a share of the profits from the oil
produced.
The deals are deemed illegal by the Baghdad central govern¬
ment that has only awarded 15 oil and gas service contracts to
international companies since 2008.
Baghdad managed to negotiate more attractive terms in its
deals, paying developers just a flat fee for each barrel produ¬
ced, rather than surrendering a share of the profits. They do
not recognize the Kurdish deals and refuse to honor the pro¬
duction sharing agreements.
The Kurds started exports in June 2009. They were halted few
In this May 31, 2009 file photo, an employee works at
Tawke oil fields in the semiautonomous... (AP Photo)
months later amid disagreements with Baghdad over pay¬
ments.
Iraq's new oil minister, Abdul-Karim Elaibi, last week declared
the dispute over how private companies accounted for equip¬
ment costs and other expenses for reimbursement has been
settled, clearing the way for the exports to resume.
The Kurds' condition could foil ambitious Iraqi plans to raise
daily oil exports to 2.25 million barrels in 2011 from the cur¬
rent 1.9 million. Oil revenues account for nearly 95 percent of
Iraq's budget as the energy-rich nation tries to rebuild the
Elaibi said Baghdad would receive all the oil produced for
export and would pay only the costs incurred by the develo¬
pers.
country after decades of wars and international sanctions.
"Baghdad wants everything free of charge," Balo said by phone
Since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled the regime of
from Irbil, the capital of the Kurdish autonomous region in
Saddam Hussein, the Kurds have sought greater control over
northern Iraq. "We can't do that since we are committed to the
oil in their autonomous region in northern Iraq while Baghdad
companies to have a share in the produced oil," he said.
has argued that oil is a national resource under the central
government's control.
In 2004, the Oslo-based DNO became the first independent
Western oil company to secure an oil deal in Iraq after the
Ali Hussein Balo, an adviser to the Kurdish Ministry of
2003 U.S.-led invasion by signing a production sharing
Natural Resources said the crude-rich region can significantly
contract with the Kurds to develop the Tawke field in Dahouk
contribute to the nation's target of raising oil exports next year
province.
by shipping 150,000 barrels a day out of the country, but only
56
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
25 décembre
2010
l,:£Arf\fc"'îj3i
Le Kurdistan, abri de Noël pour les chrétiens d'Irak
Ammar Ablahad a quitté Bagdad pour le Kurdistan irakien, résolu à fêter Noël avec
sa femme et son bébé sans craindre un attentat.
par Namo Abdulla /(Reuters)
semi-autonome
sous
occidental.
passe
Elle
parrainage
désormais
pour un havre de sécurité dans un
A
pays globalement dangereux.
INKAOUA, Irak -
La veille de Noël, des milliers de
"La différence est complète", dit
fidèles étaient rassemblés à l'église
cet ingénieur des travaux publics âgé
Mar Youssouf d'Aïnkaoua et dans sa
de 32 ans qui s'est joint à des milliers
cour extérieure, ornée de lumières
d'autres chrétiens d'Irak partis pour
vives et d'un grand sapin de Noël.
le Nord à la suite d'attaques meur¬
trières
et de
menaces
persistantes
Des dizaines de policiers armés
de mitraillettes montaient la garde
contre une communauté chrétienne
autour
qui ne cesse de diminuer.
étaient en place hors de la ville afin
Le plus sanglant de ces attentats
a
fait
52
morts
le
31
octobre
en
pleine messe à la basilique syriaque
Notre-Dame du Perpétuel secours de
Bagdad,
lors
d'une
prise
d'otages
de
l'église.
Des
barrages
de prévenir toute attaque, a indiqué
le lieutenant Raouaz Azad, directeur
de la police de la route.
Devant l'église Mar Youssouf, des
voitures couvertes de serpentins de
suivie d'un assaut des forces de sécu¬
couleur et arborant de petits pères
rité.
Noël
sur
leurs
tableaux
de
bord
Dans une église à Kirkuk, à 250 km au
Dans
sa
bénédiction
"urbi
et
avançaient
péniblement,
pare-choc
orbi", le pape Benoît XVI a exprimé
contre pare-choc, au son de la chan¬
samedi l'espoir que Noël allège la
son "Jingle bells" (Vive le vent).
nord de Bagdad. Au Kurdistan, les chré¬
tiens ont pu fêter Noël dans un climat
moins tendu que dans la capitale ira¬
douleur des communautés chrétien¬
Dans certaines rues d'Aïnkaoua,
nes d'Irak et du Moyen-Orient, où le
des enfants attendaient le père Noël.
Vatican redoute que la violence n'ac¬
Chaque année, des hommes habillés
célère un exode chrétien.
en rouge parcourent la ville en 4x4 et
en faisant quelques achats de der¬
distribuent des cadeaux.
nière minute au Bazar Boto.
Soucieux
de
prévenir
de
nou¬
veaux bains de sang, plusieurs diri¬
A
geants chrétiens ont recommandé à
irakien,
Erbil,
des
capitale
du
centres
leurs coreligionnaires de fêter Noël
sont ornés d'arbres
avec discrétion et de limiter les céré¬
banderoles
monies aux prières et aux messes.
Noël".
Kurdistan
commerciaux
de
Noël et de
proclamant
"Joyeux
kienne. (Reuters/Ako Rasheed)
Mais
pour
certains
réfugiés,
le
chagrin qu'inspire la vie à laquelle ils
ont tourné le dos limite les réjouis¬
sances de Noël.
"Je ne vais pas faire la fête parce
Le risque de nouveaux attentats a
"Il est devenu impossible d'avoir
amené les forces de sécurité irakien¬
ce genre de chose à Bagdad", note
Hekanoch
nes à mettre en place des murs de
Ablahad en se protégeant du froid
seure
protection surmontées de fils barbe¬
devant une église d'Aïnkaoua avec
cherchant
lés
ses proches.
pour ses quatre enfants. "Mon mari
autour de
Bagdad.
Les
plusieurs
églises
décorations
de
de
Noël
brillaient par leur absence.
Le Haut-Commissariat de l'Onu
pour
les
réfugiés
a
indiqué
la
Mais à 300 km environ au nord
semaine
dernière
de la capitale, à Aïnkaoua et dans
familles
chrétiennes,
d'autres villes kurdes, l'atmosphère
6.000 personnes,
est
sont
Kurdistan irakien en provenance de
ornées de lumières fluorescentes et
Bagdad, Mossoul et d'autres régions.
à
l'allégresse.
Les
églises
de banderoles tandis que des hautparleurs diffusent musique et chants
à plein volume.
Les
un
millier
soit
de
n'ai
pas
d'argent",
Harkouone,
d'université
des
de
confiait
ex-profesBagdad,
vêtements
en
d'hiver
est chargé de la sécurité de l'église,
ajoutait-elle.
Il
est
notre
unique
source de revenus."
environ
avaient gagné le
chrétiens
naguère
estime
qu'un
que je
d'Irak
million
aujourd'hui
et
leur
étaient
demi.
On
nombre
à
850.000 environ sur une population
OASIS SEMI-AUTONOME
totale de 30 millions d'habitants.
Bayane Aoudech,
Le Kurdistan est une oasis rela¬
tive en Irak depuis 1991, année où la
région a acquis le
statut d'enclave
femme de 50
ans, a déclaré que même ses voisins
musulmans participaient à l'atmos¬
phère festive de Noël. "Eux aussi ont
acheté un arbre de Noël", a-t-elle dit
57
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
THE HUFFINGTON POST
THE lltTMivirt ttEVSrAM.li: SIVS D
28 December 2010
CONULWrt
toward
'A success story in
increasing
which I believe
nationalism,
is
ideology. Nothing instills natio¬
nalism more than oppression and
the Middle East'
fear."
Iraqi
Kurdistan,
to
the
U.S.
their regional government, cente¬
red
on
what
President
the
Jalal
U.S.'s
Middle
interview
son
of
Iraq's
Talabani
success
East.
religion,
the
It was
that
in
the
during
covered
Turkey,
called
story
an
part of the world with majestic
society
mountains,
where
Kurds
opened
with a natural beauty that is unri¬
their gates to Iraqi Christians see¬
valed, but with a population that
king refuge from extremist vio¬
has seen so much tragedy that has
the
have
politics,
Iran,
and
the
Kurdish attitude toward the U.S.
Qubad
Talabani
Prime
It was one of many times during
our discussion that I was remin¬
stated,
That difference was eviden¬
U.S. fingerprints on it and I can't
point to too many of those right
now in the Middle East. "
A 2007 profile described the
Iraqi president's son as "Englishonetime
Italian-car
mechanic with an American wife-
-[who]
handles
his
duties
with
aplomb, rushing around town in
subtle suits to meet with policy
makers and power brokers."
The
Italian
cars
the
mechanical
engineering
degree
have
given
to
since
mechanics
of
way
diplomacy.
My
research for a book. Their history
culture
fascinate
me.
I
became aware of Qubad Talabani
as part of that research and have
watched his transformation from
candid,
engaging and achingly interested
in putting across to the American
people
what
the
Kurds
have
accomplished and how much of
that
progress
they
attribute
to
past, current, and ~ emphasized -
- ongoing U.S. engagement in the
region.
We
with his
hundreds
sands
left Iraq
have
of
thou¬
altogether.
They've shown the same tole¬
rance
toward
other
as
Mr.
out,
"like
Americans."
"It's important for Americans
to know that out of the nearly five
thousand U.S. casualties in Iraq,
not one of those casualties have
do arise, are cultural
Talabani
was
in nature.
candid
occurred
in
the
Kurdistan
about
region," he said, "we've not lost
the challenges faced by women in
one U.S. serviceman or civilian,
their rural regions, with crimes of
for
honor killings and female genital
through
mutilation,
proud
on
which,
he
said,
that
matter,
in
hostile
action.
