Some important topics such as security issues in northern Iraq, the problems between
Turkmens and the KDP, difficulties in border trade between Turkey and northern Iraq,
sharing customs revenues with the PUK, are expected to be discussed during the visit

Oct 1, 2000
Ankara - Turkish Daily News

After the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) leader Jalal Talabani's visit to Turkey last
month, it has been reported that Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Mesoud Barzani
will also pay an official visit to Turkey within the next few weeks.

According to diplomatic sources, Barzani will stress that they are not an alternative for he
PUK during his visit.

As will be recalled, Talabani visited Turkey last month and was received by high-level
officials, including Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit. Turkish officials close to the
government also told TDN that like Talabani, Barzani will be received by Prime Minister
Ecevit.

Turkey places great importance on its relations with the KDP and the PUK for regional
stability. Turkey also provides economic and military assistance for KDP forces in their fight
against PKK terrorists in northern Iraq.

Some important topics such as security issues in northern Iraq, the problems between
Turkmens and the KDP, difficulties in border trade between Turkey and northern Iraq,
sharing customs revenues with the PUK, are expected to be discussed during the visit.

Referring to the practice of sharing customs revenues with the rival PUK, Barzani previously
demanded proof that rival Kurds in northern Iraq will not buy arms before sharing oil
revenues in line with a U.S.-brokered peace deal.

The KDP controls a swathe of northern Iraq that borders Turkey and the cross-border fuel
trade. The PUK looks to its neighbor Iran for the bulk of its trade.

U.S. jets flying from a Turkish air base protect the region from attacks by Iraqi government
forces and frequently bomb Iraqi positions south of the Kurdish-controlled region.

A KDP delegation led by Regional Government Prime Minister Necirvan Barzani visited
Iran two weeks ago. It was reported that Iran promised to help them on both economic and
political issues. Iran also reportedly offered to help in marketing the group's oil.

While Iran is trying to increase trade volume with northern Iraq, Turkey's restrictions on
border trade via the Habur gate still remain in effect.
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The Kurdistan Observer
www.kurdistanobserver.com

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