U.S. rebukes Iraq's Kurds over flag row

[sabra]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/IBO553668.htm

U.S. rebukes Iraq's Kurds over flag row

BAGHDAD, Sept 5 (Reuters) - The United States criticised on Tuesday a decree by the leader of Iraq's ethnic Kurds banning the Iraqi national flag, weighing into a bitter dispute that has sparked threats of Kurdish secession.

"Unilateral steps by regions or parties on this issue are inappropriate and do not have the support of the United States," America's envoy to Iraq, Zalmay Khalilzad said, adding Washington was committed to "Iraq's unity and territorial integrity".

After the Kurdish regional government banned the use of the Iraqi flag on public buildings as a symbol of oppression under Saddam Hussein, Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, a Shi'ite Arab, issued a blunt statement demanding the use of the tricolour and implying that the Kurds' own banner was illegitimate.

In a statement, Khalilzad said: "Decisions on Iraq's national symbols must be made by the Iraqi people as a whole through an established constitutional process."

[NOLADEM]

1. Yeah, Kurds, Stop all the democratic self determination and nation buildin

:sarcasm:

I am not saying the Kurds aren't running a risk of provoking Iran and Turkey by doing this, but we look really hypocritical and stupid saying such things.

The Kurds understandably don't want any part of what is left of the old Iraq. I am certain Turkey and Iran will continue to act against them, but it seems the Kurds are going to move forward with a declaration of independence. And if that is what the people want, we really should butt out.

We've done enough.

[rodeodance]

2. squish!!