Kurdistan,
We're
of a statistic that always
we want to keep it that way. Why
nalist movement among Kurdish
begun work to stop. It won't be
is it? First and foremost, Kurds,
youth that had them turning from
easy. In the male dominated cul¬
by
the
ture that exists in the rural areas,
States
Kurds
he points out that it will take reli¬
view you as occupiers. We liked
as
gious leaders and village elders to
the fact that you were there."
Islam
to
ancient
when
Zoroastrianism,
religion
they
of
were
the
known
the
Medes. It's a faith that includes,
change
as its precepts, tolerance toward
been
other religions, protection of the
equality
of
the
sexes, truth, and loyalty toward
family, country and God.
There's
no
evidence
a
wider movement, although those
some
practices.
progress
There's
in
those
efforts, including a statement by
the Kurdish Islamic authority to
condemn the practices, but, as he
said,
of
the
"we can't shy away" from
That's
in
contrast
with
the
high participation of women
are Muslim,
their parliament, their presence in
in
by those in rural areas. But, even
the armed forces (Peshmerga and
there, it is not the same as in other
police), their access to education
parts of the Middle East.
I
brought
up
"Kurds
a
and
hold
saying
their
I'd
Islam
activities
in civic
life. The
cities of Iraqi Kurdistan are boo¬
ming.
There's
money
from
oil
with a light touch." Mr. Talabani
and billions in investment from
explained the phrase, "Kurds are
foreign companies, pouring into
Kurds first today and, in my opi¬
everything
nion,
it's
because
when
we
lopment
from
to
resource
mega
deve¬
malls.
The
were being massacred ~ nobody
regional government has built an
came out in the Muslim world to
information technology academy,
say: 'hang on a minute. This is
a police academy, water and grid
wrong.'
infrastructure improvements with
No
religious
authority
from Cairo or Saudi Arabia or
electricity
any of the other epicenters of the
unlike the rest of Iraq.
near
prewar
levels,
massacred by supposed Muslims
dant, cooler in summer, snowy in
Talabani's objection to the death
in
winter with tall mountains, wild-
penalty, which came up when he
That's gone
form
of Saddam's
a long
way,
Iraq.
again,
Talabani
the
United
We
didn't
acknowledged
Western concerns that the Kurds
might be too close to Iran, but
defied
those
making
the
state¬
ments to prove that anything has
been done against U.S. interests.
Also
country,
unlike
Iraqi
the
rest
Kurdistan
Kurdish
Talabani
their
concern
closeness
said,
"is
about
to
find
Iran,"
me
one
example where we have carried
out an action or a policy that has
been consistent with Iran's inte¬
rests and, at the same time, detri¬
mental
to
haven't
done
U.S.
it.
interests.
We
Of course
we
want to have good relations with
all of the countries that we live
next door to. We didn't pick the
neighborhood that we live in. It
picked us."
He was more specific about
another neighbor.
"Turkey
has
transformed
from this secular, cold war ally of
the
the
view
liberators.
expressed
explore that option. Most Kurds
is practiced
large,
as
"What I've told those who've
to be done.
in Iraqi Kurdistan are now free to
which
and
the problem. There's more work
here are Muslim brothers being
Jalal
Kurds,"
points
religious
Muslim world came out and said
of
the
Talabani
minorities. Problems, when they
father's
confirmation
action in Iraqi Kurdistan. "This is
because
Iraq have resettled in Kurdistan."
reelection as president of Iraq and
58
started
regrettably,
and,
makes us knock on wood because
heard,
scene.
was
families
the Middle East, reports and has
the diplomat on the Washington
Talabani
any U.S. casualties due to hostile
Christian
Kurdistan, unlike other parts of
Kurdish exile raised in Britain to
Mr.
bly settled in Kurdistan 12,000 to
ced by a statement from Qubad
the
interest in the Kurds began with
and
That pride includes the fact
Talabani about a growing natio¬
environment,
and
of national pride."
that there has not been, to date,
were than perceptions of them by
many in the West.
Middle East that has significant
a
welcoming
ded of how different the Kurds
"there is a success story in the
accented,
this
Talabani explains; "we've proba¬
Minister
and Foreign Minister, Tariq Aziz.
valleys
policy [to Iraqi Christians];" Mr.
Mr.
for their involvement in Iraq.
As
Deputy
sweeping
instilled in us an enormous sense
had
tion order for Saddam Hussein's
former
a
East. I view it as this beautiful
Those who've chosen not to leave
said he would not sign the execu¬
it
pluralistic
15,000
for
consider
lism is the common belief in a
"We've
Qubad Talabani, the Kurdish
representative
"I
distinctly
huffingtonpost
with
said,
vibrant, thriving, civil society in
nationa¬
lence.
conversation
"Iraqi Kurdistan is to me..."
Talabani
the heart of a turbulent Middle
In
By Janet Ritz
Arecent
falls (see slideshow below).
a defensive
of the
is
ver¬
flowers, rushing rivers and water
the United States," he explained,
"[which was] Ataturk Kemalist's
vision,
pro-Israel,
another
non-
Arab, pro-Israeli group of demo¬
crats
who
were
secular
in
the
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
Middle East. That was the perfect
their
combination of attributes for the
help them develop their society.
United States at the time. That is
no
longer
the
same
Turkey.
Turkey has changed. Turkey has
a
new
government,
a
new
government with a new mandate;
a new platform - a very strategic
and
systematic
shift
in
policy
which places its emphasis on the
region of the world it lives in."
This brought up the problem
of Kirkuk,
the
Iraqi
investment
"The
oil
fund;
there
of Iraq,"
to
Talabani
explained, "has been a curse for
the Kurds since Iraq's inception.
We've never truly benefited from
our
so-called
natural
resource.
in
Kurdistan
because
although
Muslim,
used
to
genocide
fund
against
the
war
the
of
Kurdish
it
it
couldn't
society
was
there,
predominantly
although it was in the
rural areas predominantly conser¬
We
The impression I took away
from the interview was that the
Kurds
have
more
in
common
public
that there
is
a world economic
They
has
are
been
made
sophisticated
aware.
in
their
We're
reading
the
We've
become
more
we're ready."
understanding of the fickle nature
of world powers. They know the
President
Hussein
into
Iraq War was unpopular and have
was
into our
their own take on the U.S. inva¬
Qubad
Talabani
"You've
from
the
city,
leveling
whole
our educational
neighborhoods,
them
with
and
Arab
replaced
and
property
rights
and
administra¬
tion of the reserves has become
what
Mr.
Talabani
called
"messy."
It's messy because everyone
has claim to the province with its
sector,
agricultural sector."
Turkmen
families. Resolving the issues of
infrastructure,
The
genocide
refers
is
which
Saddam's
Campaign
During
to
of
the
that time,
Anfal
late
the
he
Kurds
directly.
promoting
tration.
ting
"There's
what
I
wished
of
America came into Iraq for and
what they did come into Iraq for,"
gassed from the air in what still is
Talabani explained, "I think that,
the largest poison gas attack upon
ultimately, after 9/11, there was a
a civilian
new order and a new state of play
The
des¬
Obama
'turning
sion of Iraq that differs from the
Halabja in Iraqi Kurdistan were
population.
In reference to a comment by
one offered by the Bush adminis¬
1980's.
in
long-term commitment with Iraq,
of the sale of that oil and gas into
developing
leaves.
astute
United States is serious about a
hope of reinvesting the proceeds
Kurds
tea
observing political reality. If the
Kurdistan border atop
the
that
crisis the United States is caught
vast oil and gas reserves. Saddam
depopulated
know
up in and is suffering as a result
have
an opportunity to develop
States.
is Iraq fatigue. We know
of it. We know all these things.
with the West than the American
our oil and gas sector with the
there
that intolerant ideology. "
people. So, for the first time, we
a city that straddles
ciples? We see the debate in the
United
vative, it was just not tolerant of
On the contrary, this resource has
been
and
the
in
that
the
page
America
in
Iraq',
responded
talked
democracy.
Kurdistan.
about
It's
star¬
Embrace
it.
Support it. Defend it. You want to
talk
about
starting
energy
in
security.
Kurdistan.
apply
it
in
can
nationally.
Counterterrorism
today
It's
We
is
Kurdistan.
happening
All
of
the
things that we have hoped for in
oil. The Arab and Turkmen fami¬
cription of that gassing is horri¬
in the world and the United States
lies established by Saddam have
fic,
was leading the charge. Saddam
lived
The
women and children. More Kurds
was
Kurds that were displaced have
were rounded up and disappeared
mass
come back to demolished homes
in what the Iraqi High Criminal
threat to say peace, stability, of
difficulty
and streets. The inclusion of the
Court
allies in the region and, by exten¬
position. Mr. Talabani referred to
Turkmen
inte¬
declared a genocide against the
sion,
espe¬
Kurdish people. The Kurds feel
why
cially, their concern about Kurds
this loss at their core and are still
the
expanding
should
recovering their dead. There was
Iraq had weapons of mass des¬
added, "what would be nice for
they be given the administration
a recent ceremony in their capital
truction. We were quietly, publi¬
Americans
of Kirkuk.
city, Erbil,
cly, actively trying to inject into
spectrum
the
war
have a friend in the Kurds. And,
issues of human rights violations,
even though there may be times
issues
the
when we might disagree with one
Kurds, issues of genocide against
another, this friendship we feel is
rest,
there
as
a
generation.
gamers Turkey's
does the oil
and,
their territory
The Turks watch this because
they
have
their
own
large
with
many
has,
of
just
its
this
victims
past
year,
where the bodies of
long-missing
Kurdish
children
were returned to their families.
