But we have made clear, while we recognize the territorial integrity of Iraq, that we think it's important and appropriate for us to meet with ... Kurdish officials in northern Iraq, and we will continue to do so as we see fit.
Quotes about kurdish (16 Quotes)
Federalism is now the core issue. In light of Kurdish intransigence it makes it difficult to hope for a compromise.
We ought to be providing protective sanctuaries for the Kurdish rebels. That means finding some places where they can come and to which we will then be able to provide food and water and medical help.
The first is to establish three large autonomous regions with a viable central government in Baghdad. The Kurdish, Sunni and Shiite regions would each be responsible for their own domestic laws, administration and internal security.
A parliamentary agreement has been reached between the Kurdish coalition and the (Shiite) alliance on accepting the suggestions of the forces that did not take part in the elections (Sunnis) and it will be announced in parliament tomorrow.
Long-term, we must figure out a way that the Kurdish territory within Iraq operates with a certain amount of autonomy so that they feel comfortable and safe going back.
The Kurdish people have the right of self-determination like every other nation in the world.
The Kurdish people welcome the no-fly zone protection, contrary to the Iraqi regime that is against it.
They promised to help and to protect us. Even Dick Cheney was clear when we asked him about the protection of the Kurdish people. He said he would do it,
Talks with the Kurdish Alliance and the Accordance Front might begin tomorrow or after tomorrow.
There are attempts to convince the (Shiite) alliance to leave the issue of federalism in other parts of Iraq (apart from the Kurdish north) for the next parliament to deal with, and also to implement it gradually over two or three years, not now.
The Shiite alliance and the Kurdish coalition have reached an agreement over the draft.
We have more than 100,000 (Kurdish resistance fighters), and Syria also has tens of thousands. These forces can liberate Iraq with the support of the United States, with cooperation and coordination with American forces.
We have never said we wanted a Kurdish state. The Arabs have never said they wanted a totally Arab state. So I think as long as we all agreed to democracy we should be flexible and meet in the middle.
I call on all Kurdish people to vote 'yes' at the referendum on the constitution, ... a solid base to build a democratic, federal and pluralistic Iraq.
The Shiites in the south and the Kurds in the north would need to join together, but the Kurds are more interested in independence. Iran, Syria and Turkey are unlikely to support an independent Kurd state because of their significant Kurdish populations, and others in Iraq will not support overthrowing Saddam if they think it will result in a breakup of the country.