Kdp And Puk Release A Joint Statement: Kurds Seek A United And A Democratic Iraq

ANKARA, Jan 16 (A.A) - The Iraqi Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Iraqi Kurdistan (PUK) said on Wednesday, ''we are advocating for the territorial integrity and unity of Iraq with a democratic and a federal solution to the Kurdish question.''
Releasing a joint statement, the KDP and the PUK said, ''in recent weeks, Turkish media in general has increasingly dwelled on the concerns of 'establishment of an independent Kurdish state in Northern Iraq in the event of a United States military action against Baghdad'. Furthermore Kurdish parties are accused of harboring such plans.''
''Both the KDP and the PUK; as the main two political groups in Iraqi Kurdistan; vehemently deny these unfounded and provocative accusations. We are advocating for the territorial integrity and unity of Iraq with a democratic and a federal solution to the Kurdish question. Furthermore, the responsibility to maintain the security of our borders and the stability in the region is given high priority. Equally both parties are wary of the legitimate concerns of the neighboring countries and those of Turkey in particular,'' the statement added.