Kurdish minority which is not as
The
Iraqi
Kurds'
peaceful
well off as Iraq's Kurds. A rebel
society is a testament to their gro¬
Kurdish group out of Turkey, the
wing maturity. They've seen vio¬
PKK,
which encamps just over
lence used against them and bet¬
viewed
with
weapons
destruction
the
the
as
United
That's
argument
of Iraq
justification
of
mortal
States.
principle
liberation
a
was
for
genocide
of
this
against
the lack of political freedom, so
red important in world politics,
the differences with the support
regrettably."
Kurdistan but have not been dis¬
of the Clinton Administration and
lodged
formed
support
from
their
of
mountain
a
government
camps in the north of Iraq. The
two
U.S.
Kurdistan
and
Turkey to improve the lot of the
Democratic
Party)
Turkish
share
has
reduce
been
working
Kurds,
which
support
for
the
with
could
PKK
parties
in
region.
(Patriotic
with
Union
the
the
of
all of the stuff that is not conside¬
What's
the
formation of their
Kurdistan while they struggle to
survive.
Oil
was
another
topic
took twenty-
democracy.
semi-autono¬
horrors
to
with
the
and
rebuilding
of a
lenges. The Kurds interacted clo¬
sely with the Bush administration
years,
and,
worse,
knew
The
for
which they'd been subjected, the
them.
conversation. Foreign investment
Kurds have no patience for extre¬
Obama
has
for
how
better
to
deal
transition
administration
or
to
the
has
pre¬
mist groups like Al Qaeda. "Our
sented its own challenges for the
society does
Kurds. Mr. Talabani was specific:
head.
called insurgency," Mr. Talabani
mony
into
They
to
Iraqi
held
open
Kurdistan
a recent cere¬
a
facility
to
be
embraced.
It
not tolerate
the
so
near
was adamant, "Al Qaeda tried to
Erbil. Deals have been made with
set up a base in Kurdistan after it
scores of companies. The Kurds
knew it was going to get hamme¬
are open for business. Their posi¬
red in Afghanistan. The intention
tion on these resources is that it's
was to set up a base of operations
"What the
for,
in
in
the
United
States
will
world
particular,
is
what
we need help, guide us where we
need
when
guidance,
we
need
work
to
be
with
us
worked
with."
with
like a spigot opened on a well¬
come
needs
appreciate this and help us where
It's not been without its chal¬
for
past
Middle East. This success story
tions
five seats. They are building their
the
many of those right now in the
is the
tion along with future administra¬
in opposition to the two
Given
from
red. I'm hopeful this administra¬
primary
Iraqi
that has significant U.S. finger¬
the associated growing pains that
List
thriving
a
developed. It shouldn't be igno¬
when
a
is
manage
opportunity
to improve their situation enough
at
"there
pursue
diverse society.
border
with,
dom they now enjoy while they
Kurdish parliament
parties
closed
power-
that
third group, known as the Change
the
He
success story in the Middle East
shouldn't be feared. It needs to be
has to wonder what it would take
across
you
mous region and the relative free¬
come
look
regrettable
Kurds' point of view
held an election in 2009 where a
can
political
that
prints on it and I can't point to too
not
within Turkish borders, but one
they
is
Kurdish
their semi-autonomous
The
the
know
strong, is deep, and is based on
during the 1990's. They resolved
the
across
to
core values and core principles."
Iraqi
have
the president as "caught between
constant struggle of many Iraqis -
not
conflict
the
Obama's
Iraqis, issues of torture and of the
EU and Turkey. The PKK does
an
understand
of President
knew how that felt. To this, he
outbreak of internecine
in
Kurds
that
red a terrorist group by the U.S.,
factions
The
Iraq and a hard place" and said he
ween
own
in the Kurdistan region of Iraq."
for
the Iraqi border, has been decla¬
their
broader Iraq are today happening
looking
we
are
looking for as Kurds," he pointed
out,
"is a clear vision from the
United States. What are its core
interests? What are its core prin
59
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
'
££ftf
du 29 décembre 2010 au 4 janvier 2011, numéro 851
. a. i?i
Iraq . Le Parlement a accordé sa confiance an gonvernement d'unité nationale dirigé par Nouri Al-Maliki et
a adopté son programme visant à libéraliser l'économie, développer la production pétrolière et les services
tout en combattant le terrorisme et la corruption.
Les défis du nouveau gouvernement Maliki
E n
Maha Salem
Cin euf
mois
après
les
élec-
1^1 tions législatives, le gouvernement iraqien a enfin
été approuvé par le Parlement.
De
longues
tractations
ont
eu
lieu tout au long du mois dernier,
afin de former ce gouvernement
de compromis. Mais une lourde
tâche
pèse
celui-ci.
Il
sur
les
faudra
épaules
tout
rétablir la sécurité
confirmer
régime
de
d'abord
en Iraq et
l'instauration
démocratique.
d'un
A
cet
égard, le premier ministre ira¬
qien
Nouri
Al-Maliki
a
sélec¬
tionné cinq dossiers prioritaires
:
la
sécurité,
les
finances,
le
pétrole, l'électricité et les rela¬
tions avec l'étranger. « Les défis
qui
nous
attendent
sont
énor¬
mes. Nous devons avoir une poli¬
tique claire dans les domaines de
la
sécurité,
des
finances,
du
pétrole et de l'électricité et amé¬
liorer nos relations extérieures
», a déclaré Al-Maliki, lors du pre¬
mier Conseil des ministres réuni
au lendemain de l'intronisation
du
gouvernement.
mier
ministre
Mais
iraqien
le
pre¬
n'a
tou¬
jours pas nommé de ministres ni
pour
l'Electricité
ni
pour
le
Pétrole. Il a expliqué aux députés
qu'il avait décidé de retarder ces
nominations
réception
en
raison
tardive
de
de
la
certains
postulants. « J'ai décidé de retar¬
der ces nominations, car j'essaie
de
choisir les
meilleurs
et
les
plus expérimentés, mais malheu¬
reusement,
j'ai
reçu
certaines
(candidatures) très tard, et j'ai
besoin de temps pour les exami¬
ner », a expliqué Maliki.
Avec
une
secrétaire
seule
femme
d'Etat
sans
qui
est
porte¬
feuille, ce gouvernement de com¬
promis compte 45 ministères et
secrétariats
d'Etat.
L'Alliance
nationale, qui regroupe les partis
religieux chiites et occupe
159
des 325 sièges, s'octroie la part
du lion avec le poste de premier
ministre, de vice-premier minis¬
tre et 17 portefeuilles, dont celui
du Pétrole.
de
vice-premier
ministre
et
8
Maliki : le manque de présence
ministères, dont les Finances, et
féminine
les Kurdes (57 sièges) qui gar¬
Ainsi, sous la pression des dépu¬
dent leur poste de vice-premier
au
nouveau
cabinet.
tés, le Parlement a voté samedi
ministre et gèrent 3 ministères,
une résolution affirmant que la
dont les Affaires étrangères. La
question des femmes était « sa
petite
priorité
coalition Wassat (10
siè¬
»,
et
qu'un
comité
de
ges) obtient 2 ministères, et un
suivi a été créé à cet effet. C'est
chrétien
de
ce
un
Oussama
devient
ministre
l'Environnement.
décompte
Selon
l'AFP,
Al-Noujaïfi.
Si
la
Constitution stipule qu'un quart
ministres nommés jusqu'à main¬
des députés soit des femmes, il
figurent
20
parmi
son président
les
tenant
de
qu'a annoncé
chiites,
10
(91 sièges) qui obtient un poste
60
sur la lutte contre la corruption,
le développement des
n'y a, en effet, aucun quota pour
sunnites, 4 Kurdes et un chré¬
le gouvernement. Et la nomina¬
tien.
tion d'une seule femme au gou¬
ments, l'accroissement de la pro¬
duction pétrolière, la lutte contre
le terrorisme et le confessionnalisme, et l'amélioration des rela¬
tions
avec
L'Iraq
sur
vernement a mis le feu aux pou¬
dres. Accusé, Nouri Al-Maliki a
plus vite possible les ministres
renvoyé
concernés par la sécurité, afin de
groupes politiques, qui n'ont pas
garantir
pays.
présenté suffisamment de candi¬
Maliki
dates pour le gouvernement, mal¬
Jusqu'à
la
stabilité
du
maintenant,
la
responsabilité
sa
gré ses appels répétés. « J'avais
de la Défense, de l'Intérieur et de
demandé à tous les groupes poli¬
tiques de proposer des femmes,
iraqiennes doivent être capables
et je ne vous cache pas
d'assurer la sécurité lorsque les
n'ai reçu qu'une seule candidate
que je
50 000 derniers soldats améri¬
». Et pour trouver une issue à
cains auront quitté le territoire
cette question, il a insisté sur le
d'ici fin 2011. A plusieurs repri¬
fait que l'un des 43 points de son
ses,
le
premier
ministre
a
programme
de
gouvernement
annoncé qu'il ne souhaite pas de
fait mention de « la nécessité de
prolongation de la présence amé¬
promouvoir
ricaine,
nine ».
tout
en
se
targuant
la
condition
fémi¬
ces.
«
Nous
avons
surmonté la
cette année de contrats d'exploi¬
es députés ont approuvé le
a
voit
programme
gouvernemen¬
tal en 43 points, qui pré¬
notamment
de
«
passer
mais cela ne veut pas dire que la
d'une économie centralisée à une
économie de marché, de dévelop¬
d'opposition armée
per
»,
a-t-il pré¬
Une
les
secteurs
commercial ainsi
autre
question
dérange
avec
des
compagnies
internationales. La production a
atteint 2,5 millions de b/j.
Par ailleurs, les services publics
sont toujours dans un état déplo¬
rable, notamment la production
d'électricité.
C'est
le
nouveau
vice-premier
ministre
Hussein
Chahristani, ministre du Pétrole
et
de
dans
l'Electricité
le
par
intérim
gouvernement
sortant,
qui est chargé provisoirement du
dossier en attendant la nomina¬
tion
du
titulaire.
