Lahor Şêx Cengi, a senior Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) official called for Barzani to resign after the invasion of Kirkuk by forces loyal to the Baghdad government. “KDP made us experience the events of August 1996 again” Cengi said, citing the invasion of Hewler (Erbil) on August 1996 by Saddam’s forces in cooperation with Barzani.

The director of Science and Defence Agency of Kurdistan Region, Lahor Şêx Cengi spoke to Kurdsat News TV about the invasion of Kirkuk.

Cengi criticized Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzani and said: “While we were busy with war and defence of Kirkuk some channels were spreading false reports. The peshmergas defending Kirkuk were joint forces. PUK and KDP were together. Joint forces of the Peshmerga Ministry were there. I am commanding the 70th force. Masoud Barzani was personally commanding the forces. All movements and actions of the peshmerga are arranged on Barzani’s orders.

Kirkuk is paying the price of the ‘crippled’ referendum. The referendum had no basis. The referendum was held only to take Kirkuk from PUK. KDP made us experience another August 31 today.”

BARZANI SHOULD RESIGN

Holding Barzani responsible for today’s events, Cengi said: “Masoud Barzani gave guarantees about the world supporting the referendum. But now we see that no country has provided support. Masoud Barzani should have been in Kirkuk personally and defended the honor of people of Kirkuk.”

WHAT HAPPENED ON 31 AUGUST 1996?

On 31 August 1996, KDP forces made an agreement with the Iraqi army during Baath regime period and entered Hewler against PUK. Saddam Hussein who massacred 182 thousand Kurds entered Hewler with tanks, artillery and heavy weaponry at KDP’s invitation. After clashes KDP took the control of Hewler from PUK.