Jalal Talabani Iraqi Quotations

I have good news for the Iraqi people on this historic day. An agreement has been reached on amendments to the draft constitution,

I believe that we are about to face a new strategy of the neighboring countries, especially by the brothers who support Iraq and the Iraqi people.

But those who are pro-Saddam are very difficult to reach agreement with, because they are still dreaming to bring back the dictatorship, which is of course refused by the big majority of the Iraqi people.

build the new Iraqi state on democracy and freedom.

I explained to the United States officials here that the Iraqi opposition, Kurds included ... have tens of thousands of armed people,

If those who call themselves the Iraqi resistance desired to contact me, I would welcome them. I would not refuse to meet any Iraqi who wants to meet me. But of course that does not mean I will accept what he says.

If those who call themselves Iraqi resistance want to make contact with me, I will welcome them. I want to listen to all Iraqis.

I swore to respect the Iraqi democratic regime and the Iraqi laws.

I think the Iraqi minister of human rights wanted to show them which kind of democracy now we have,

I think the Iraqi Liberation Act, is useful, very important, it's for the first time assuring Iraqi people that America wants to end dictatorship and replace it with a democratic system.

I think that the majority of Iraqi people, including some Arab Sunnis, will vote for 'yes' in the referendum.

It is legitimate for you to think about withdrawing your troops, but it must be done gradually and in consultation with the Iraqi government.

I will carry out my duties as head of the presidential council, and I will acknowledge your trust and trust of the Iraqi people, who have freely elected you in our free Iraq,

stand with the Iraqi people as they move forward with the Democratic process.

I wish that all Iraqi Arabs, Kurds and others vote 'Yes' to the draft constitution which represents their ambition to build a democratic, federal, united and independent state,

The aspirations of Sunni Arabs should be met, ... the constitution is to serve everybody and not only one community of the Iraqi society.

The American army will be very warmly welcomed in Iraqi Kurdistan.

We in the Iraqi opposition have a common stand that the opposition forces, assisted by regional and international states including the United States, must undertake comprehensive democratic changes.

We believe that the United States should coordinate and cooperate with the Iraqi opposition, and must not entertain any idea of making changes behind the opposition's back.

We should not be hasty regarding the issues and the constitution should not be born crippled, ... We are keen to have an early constitution, but the constitution should be completed in all of its items in a proper manner that appeals to all components of the Iraqi people so that the whole people interact with the whole constitution.

We believe that an Iraqi founding national assembly, freely elected, must decide the future of Iraq.

This will be Iraq for all without discrimination among Iraqi citizens, or ethnic or sectarian discrimination.

We will set no timetable for withdrawal, Mr. President. A timetable will help the terrorists, will encourage them that they could defeat the superpower of the world and the Iraqi people,

We don't want British forces forever in Iraq. Within one year, I think at the end of 2006, Iraqi troops will be ready to replace British forces in the south.

Believe me, the United States is very popular now in Iraqi Kurdistan.

First, we insist on democracy, they on dictatorship. Then there is the matter of the continuous ethnic cleansing policy in the Kurdish areas under the control of the Iraqi government.

They all said one thing to me: that there are no limits to Iran's cooperation with and support for the Iraqi people and government,

The stability of country would not be achieved without consensus among the major three components of the Iraqi people (Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds),

The terrible crime against the pilgrims is yet another proof of the brutality of those terrorists who are launching a genocidal war against the Iraqi people.

Rather, we ask that the uniqueness of the Iraqi experience be recognized and our newly restored sovereignty respected.

On this historic day I would like to pay tribute to the Iraqi people because of this historic accomplishment, ... I think they are capable of this mission.

A premature withdrawal would be a disaster for the Iraqi people and a victory for terrorism,

And the Iraqi people are liberated from the worst kind of dictatorship. Now they are enjoying their democratic rights, all kinds of freedoms, a free press.

A timetable will help the terrorists, will encourage them that they could defeat a superpower of the world and Iraqi people, ... We don't want to do anything without the agreement with the Americans because we don't want to give any signal to the terrorists that our will to defeat them is weakened.

This is the first constitution in our history in which all of the Iraqi people have taken part, ... I know there are gaps in the constitution, but only God is complete. The Koran is the only book that cannot be changed. The constitution can be amended.

This delay will not shake the confidence of the Iraqi people, which stands behind its parliament,

For me, I hope to continue to the end, my struggle and life, to see a democratic, federative, united, prosperous Iraq, that Iraqi people will live in peace and prosperity, and Iraq will use its huge wealth for the benefit of the Iraqi people.

It is this regime that started a war of genocide against the Kurdish people, then started an unjust war against our dear neighbour Iran which has often helped the Iraqi people at times of hardship.

I want to congratulate our people who struggled against dictatorship for democracy and freedom, ... This constitution is a first of its kind, written by representatives of important Iraqi factions.

They are Iraqi and American forces, and they perform their mission, the mission of cleaning the area from terrorists.

The Kurdish people want American presence, not only as deterrent against possible Iraqi attacks but also because there are terrorist organizations such as the Ansar Al-Islam and others, which constitute a danger to the Kurdish people.

The Kurdish Coalition will not take part in the coming government unless the Iraqi List takes part in it.

In my opinion, Iraqi forces, the popular forces and government forces, are now ready to end the insurgency and this terrorism.

But I am feeling as Iraqi, and my duty is to work as an Iraqi for all Iraqis regardless of their nationalities.

For the Iraqi state, it is very difficult,

The Iraqi judiciary will sentence Saddam with what it sees suitable. There is no political order.

The draft constitution is ready and will be presented to the Iraqi people, who are known for their intelligence, to give their verdict on October 15,

the common desire of Iraqi people and American people.

All the Iraqi groups got support and help from Syria. And now we have reached the position of rule, Syria should continue its support of these groups, the current ruling groups in Iraq that are friendly to Syria.