La
demande
d'électricité ne cesse de croître
et les coupures de courant ont
entraîné de violentes manifesta¬
Affaires
violence est finie, qu'il n'y a plus
cisé.
économie,
notamment après la conclusion
étrangères,
le
Kurde
Hoshyar Zebari, en poste depuis
année 3 500 personnes ont été
violence et frappé les hors-la-loi,
pétrolière,
son
nationales, c'est au ministre des
Un nouveau programme
pouvoir en 2006, même si cette
tuées dans des actes de violen¬
production
relancer
voisins.
tions. Quant aux relations inter¬
d'avoir divisé par sept le nombre
des morts depuis son arrivée au
pays
principalement
aux
assure l'intérim des ministères
la Sécurité nationale, les forces
les
compte
tation
Pour M. Maliki, il faut choisir le
services,
l'encouragement aux investisse¬
pour
industriel
que
et
2003, que revient la tâche d'amé¬
liorer les relations avec les voi¬
sins, notamment avec la Syrie, et
surtout l'Arabie Saoudite, qui n'a
jamais accepté de voir les sunni¬
tes évincés du pouvoir au profit
des chiites.
celui des
transports », selon le document
Juste après, il y a la liste Iraqiya
plus, le programme insiste aussi
présenté aux parlementaires.
Par ailleurs, le cabinet n'est pas
totalement renouvelé, puisque le
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
premier
vice-pre¬
apportons notre plein soutien »,
proche
mier ministre kurde, le chef de
ministre,
un
a déclaré Iyad Allaoui. « Ce cabi¬
ministre.
la diplomatie, le niinistre de la
net ne représente pas l'ambition
Jeunesse et des Sports ainsi que
du premier ministre, mais celle
Les législatives de mars ont été
nature à apaiser les craintes de
deux secrétaires d'Etat gardent
des
marquées par le
ceux qui redoutaient un regain
leurs postes.
Maliki) aurait préféré diriger un
lisme. Les chiites ont voté pour
de violences intercommunautai¬
gouvernement
une
la liste de l'Etat de droit de M.
res.
groupes
politiques.
basé
(M.
sur
conseiller
du
premier
Conseil
confessionna-
Le chef de la liste laïque Iraqiya,
majorité (parlementaire) plutôt
Maliki et l'Alliance nationale ira¬
qu'un cabinet
qienne alors que les sunnites se
longtemps
le
les résultats des élections ont
sont prononcés en masse pour la
poste de ce dernier, a proposé de
fait qu'un gouvernement de la
liste laïque Iraqiya de l'ancien
« tourner la page ». « Nous espé¬
majorité aurait été un gouverne¬
premier
rons
né
ment d'une seule couleur confes¬
Ce
dans la douleur, réussira pour le
sionnelle, ce qu'il a voulu éviter
d'ores
bien de la population, et nous lui
»,
rejoindrait le gouvernement en
que
espéré
le
occuper
gouvernement,
a indiqué Ali
Mais
Moussawi,
un
national
de
politique
stratégique. Sa décision est de
le rival de M. Maliki, et qui a
d'alliances.
tant que dirigeant d'un nouveau
ministre
dernier,
Iyad
Allaoui.
un chiite laïque,
et déjà fait
a
savoir qu'il
Le président irakien rencontre les dirigeants
13-
kurdes de Turquie sur la question kurde
24 décembre
2010 -
xinhua
derniers
jours,
qui
Le
président
irakien
Jalal
Talabani
a
l'Assemblée
rencontré
jeudi à Istanbul d'éminentes personnalités kurdes de
cratique
Turquie
où
en
marge
l'Organisation
de
la
du
llème
sommet
coopération
de
pays
abrite
les
démo¬
autonome,
Kurdes
se
réunissent pour dis¬
économique
(Economie Cooperation Organization, ECO) dans le but
cuter
de trouver une solution pacifique au problème kurde.
d'une
des
détails
éventuelle
autonomie,
Le président du Congrès pour une société démocra¬
une
position à laquelle le
tique (DTK) Ahmet Turk et le vice-président Aysel Tugluk,
gouvernement
qui
ont
rencontré
M.
Talabani,
ont
été
tous
les
deux
est
exclus de la politique en décembre 2009 et leur parti, le
fermement
turc
hos¬
tile.
principal parti kurde de Turquie, avait été dissout lorsque
le Conseil
constitutionnel
Interrogé pour savoir si M. Talabani a soutenu l'idée
l'a reconnu coupable de liens
de l'autonomie démocratique,
avec les terrorists du Parti des travailleurs kurdes (PKK).
commenter directement,
A l'issue de la rencontre à huis clos, Ahmet Turk a
mais
M. Turk s'est abstenu de
a déclaré:
"personne
ne
protesterait contre une solution autonome".
déclaré qu'ils avaient discuté de la façon de promouvoir
la paix dans la région, de ce qui peut être fait pour deve¬
loper la démocratie et du type de mesures devant être
prises pour accroître la fraternité régionale.
Le
DTK a été
inscrit sur l'agenda de la Turquie ces
Un ancien cadre du
Après avoir été jugé en flagrant délit par la Cour correctionnelle de
Salonique et acquitté car il se trouvait "en état de nécessité", M. Sarikaya
parti turc pro-kurde
a déposé une demande d'asile aux autorités grecques, qui doivent pro¬
chainement se prononcer.
DTP demande l'asile
en Grèce
Lors de sa déposition devant la cour, M. Sarikaya a indiqué qu'il avait
passé vingt ans dans les geôles turques en raison de son activité politique
et que sa vie serait en danger en cas de retour à son pays.
La décision de la Cour constitutionnelle turque de dissoudre le DTP en
SALONIQUE (Grèce), 29 décembre 2010 (AFP)
2009 avait été qualifiée d'"inquiétante" par le ministre suédois des Affaires
étrangères, Cari Bildt, dont son pays présidait alors l'Union européenne.
UN ANCIEN cadre du parti pro-kurde pour une société démocratique
(DTP), dissous
demandé
par la Cour constitutionnelle turque en
l'asile en Grèce après son arrestation
2009,
a
à l'aéroport de
Salonique (nord), a-t-on appris mercredi de source policière.
Parmi divers problèmes qui entravent le progrès des négociations entre
l'UE et la Turquie engagées depuis 2005, figure le respect des libertés
politiques.Par ailleurs, dans la ville multiethnique de Kirkouk, à 240 km au
nord de Bagdad, la police a découvert le corps de Barbaras Mohammad
Ancien vice-président du DTP, Mustafa Sarikaya, 46 ans, a été arrêté il y
Habib, un membre de l'Union patriotique du Kurdistan (UPK de Jalal
a une semaine à l'aéroport de Salonique pour détention "de faux passe¬
Talabani), criblé de dix balles, a indiqué le colonel de police Azad
port" et "entrée illégale" sur le territoire, lors d'une escale de son avion en
Abdallah.
provenance de Paphos (Chypre) et à destination de Sofia (Bulgarie).
61
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
HemlojKÊK tribune
DECEMBER 30- 201°
The new government rightly includes all of Iraq's major
EDITORIAL OPINION'
communities. We are especially encouraged that Sunnis
disenfranchised after boycotting the 2005 election
were
given several top posts, including speaker of Parliament. Mr.
Allawi's bloc has a large number of Sunni supporters, which
is another reason why the new council should be given real
At last, the country has a new govern¬
clout.
A secularly minded Sunni also became the minister of edu-
ment, which includes all of Iraq's major
cation,-succeeding a religious Shiite, increasing the chance
communities. Now its leaders must ad¬
that education will become more secular and inclusive. Un¬
dress the country's many problems.
fortunately, Iraqi women were shortchanged, being offered
; only one minor government office.
Nine long months after parliamentary elections, Iraq has a
Iraq's factions, with their competing priorities, are going to
new government. Its leaders can't waste any more time on
\ have to work hard to make progress on the country's many
petty maneuvering.
problems. They must pass laws ensuring an equitable divi¬
The March elections were only the second since Saddam
sion of the country's oil wealth. They must make sweeping
Hussein's ouster. Forming the government was a sordid and
! economic reforms, without which there is no chance of creat¬
costly process. The political paralysis meant important eco¬
ing jobs for the 450,000 mostly young Iraqis entering the
nomic decisions were not made, leading to even higher un¬
, workforce each yean They need to keep their promise of jobs
employment. Basic services deteriorated even further. And,
to the thousands of Sunni fighters who came in from the cold.
Iraqi voters have grown even more cynical about the demo¬
At this point, Iraq's most dangerous fault line may be the
cratic process.
; oil-rich region of Kirkuk, which is claimed by Arabs and
The new government will have to work hard to establish its
Kurds. Washington must press Iraqis to find a Solution, mak-
credibility. We have mixed feelings about Prime Minister
! ing clear that a Kurdish secession or a grab for Kirkuk would
Nuri Kamal al-Maliki winning a second term when so many
l mean the end of American support.
voters wanted change. In the past, lie has shown disturbing
President Obama has rightly promised to withdraw all
autocratic tendencies and bolstered his power by inflaming
i American troops from Iraq by the end of 2011. In an interview
sectarian differences. This time he needs to prove himself as
with The Wall Street Journal that was published on Tuesday,
a leader for all Iraqis.
Mr. Maliki insisted that that deadline is firm. Still, the two
, In the election, his Shiite-dominated State of Law coalition
came in second
by two seats
leaders need to consider whether some number of forces
to the multi-ethnic Iraqiya
American or from the United Nations
slate led by Ayad Allawi, a former prime minister. But Mr.
The administration deserves credit for goading Iraqis into
winning coalition.
a political deal. But the long delay and Iraq's daunting list of
As part of the deal, Mr. Maliki accepted an American pro¬
problems is a reminder that, even after the troops come
posal to have Mr. Allawi lead a still-to-be-created council to
home, Iraq will continue toneed American attention, support
oversee national security issues and provide some check on
and pressure.
