Rome, Italy, Jun 24, 2004 / 22:00 pm
Fr. Nizar Semaan, an Iraqi priest in Mosul, told the Vatican news agency Fides this week that meetings between Turkish Prime Minister Tayyp Erdogan and Iraqi Kurd leader Jalal Talabani (Kurd Patriotic Union) are “most important for the stabilization of the situation in Iraq.”
“Iraq’s Kurds have undertaken an important change in their policies, renouncing independence but making a request for an Iraqi federal state,” Father Nizar told Fides.
“This change has obviously been noted by Turkey. I am convinced in fact that if the rights of Kurds in Iraq are guaranteed this will lead to the same measure in the other countries where there are communities of Kurds. I think it in the interests of Turkey to reach an agreement which established peace within its own territory and along its southern borders,” the priest said.
Fr. Semaan also praised a meeting which took place between a Turkish delegation and the traditional Iraqi Kurd Massoud Barzani (leader of the Kurd democratic Party).
All together Kurds are between 20-25 million in five countries, Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Syria, Azerbaijan.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA