‘We Will Maintain Control of Kerkuk Oilfields’

Salih indicated that democratic polls in the Kurdistan region would be held in March 2005 after the KDP and PUK’s merger. These polls would differ from the general Iraq elections to be held by the end of 2005. "With this, one of Iraq’s regions will unite in a block and this block [reintegrating Kurdistan with Iraq] will become a key part of Iraq’s unity."

When asked about handing Kurdish sovereignty over to Baghdad, Salih said:"Kurdish people have had their own parliamentary for the last 12 years. You cannot compare this situation to Basra and the Musul (Mosul) region. Modalities should be reestablished."
On the home front, Salih said meetings have been held with Turkey on the issue of direct flight between Istanbul-Suleymaniye.