Mr. Maliki's powers.
Xecattofi* Sribunc
DECEMBER 30, 2010
was thought to be the leader of the Mo¬
On 6th try,
sul branch of Al Qaeda in Mesopotamia.
Mosul,
the
capital
of
Nineveh
Province, has remained a hotbed of sec¬
bombers kill
tarian bloodshed even as overall vio¬
lence in the country has dropped during
: the last two years.
a top police
chief in Iraq
sive vests entered a fortified police com¬
said. The first blew himself up inside the
concrete blast walls. In the mayhem that
followed, the other two bombers ran into
the headquarters building and detonat¬
BAGHDAD
ed their explosives, killing Colonel Ja¬
bouri in his quarters, said Abdulrahem
BYJOHNLELAND
al-Shemari, who heads the provincial se¬
An attack Wednesday morning by three
suicide bombers in the northern city of
Mosul killed a top police commander
there and destroyed the police headquar¬
ters, adding more unrest to a region
already torn by extremist violence.
commander,
Lt.
Col.
Shamel
Ahmed al-Jabouri, had been hailed for
taking on terrorist groups operating in
the area. The attack was the sixth at¬
tempt on his life, and the second in the
last three months, a police official said.
A week earlier, Colonel Jabouri led an
assault that killed Munathel Salim, who
62
curity and defense committee.
trapping others. inside.' Local officials
they
did
not
that withdrawal must finish by the end of
2011. Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Ma. liki was quoted as saying this week in The
Wall Street Journal that he would not ex¬
tend the deadline for troops to leave.
know
how
against the terrorist groups in Mosul," a
police official said. "We have lost one of
our heroes."
The official said the commander had a
long history of battling terrorist groups
' in the area. Just three months earlier, a
suicide bomber wearing an explosive
vest tried to rush at him in a coffee shop,
but the officer's guards opened fire be¬
fore the attacker could get close, and no
one was hurt in the explosion.
The blast brought down the building,
said
. troops leave the country. By agreement,
Colonel Jabouri "was a sharp sword
At 6 : 30 a.m., three men wearing explo¬
pound in Mosul on foot, the authorities
The
should remain terri-
porarily as a buffer in Kirkuk.
Maliki outmaneuvered his rival and finally put together a
many
people were killed or wounded. But an
official at the Interior Ministry in Bagh¬
dad said four people had been killed by
the bomb and the collapse of the build¬
ing, a one-story structure that had been
damaged during previous attacks in the
area in 2006 and 2007.
The continued violence in Mosul has
stirred fears that the area will descend in¬
to carnage after the remaining American
The
attack
Wednesday
came
two
days after suicide bombers assaulted
the heavily fortified government com¬
pound in Ramadi, the capital of Anbar
Province, which is in western Iraq and
another battleground of the insurgency.
Both attacks may have been retaliation
for recent police operations against ter¬
rorism suspects in the regions. In An¬
bar, where the attack killed at least 14
people,
the
police
have
arrested
93
people in the previous week and a half.
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
®ftejt\etolJ(Kk®fateg December 31, 2010
A Kurdish Rebel Softens His Tone
for Skeptical Ears
The presence of the P.K.K. has long been
an irritant in relations, prompting crossborder raids and bombings as recently
as last summer. Increasingly, though, it
would seem to be a surmountable one.
"We continue to remind all: Violence
will not be the way to solve this issue,"
said Barham Salih, the prime minister of
the Kurdish regional government in nor¬
thern Iraq.
Iraq's Kurds are "mindful of our rela¬
tionship with Turkey," Mr. Salih added.
The experience of the Kurds within
Iraq's democratizing if not yet fully
democratic system "dispels the notion
that the Kurds are a destabilizing ele¬
ment in this part of the world," he said.
Shiho Fukadafor The New York Tîntes
"We want the Kurdish problem
as a nation's problem, as a people's problem
"We don't have to be stuck in the
conflicts in the past," he said.
to be solved not by guns, but by dialogue."
MURAT KARAYILAN
MR. KARAYILAN is a garrulous man,
portly but fit, mustachioed and nattily
tiously arranged, if not exactly clandes¬
tine, interviews from his mountainous
By STEVEN LEE MYERS
redoubt, irritating officials on both sides
of the border who would rather see him
QANDIL, Iraq
fade into obscurity.
dressed in the handmade olive-gray uni¬
form that the party's fighters wear. His
past is murky enough that the United
States Treasury Department's official ter¬
rorist designations give two birth dates
for him, making him either 56 or 60.
HIGH in the craggy mountains of
Iraq's northern frontier, where men
(and, in this case, women) with guns have
long operated beyond the control of any
government, Murat Karayilan sounds
more interested in pursuing peace than the
"The Kurdish people are an ancient peo¬
ple in the world," he said. "All their
national and linguistic rights have been
denied. Our goal is to achieve those
rights."
He has been the day-to-day commander
of the Kurdistan Workers' Party since its
charismatic founder, Abdullah Ocalan,
was captured in 1999, tried and sent to
an island prison in the Sea of Marmara.
war he has led against Turkey.
Mr. Karayilan's party, long designated a
"We are not weak," Mr. Karayilan said
in an interview in this village, where he
terrorist organization and since last year
a drug trafficker by the United States,
has declared a new cease-fire and
and other fighters of the Kurdistan
Workers' Party, or the P.K.K., represent
already extended it into the new year.
Whether by design or under duress, the
the law of the land, despite official
party has reduced its own political
claims to the contrary.
demands, tempered by the profound
"Our youths are always ready, hot-bloo¬
ded and combative, but we want the
Kurdish problem
political and economic changes that
have swept Turkey and Iraq.
to be sol¬
Mr. Karayilan no longer calls for a sepa¬
rate Kurdish state, but for a degree of
ved not by guns, but by dialogue."
autonomy within Turkey that is inspired
Many will doubt Mr. Karayilan's since¬
rity, especially in Turkey. The party's
violent struggle has lasted more than a
quarter-century and cost 40,000 lives.
federal system the Kurds set up for
themselves in Iraq after the American
invasion in 2003.
Iraq's Kurdish leaders, eager to expand
trade and cross-border cooperation, have
have reached its endgame.
supported efforts to end the fighting,
And that has put Mr. Karayilan
either
a noble insurgent fighting oppression or
a narco-terrorist commander
at the
center of a different kind of offensive.
less openly in what amounts to an unde¬
clared haven. Its fighters
ber of them women
a large num¬
adhere to a disci¬
plined, ascetic lifestyle. While they have
always used the mountains as refuge,
the toppling of Saddam Hussein has
made this much easier
to the chagrin
nely complains to the United States and
Iraq to do more to curtail the P.K.K.'s
movements.
by, but stops considerably short of, the
But now, perhaps more than ever before,
there are indications that the war may
afterward, and its fighters live more or
of the Turkish government, which routi¬
as a nation's pro¬
blem, as a people's problem
The leadership moved to Qandil shortly
offering their own model of self-deter¬
mination and rising prosperity as an
example. Even as officials in Turkey rule
out negotiations with the party itself,
"For the first time in history the Kurds
have breathing space," said the move¬
ment's spokesman, Roj Welat.
Mr. Karayilan's exact base is, of course,
kept secret, but the party's presence in
the gorges around Qandil is not.
Uniformed fighters maintain a check¬
point on the road from the Kurdish
regional capital, Erbil, not far beyond
the last official checkpoint.
intermediaries have held secret talks to
He has been making the case for
Kurdish rights in Turkey in surrepti
discuss the possibility of a lasting peace,
according to officials in Iraq and Turkey.
The parry's flag flutters over its territory,
while Mr. Ocalan's portrait hangs ubi¬
quitously. Mr. Ocalan remains the move-
63
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
ment's revered leader, but he "is not in
Kurdish-language studies at universi¬
a position to giver orders" from prison,
ties.
He spoke for nearly two hours in a cin¬
Mr. Erdogan's government has ignored
from another house badly damaged by
the party's announced terms for an end
two Turkish bombs in the summer.
as Mr. Karayilan put it, though his mes¬
sages and writings are still circulated.
der-block house here in Qandil, not far
The party runs a clinic with a German
to violence altogether, including the
doctor and a factory to make the uni¬
release of arrested Kurdish political acti¬
He traveled with only a small retinue of
forms. It neatly tends a cemetery with a
vists and the creation of a reconciliation
guards in Toyota Land Cruisers and
30-foot white obelisk that looms over
commission like the one in post-apar¬
took few other precautions. When the
the graves of Kurdish fighters from
theid South Africa. Instead the govern¬
interview ended, he apologized for not
Iraq, Turkey, Iran and Syria.
ment has struck a more nationalistic
being able to stay for dinner.
tone before elections in June.
Mr. Karayilan said donations from
Nevertheless, the government is expec¬
Kurds in their homeland or abroad sus¬
ted to offer some new gestures for
dent at times, denouncing what he cal¬
tained the movement. American and
Kurds in hopes of marginalizing Mr.
led Turkish occupation, oppression and
Turkish officials say smuggling does. As
Karayilan's group.
for weapons, Mr. Karayilan smiled
For all his polite charm, he remains stri¬
genocide. But the outline of an accom¬
modation that he sketches no longer
coyly when asked. "You can get whate¬
"Some of the things listed as precondi¬
ver you want," he said. "If s the Middle
tions are already part of the democratic
East."
standards by our government for all of
He urged the United States, as well as
our citizens, not only for Kurds," said
other nations, to stop seeing the conflict
The party unilaterally declared a cease¬
Orner Celik, a member of Parliament
through the prism of the "war on ter¬
fire after an eruption in cross-border
and one of Mr. Erdogan's leading politi¬
ror," but rather through that of self-
violence from 2007 to 2009. The lull has
cal advisers.
determination. "It is the cause of a
largely coincided with concessions from
nation that needs to be addressed," he
the Turkish government under Prime
Mr. Karayilan said the Turkish govern¬
Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to
ment lacked the political will to pursue
expand rights for the country's Kurdish
a true peace, though, tellingly, he did
minority by, for example, allowing a
not close the door on a negotiated reso¬
Kurdish-language television station and
lution.
