President of Federal Kurdistan Regional Government, Massoud Barzani, in a conference in Hewler on 19 February had said that “Kurds have the right for self determination”. Now a new statement on the subject was made by Iraqi President and PUK (Patriotic Union of Kurdistan) leader Jalal Talabani.

Speaking to Al Jazeera television, Talabani said that; “It is true that we have the right for self determination in Kurdistan but we are using this right as a service to the democratic system in Iraq.”

Talabani remarked that it is not possible to ensure independence and added the followings; “It is for the benefit of the Kurdish people to be included in Iraq today. This is the age of great associations, not small countries. When you look at Europe and other countries, you will see that they are trying to come together.

Considering that the Kurdish parliament declared independence and Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran didn’t send arms but closed their borders,- continued Talabani - how would you ever reach this territory? We have to be realistic and aware of the fact that we are taking advantage of all our rights within the frame of Iraq.”