Kerkuk could be Granted Special Status
Allawi stressed that PKK activities would not be allowed in Iraq; however, he paused on a suggestion made by Defense Minister Hazim Al-Sallan that a military operation should be launched against the PKK. In addition, Allawi’s administration is still not entertaining the idea of allowing Turkish soldiers to participate in cross-border military operations.
"We could hold a joint operation with Turkey and the Kurdish administration in the north against the PKK," offered Sallan initially, but he then backtracked when Allawi heard his remark. "First we will try to solve this issue with civilian measures and talks. A Military operation is not out primary choice."
Allawi, while evaluating the sensitivities of Turkey on the developments in northern Iraq, emphasized that Turkish companies will play a significant role in Iraq’s reconstruction. The Iraqi Prime Minister insisted that the government would not allow Iraq to disintegrate. He added that a federal structure in the north is possible; however, the final decision rests with Iraqi people.
Allawi went on to say, "We cannot stand still while an organization harms our neighbor; however, I should say that after brining an end to the PKK activities on Iraqi land, the only authority will be the Iraqi security forces. We could engage in intelligence cooperation with the Turkish Army, but we will not entertain a cross-border operation from now on."