VA
Voice of America
seems so far-fetched.
31 December
said.
2010
Turkish President Talks Unity on Visit to
Kurdish Province
Turkey's
President
.P.9..Q.anJ.°..n.^
Abdullah Cul,
right, and
Turkey's President Abdullah
city's mayor
Gul, right, and city's mayor
Osman Baydemir speak to the
Osman
media in Baydemir's office in
Baydemir
Diyarbakir, Turkey, 30 Dec 2010
speak to the
Turkish President Abdullah Gul
media in
sent out a message of unity during
Baydemir's
his long anticipated trip to the
office in
southeastern Kurdish province of
Diyarbakir,
Turkey, 30
Diyarbakir.
Dec 2010
Diyarbakir extended a warm gree¬
ting to President Abdullah Gul.
Throughout his two day visit, the
city's Kurdish cultural identity was
this to you," he said.
visible, from music to dance to the
Kurdish language. Everywhere he
went there were bilingual street
eased somewhat, there are still
restrictions in place.
ched this month for Kurdish cultu¬
Speaking at a dinner with local
ral and political rights, focusing on
businessmen Thursday night,
the greater use of the Kurdish lan¬
President Gul tried to take a
guage.
balanced approach.
the mayor of Diyarbakir, Osman
Kurds make up around a quarter
The official language of the
Baydemir. "This is the dictionary
of Turkey's population of 72 mil¬
Republic of Turkey is Turkish. This
of our beautiful Turkish and our
lion. During the 1980's, the
will continue in this way. However,
we have citizens using different
signs in Turkish and Kurdish. This
highly important separate linguis¬
tic identity was also the inspiration
behind a gift to the president from
64
Baydemir is one of the leading
figures behind a campaign laun¬
controls on its use have been
beautiful Kurdish and it is a trea¬
Turkish authorities refused to ack¬
sury of 40,000 words," Baydemir
nowledge that the Kurdish lan¬
languages, he said. Kurdish is
said." I am honored to present
guage even existed and while
used here, he said, and there are
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
some other citizens using Arabic
But it is the government that
Aktar said. "Because many of
in other places. All these are ours,
wields the real power in Turkey,
those politicians who take the
our languages.
not the president. And analysts
floor and talk about this issue,
Observers say the president's
say the government's condemna¬
they talk in terms of division of
tion of Kurdish demands
the country, secession etc, and
stance is in mark contrast to the
will go
down well with nationalist conser¬
strong condemnation of the
this is very, very bad."
vative Turkish voters. With elec¬
Kurdish demands by the Turkish
Observers warn electoral politics
tions due in less than six months,
government. His busy schedule
could well overwhelm any good
political commentator Cengiz
included meetings with Kurdish
will generated by President Gul's
Aktar expects rifts between Turks
political and business leaders in
visit.
and Kurds to deepen.
another contrast with the govern¬
ment, which has curtly dismissed
"The more we get close to the
the main Kurdish party as just an
elections the stake gets higher and
extension of the outlawed Kurdish
higher, so it will create more and
rebel group, the PKK.
more tensions in the country,"
30 December 2010
How will Erdoan manage the Kurdish question
on the eve of the election?
Columnists
down its arms for some period of time, in order to convince
EMRE USLU
believe. I think it is based on the naivety of non-Ocalanist
his Turkish constituency. I see this option as too optimistic to
[email protected]
Kurds who want some
promising
steps taken
in
order to
convince Kurdish voters.
Democracy Party
The second possibility is that Erdoan will wear his nationalist
(BDP) has successfully injected a new political debate
mask and become the forerunning nationalist leader that will
The Kurdish
nationalist
Peace and
in Turkish domestic politics: the demand for a bilingual
be
society.
Prime
under the 10 percent threshold and gain Turkish nationalist
Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoan has now strongly rejected
votes, while losing Kurdish voters. Erdoan has proven that he
opening the language issue up to debate, saying Turkey
can secure Turkish nationalist voters. For instance, during the
After
remaining
silent
for
some
time,
able
to
drown
the
Nationalist Movement
Party
(MHP)
last referendum the prime minister managed to convince 58
has only one official language and that is Turkish.
percent of voters from traditionally MHP stronghold cities.
Erdogan even went so far as to accuse those asking for a
Yet, even if Erdoan wears his nationalist mask and uses natio¬
bilingual
nalist arguments at the center of his election rhetoric, the
society and
governmental
services
of
being the
same as traitors. This is exactly what the BDP wants to hear
nationalist political mandate is not be so easy to control
from Erdogan. By pushing Erdogan into the nationalist corner
either.
the
of
demands, the Turkish nationalist MHP is using what the BDP
Kurdish voters. On the eve of the election Erdoan is facing a
is saying and is holding the Erdoan government responsible
dilemma of whether to highlight a Turkish nationalist rheto¬
for the BDP s bold language and Kurdish demands. Therefore,
BDP
excludes
its
only
contender
ric or stress further democratic
for
reforms.
the
support
There are three
options before Erdogan to escape such a dilemma as the elec¬
While
Erdogan
needs
the
to
BDP
is
convince
highlighting
Kurdish
voters that
what
nationalist
the MHP
is
arguing is not correct.
tion approaches.
The third possibility is to bring President Abdullah G,l in and
The first possibility is that Erdoan can continue to promote
ask him to play a critical role in the Kurdish question.
liberal democratic reforms and take the risk of losing some
seems that the most likely scenario is this one. While Erdoan
It
nationalist votes. Although some Kurdish nationalists and pro-
is highlighting Turkish nationalist discourses, President Gul,
Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Kurds would love to
on behalf of state institutions, can step in and deliver a hope¬
see such
ful message to the Kurds. By using this method Erdogan does
an occurrence,
it is very difficult for Erdoan
to
adopt such a position before the election. Yet, some Kurds,
not risk losing nationalist votes and at the same time Kurdish
who claimed to be at the center of negotiations between
voters can
Abdullah ocalan and the National Intelligence Organization
votes as well. Given the fact that both Erdogan and his oppo¬
hear a
positive message that will secure their
(MIT), still insist that the Erdogan government will take sur¬
nents consider the
prising
steps
political event for the near future of Turkish politics, Erdogan
known
as
in
February.
For
instance,
a
Kurdish
figure
upcoming election
the
most
important
the
and Gul will share dual responsibility to overcome the politi¬
details of the negotiations, insists that soon we will see posi¬
cal challenge before them. For that matter, I consider Gul s
Fisherman
(Balikci),
who
claimed
to
know
tive developments in the Kurdish question. If it is true, then
Diyarbakir visit a milestones for the future of the Kurdish
Erdogan needs to develop a powerful argument, such as a
question.
declaration from the Kurdistan Workers
Party (PKK) to lay
65
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
» to<x*l«Q Arable in*oTiabonol Oti*y
&iglth BcSBon
31 December
KURDISH
2010
SELF DETERMINATION
THE GOOD AND THE
Asharq Al-Awsat
of their own, no Kurdish lea¬
Shi'ites form a majority of
Ottomans in Turkey pursue
der worth his salt could pre¬
the population.
dreams of empire, Ankara
tend that the issue does not
exist.
By Amir Taheri
But what does self-deter¬
mination actually mean?
A recent remark by Iraqi
Kurdish leader Massoud
Barzani that the issue of
If one takes self-determi¬
gift to those who have
always claimed that parti¬
tion is the best solution for
Iraq. Over the past seven
years we have seen dozens
The break up scenario
position that favours the
carved up Iraq would not be
break up of Iraq. After all,
able to challenge Tehran's
the Ottoman Empire was
ambitions for regional hege¬
made possible by the fact
mony. A united Iraq with a
that the Arabs were divided
into countless mini emirates
choose one's government
population of 30 million plus
huge potential wealth thanks
or had no states of their
through free and fair elec¬
to oil reserves and water
own. A mini-Kurdish state in
tions, the Iraqi Kurds already
northern Iraq would have no
enjoy that right. As head of
resources would be in a good
choice but kowtow to Ankara
the autonomous Kurdish
position to counter-balance
government in Erbil, Barzani
Iran.
even if that meant continued
Turkish military incursion into
himself is a living testimony
Moreover, Iraq is the
its territory.
to this fact.
second largest Shi'ite majo¬
of seminars, mostly held in
the United States, on how
may be tilting towards a new
would also make sure that a
nation to mean the right to
"self determination" remains
on the table has come as a
BETTER
However, many of those
rity country after Iran. In
Syria may also favour the
time, Najaf could re-emerge
break-up of Iraq. Such a
who speak of self-determina¬
as the main centre of Shi'ite
development would make
tion mean something else:
Syria the most populous Arab
the right to break away from
scholarship and religious gui¬
dance, making it harder for
state in the strategic region
Iraq and form an indepen¬
between Egypt and Iran and
dent state in the provinces
the Khomeinists to pursue
thus a more important
Obama as President of the
where ethnic Kurds form a
their pan-Sh'ite dreams. Even
player. A united and demo¬
majority of the population.
today, there is evidence that
United States encouraged the
Grand Ayatollah Ali-
cratic Iraq, on the other
Muhammad Sistani, who is
hand, would be a daily chal¬
based in Najaf, is emerging
lenge to a Syria dominated
best to carve Iraq up.
Meanwhile, books and arti¬
cles on the subject amount
to a sizeable library.
The election of Barack
partitionists. Obama himself
had no particular position
because, as in other issues,
he wanted to have as much
wiggle room as possible.
