Puk Denies Claims That Kirkuk's Demographic Structure Is Changed

ANKARA - The Iraqi Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) denied on Tuesday claims and press reports that Kirkuk's demographic structure was changed.
PUK's office in Ankara said that those who wanted to return to Kirkuk were the people who were sent away from this city during the rule of Saddam Hussein, and noted that not only Kurds, but also other groups like Turkmens and Assyrians were willing to return to Kirkuk.
Noting that PUK had always openly expressed its views about Kirkuk, the PUK's office in Ankara said, ''we want a democratic, federal and united Iraq. Kirkuk is an Iraqi city, but geography, history and some documents show us that Kirkuk is a Kurdistan city. We not only believe in this reality, but also believe that Kurds, Turkmens, Arabs, and Assyrians should live in peace and brotherhood in this city. We also believe that all natural resources of Kirkuk belong to all Iraqi people, and should be used by everybody.''
PUK's office added that messages of peace and friendship should be given instead of threats and strict messages.
(BRC-MS) 02.11.2004