IFC statement regarding WCPI initiative to end the climate tension with PUK in Iraqi Kurdistan.

The Worker Communist Party of Iraq (WCPI) have issued a statement regarding its confrontation with Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) in July 14, 2000 in which 5 of its members were killed and PUK closed down WCPI offices. In addition the statement mentioned “a climate of political tension is dominating the society, pressing towards preventing people to have their say in their future which put barriers for political freedom and human rights, therefore the WCPI declares from its side the end of these tensions for the interest of people and empower their will”. In the end the statement demanded that “in order for the PUK to normalize the climate, they have to regard the political freedom and return the WCPI properties”.

IFC welcomes this statement and views it as a responsible step to establish a climate of freedom in Kurdistan. Besides, IFC demands PUK to respect freedom and maintain human rights. And in order for that to be achieved the properties should be returned and an inquiry has to be ordered.

In addition, the IFC have heard a lot of Jalal Talibani’s promises which include democracy and starting a new era of political freedom and human rights, therefore he is obliged to convert these pledges into realities.

Mr. Talibani knows more than anyone that speaking of democracy and freedom has no meaning as long as other parties’ activities are outlawed. In conclusion IFC waits for PUK and its secretary to live up to their promises.