However, his vice president
Joseph Biden, who had pas¬
And, who might benefit
from such a development?
as the most popular Shi'ite
by a despotic elite in a client
revolution, the safe assump¬
marja'a or "source of emula¬
situation vis-a-vis the
tion was that Iran would not
tion" in Iran.
Before the Khomeinist
wish the Kurds of Iraq to
have a state of their own.
sionately argued in favour of
the war in Iraq, had promo¬
ted partition for years before
his new position forced him
to either shut up or equivo¬
The reason was that
Inside Iraq, however, the
the context of a public
debate. The reason for this is
that Arabs, who account for
almost 80 per cent of Iraq's
population, have had no des¬
ire to raise it while the
Kurds, during the reign of
society there is no reason
why the issue of Kurdish self-
Iraq. A smaller Iraq would
make tiny Jordan look bigger
own Kurdish minority to
state for fear that such a
while old dynastic claims to
secession.
development might push its
ruelrship in Baghdad are revi¬
own ethnic Kurds towards
ved.
Today, the picture is dif¬
ferent. The Khomeinist
secession. Between 1981 and
regime, or at least the part
2003, Turkey also enjoyed
of it that is still dominant,
the carte blanche issued by
ruable to the dismembering
sees the world through a
Saddam Hussein for military
of Iraq. Many in Israel's lea¬
pan-Shi'ite prism. Its long-
incursions in northern Iraq.
dership believe that Iraq is
term strategy is to assume
That enabled the Turks to
the only Arab country large
the leadership of united
pursue Kurdish rebels deep
and, potentially, wealthy
Shi'ite communities across
inside Iraqi territory with the
enough to pose an "existen¬
existing frontiers and then
consent of the despot in
tial threat" to the Jewish
use this as a platform for
Baghdad. As long as a despot
state. They argue that a
claiming the leadership of
was in power in Baghdad, a
smaller Iraq would be less
Islam as a whole in an as yet
united Iraq suited Turkish
likely to harbour dreams of
interests. A democratic Iraq,
leading the Arabs in a new
tion" with the "Infidel"
however, is unlikely to tole¬
major war against Israel.
Western powers.
rate foreign military incur¬
raised.
fit from the break-up of Iraq.
the carpet. After all, when
For the past four years
Tehran has been promoting
the so-called " federal"
the southern Sudanese are
agenda for Iraq in the hope
allowed self-determination
of creating a client republic
and at a time that the
Kosovars are buildng a state
66
One other regional player,
Israel, has always been favo-
ill-defined "final confronta¬
That strategy would bene¬
want to brush the issue under
favourable to a beak-up of
want an independent Kurdish
determination should not be
Barzani is wise not to
ration of Iraq, the popular
development could attract its
hint at it.
Now that Iraq is an open
ruling elite would also be
view was that Turkey did not
successive despots in
Baghdad, did not dare even
Part of the Jordanian
also changed. Until the libe¬
Tehran feared that such a
cate.
idea has never been raised in
Turkey's position may have
Khomeinist regime in Tehran.
in the eight central and sou¬
thern provinces of Iraq where
sions into its territory for
long. It would be hard for
But what if all partitio¬
nists are mistaken in their
various calculations?
Turkey to provoke a war
situation with its only demo¬
cratic neighbour in the
Middle East without provo¬
king adverse reaction from
the international community.
The first big losers could
be Iraq's own Kurds. They
would not only have to bear
the huge cost of building a
new state but would also
continue to pay for its main¬
Thus today, as neo-
tenance and defense in a
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
hostile region. Several stu¬
include a number of ethnic
Kuwait and Iran for example,
attached to Iraq provided
dies show that a citizens of a
groups that do not regard
they have not been wrong.
they are allowed to enjoy a
mini Kurdish state in Iraq
themselves as Kurds. The
However, new Iraq will not
wide measure of autonomy
would end up much poorer
new state would have to
be what it was under the
within a pluralist system.
than they are today.
either suppress those minori¬
mad dictators of the period
Since 1991 Iraqi Kurds have
Landlocked and cut off from
ties by force or accept their
between 1958 and 2003.
the bulk of Iraq's huge oil
demand for the creation of
wealth, the Kurds might find
micro-states in accordance
"self determination" not such
with the most radical inter¬
a good deal after all. Even in
pretations of the Treaty of
Europe, the partitions that
Lausanne.
we have witnessed recently
nists. The Slovaks are now 40
percent poorer than when
they were part of a united
Czechoslovakia. With the pos¬
sible exception of Slovenia,
all the seven states that have
emerged from the break-up
of Yugoslavia are relatively
poorer. There is no reason
with Iraq without putting
Margaret Thatcher were
their fate in the hands of
opposed to the re-emergence
those in power in Baghdad.
Both Barzani and his allycum-rival Jalal Talabani des¬
would also end up as losers.
ries of the Weimar Republic
erve credit for an outcome
All those states include
and the Nazi Reich. Today,
that seems to satisfy a majo¬
within their frontiers a wide
united Germany is the princi¬
rity of Kurds in Iraq. As far as
variety of ethnic minorities,
pal guarantor of stability in
Iraqi Kurds are concerned,
including Kurds, who might
Europe and the continents
their current status is good
be interested in their own
ultimate economic insurance.
enough, and there is no rea¬
versions of "self determina¬
The lesson is that fears of
son to upset it in the name of
tion". History shows hat when
the past should not block the
something better. Often, bet¬
the contours of one state are
hopes of the future.
put in doubt the frontiers of
why Iraqi Kurds would do any
analysis to its logical conclu¬
are open to change. Most of
That would not be the
ter could become an enemy
of the good
Barzani should press his
all states within this region
better.
sion and formally put the
the states surrounding Iraq
issue of "self determination"
only cause for concern. The
have treated it either as a
areas that would presumably
nuisance or an actual threat.
form the new mini state
And in the case of some,
on the agenda for national
debate. Unless one is wrong,
a majority of Iraqi Kurds are
Iraq's Luaibi says Kurdish oil
Guardian
December27,
that maintains their links
British Prime Minister
fear was based on the memo¬
favour the partition of Iraq
detriment of the secessio¬
Francois Mitterrand and
of a united Germany. Their
The regional powers that
have often ended up to the
succeeded in developing an
original system of autonomy
In 1989, French President
2010
exports to resume soon
Minister confirms Kurdish exports due to resume soon
Minister - "nothing new" regarding Kurd contracts dispute
Government with foreign firms
By Ahmed Rasheed
to
all the produced quantities from the
develop oil fields in the north to be
region through the Iraqi export net¬
illegal.
work and the revenues will go to the
With
permission
from
the
federal budget," Luaibi said.
- Iraq's
Kurdish regional government, DNO
"In return for that, the govern¬
Kareem
became the first western company
ment pledges to pay all the expenses
Luaibi confirmed on Monday that
to drill for oil in Iraq after the U.S.
and costs which were used to deve¬
exports from the semi-autonomous
invasion of 2003.
lop the oil field."
BAGHDAD(Reuters)
new
Oil
Minister
northern
Abdul
Kurdish
region
were
But
Iraqi
expected to resume soon.
But he said there was "nothing
the
disagreement
Kurdistan
Before the flow was halted last
central
year, the Kurdish region was expor¬
the
ting
day.
ween Iraqi Kurdistan and the cen¬
exports from the region last year.
Baghdad
contracts to develop the
northern
oilfields.
News
had
agency reports last week
quoted
Baghdad
Luaibi
reporters
when
around
Hussain
100,000
barrels
al-Shahristani,
per
Iraq's
former oil minister, said earlier this
Kurdish oil exports would resume,
month Kurdish oil was expected to
Luaibi
flow
early
said
the
said,
"There
is
no
specific
time, but it will be soon."
saying
Asked about the reports that Iraq
next
year.
region
Shahristani
could
produce
150,000 bpd next year.
the
would honour contracts signed by
Output from the Kurdish region
the Kurdish Regional Government,
is seen as a key to boosting exports,
firm
he said:
which provide Iraq with about 95
has
honour
by
over
contracts, such as one Norwegian oil
DNO
would
as
Asked
over
Baghdad
between
contracts to develop the fields halted
government in
in
the
new" regarding a disagreement bet¬
tral
government
and
with
the
region's
"(There is) nothing new in this
government.
Shares in DNO
rose 9 percent
ched with our brothers in Kurdistan
after the reports.
Baghdad
considers
signed by the
Kurdistan
percent of its federal revenue.
issue. The agreement that we rea¬
contracts
Regional
in
April
was
that
the
Kurdish
Regional Government is to export
67
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
n-|pir
.December 31, 2010
NPR : National Public Radio .
TURKEY FLEXES
Turkey's Prime
ECONOMIC, POLITICAL
Tayyip Erdogan
Minister Recep
(right) meets with
Iraqi President
MUSCLE IN IRAQ
Jalal Talabani in
Istanbul, Dec. 22,
by Deborah Amos
2010. Turkey is
vying with Iran to
be the most
Turkey is stepping up its role in Iraq, vying with Iran as a
regional
power. These
powerful
neighbors
influential regio¬
use invest¬
nal power in Iraq
ments and building projects to ensure long-term influence.
The competition is heating up as the U.S. prepares to with¬
draw troops from Iraq by the end of next year.
Northern
Iraq
is
the
staging
ground
which
for Turkey's
bid
for
economic dominance, and the Marina restaurant in Irbil is
the
kind of place that businessmen
come to
make deals.
opened
opportunities
for
Turkish
contractors.
Turkish laborers are building thousands of housing units in
Irbil. Success in the Kurdish region in northern Iraq has led
to bids farther south.
The food is pricey, and the live entertainment is in Turkish,
a
sign
of Turkey's
growing
role.
In
the
central
market,
"Maybe we will go further down to Basra," says construction
manager
Turkish products are available in every shop stall.
Serdar
Kutsal,
who
has
plans
Karbala, south of Baghdad. "We will
Local university professor Birzo Abdul Qhader surveys the
for
a
project
in
but most likely we will
go with our Kurdish friends."
goods on display.
In Baghdad, a Turkish consortium outbid an Iranian group
"These baskets are Turkish, the plastic flowers, towels, the
children's clothes," he says.
Turkish
and
nies
builders
largest
are active, too. A Turkish
firm designed
built Irbil's new international airport. Turkish compa¬
have
estates.
invested
And
in
the
exploring for oil
in
for an $11 billion project to renovate Sadr City, the capital's
new
five-star
energy
sector,
hotels
state
and
housing
companies
are
Shiite
neighborhood.
Turkey
economic dominance in southern
is
contesting
Iran's
Iraq with a consulate in
Basra that focuses on trade.
"Different kind of influence
I know what Turkey is trying
to do, and it is definitely a win-win policy," Kutsal says.
in the south, while private oil companies
This
are staking claims to discovered oil near Irbil.
is a historic rivalry, says Davis of Rutgers University.
"This
"They've basically traded the stick for the carrot," says Greg
Gause, who teaches about the politics of the Middle East at
is
like
going
Safavids ... in the
back to the
Ottoman
Empire
and
the
1500s. This is the old struggle for Iraq
between the Turks and the Iranians," he says.
the University of Vermont.
"The
Turks
have
predominant
influence
of
any
foreign
power, even rivaling the U.S., and they've done it through a
Building Ties In Kurdistan And Baghdad
clever and low-key strategy," he says.
In the modern contest, carried out in business suits rather
The economic boom in the north is due to the relative sta¬
than
bility in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan
American backing to keep Iran in check. Iraqi Prime Minister
region. It is also
military uniforms, Turkey appears to
have Arab and
Nouri al-Maliki visited Ankara to get Turkish support for his
due to a dramatic shift in Turkish policy.
bid to form the new government. He also sought approval
"[The Turks] are a very serious player in the Kurdish eco¬
nomy, which
is doing
much
better than the
in many more visits to Tehran.
rest of Iraq,"
Gause says. "But they've also gained a lot more day-to-day
"I think that's the long-term Turkish goal here, and in many
influence than they've ever had in the past."
ways, the long-term Iranian goal is to so tie the business
and
economic
pervasive
Kurdish autonomy in
it's
that
Iraq
and
Iran
has
historic
Arabs
ring to deal exclusively with Baghdad. Turkey has long fea¬
government
red that Kurdish aspirations for independence would incite
political
Turkey's own Kurdish minority. The Turkish army conduc¬
International Crisis Group.
ted cross-border raids against the PKK, separatist Kurdish
rebels who are fighting for an ethnic homeland for Kurds.
But the government in Ankara, dominated by the AKP, or
Development Party,
has made a historic shift,
symbolized by an official visit by Turkish Foreign
Minister
Ahmed Davutoglu and the opening of a Turkish consulate
in Irbil. Turkey's overall trade with Iraq has jumped to more
than $6 billion a year, and Ankara's goal is to raise trade to
$25 billion in five years, making Iraq its top trading part¬
ner. With Iraq's vast oil reserves, Turkey aims to be a major
energy bridge from the Middle East to Europe.
Eric Davis is a Middle East specialist at Rutgers University.
He notes that the Turkish chamber of commerce and indus¬
and
used
political
did not recognize the Kurdish regional government, prefer¬
Justice and
their
influence
unquestioned,"
says
becomes
Gause
of
so
the
University of Vermont.
Turkey's Historic Shift Toward Iraq
For years, Turkey opposed
elements
that
in
those
line
muscles,
with
too,
ties
to
Iraq's
connections
Iranian
says
to
Kurds
press
interests.
Joost
and
for
Turkey
Hiltermann
"The regional states absolutely had an influence
Shiite
an
Iraqi
flexed
with
the
but none
of them was able to impose the solution it wanted," he says.
With so much at stake, Turkey continues to build ties to the
leadership in the Kurdistan regional government as well as
Baghdad. In a telling piece of political symbolism, Turkish
Prime Minister Recep Tayip Erdogan, the leader of a predo¬
minantly Sunni Muslim nation, attended the Shiite comme¬
moration of Ashura, one of the most important holidays on
the
religious
calendar.
It
is
a
gesture
that will
likely
be
noted by the dominant Shiite leaders in Baghdad. The Turks
have shown that religion can be good for business.
In
an
office
in
Irbil,
Turkish
businessman
Ardel
Ahiska
explains that it is good to be a Turk in Kurdistan.
try has been lobbying the government not to allow the mili¬
tary to attack PKK forces whenever it wants, because that
"It is a big
threatens investments in the north.
trade man," he says. "We will be rich together."
Indeed, stability in the north has led to a housing demand,
68
market for the Turkish
nan
businessmen, Turkish
Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basin Ôzeti
Pétrole: l'Irak va entériner les contrats signés
par le Kurdistan (ministre)
LE CAIRE, 25 décembre 2010 (AFP)
L'IRAK va reconnaître les contrats signés par le Kurdistan irakien
avec des compagnies pétrolières étrangères, a affirmé samedi son
nouveau ministre du Pétrole, Abdel Karim al-Luaybi, lors d'une réu¬
nion de l'Opep au Caire.
"Oui, nous les reconnaîtrons", a répondu M. Luaybi, interrogé sur cette
question par Dow Jones Newswires, lors d'une rencontre de l'Organisation
des pays exportateurs de pétrole (Opep).
Bagdad et la région semi-autonome du Kurdistan s'opposent de longue
date au sujet des contrats signés par le Kurdistan avec des compagnies
étrangères depuis 2004.
Le gouvernement central a jusqu'à présent refusé d'entériner ces contrats
car il veut des contrats de service, rémunérant les compagnies pétrolières
au baril extrait, plutôt qu'un partage des bénéfices tirés de l'exploitation
des ressources comme le prévoient les contrats du Kurdistan.
companies - soit un investissement total prévu de 10 milliards de dollars
- notamment dans la prospection et la production de pétrole, avait déclaré
récemment le ministre de la région chargé des Ressources Naturelles,
M. Luaybi, titulaire du portefeuille du Pétrole dans le nouveau gouverne¬
Ashti Hawrami.
ment de Nouri al-Maliki approuvé mardi par le Parlement, a précisé que le
gouvernement central rembourserait les sommes déjà investies par les
Le Kurdistan irakien avait commencé le 1er juin 2009 à exporter du pétrole
pour la première fois de son histoire, dans un climat d'hostilité avec
compagnies dans la région.
Bagdad qui nie à sa province le droit de signer des contrats sans son aval,
Vendredi, M. Luaybi avait indiqué que le gouvernement irakien activerait
avant de suspendre ces exportations en octobre 2009.
un accord signé plus tôt dans l'année avec le Kurdistan pour exporter du
La question pétrolière a fait l'objet d'âpres discussions lors de la formation
brut.
du gouvernement, le député kurde Mahmoud Othmane affirmant que
"Nous avons déjà signé un accord avec le Kurdistan (...) Si Dieu le veut,
l'Alliance kurde ne participerait pas au gouvernement tant que M. Maliki
cet accord sera activé dans les prochains jours", avait-il dit à la presse.
n'aurait pas avalisé les contrats signés par le Kurdistan.
Le gouvernement autonome du Kurdistan a signé 37 contrats avec 40
26 décembre 2010
OBÊÊmtew*
Iran: la justice suspend la pendaison
d'un militant kurde
Vingt à trente personnes
La pendaison prévue dimanche
ont manifesté dans la nuit
matin d'un militant kurde,
de samedi à dimanche
Habibollah Latifi, accusé de coopéra¬
devant l'ambassade d'Iran
tion avec le groupe rebelle kurde
à Paris, où certaines se
Pejak, a été "suspendue", a déclaré son
sont enchaînées aux grilles
avocat, Nemat Ahmadi, cité par
pour protester contre l'exé¬
l'agence Isna.
cution dimanche d'un
"Pour l'instant l'application de la
jeune militant kurde, selon
peine a été suspendue", a déclaré Me
les organisateurs et la
Ahmadi.
police, (c) Afp
La pendaison devait avoir lieu à la
prison de Sanandaj, chef-lieu du
Kurdistan iranien.
Me Ahmadi a expliqué que cette déci¬
sion avait été prise à la suite d'une lettre
tions terroristes, est lié au Parti des tra¬
samedi l'Iran à la "clémence" envers M.
qu'il a envoyée au chef de l'autorité judi¬
vailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK) actif en
Latifi, qui "n'a pas bénéficié d'un procès
ciaire, l'ayatollah Sadegh Larijani, lui
Turquie. Il a mené ces dernières années
équitable", ce qui rend son exécution
demandant "un nouvel examen du dos¬
de nombreuses opérations armées au
"d'autant plus insupportable" selon l'or¬
sier" et que la peine soit "commuée".
Kurdistan iranien.
ganisation de défense des droits de
Le condamné à mort, Habibollah
Arrêté fin 2007, M. Latifi avait été
l'Homme.
Latifi, jeune étudiant en droit, avait été
accusé d'avoir participé à un attentat la
jugé coupable de coopération avec le
même année contre la voiture d'un pro¬
groupe Pejak (Parti pour une vie libre au
cureur du Kurdistan, et à une attaque
dimanche devant l'ambassade d'Iran à
Kurdistan), selon son avocat.
contre un commissariat de police, ce qu'il
Paris pour protester contre la possible
a nié.
exécution de M. Latifi.
Ce groupe, interdit en Iran et classé
par les Etats-Unis parmi les organisa
Vingt à trente personnes avaient
manifesté dans la nuit de samedi à
Amnesty International a appelé
69