Tomorrow will be ours
Nermeen Al-Mufti speaks with the founder of the Iraqi Turkoman National Front about the contentious issue of right of claim over Kirkuk
In the wake of the Iraqi administration, and in the aftermath of demographic changes implemented by the Ba'ath Party, claim over the northern oil-rich city of Kirkuk remains a contentious issue between various ethnic groups. This area is considered a test site for the construction of a new Iraq from the ruins of the old. The Kurds were the first to enter the city on 10 April, brandishing their slogan "Kirkuk is the heart of Kurdistan," while the Turkoman insist that "There is no Turkoman without Kirkuk and no Kirkuk without the Turkoman."
Dr Muzaffar Arsalan is the founder of the Iraqi Turkoman National Front and a well-known Iraqi opposition figure who has been speaking about the Turkoman issue in the international arena -- at political forums and in universities -- for many years.
In a recent television interview, Kurdish leader Jalal Talabani said the Turkoman population is 700,000 while Turkoman sources maintain this figure is in the region of four million. What is the real number?
For many years, statistics in Iraq have not been compiled in a scientific manner, which means they are not accurate. In 1957 the number of Turkoman was 590,000 at a time when the population of Iraq was six million. By simple calculation, the population should now be two million. But we are not only concerned about our numbers, but also about our rights.
More than one group in Kirkuk claims to represent the Turkoman population. What are the differences between these groups?
First I would like to say that no enmity exists between any of the Turkoman factions. The Turkoman struggled successfully to stay in Kirkuk despite ethnic cleansing, and exiled Turkoman have been promoting their rights on different forums. Some of these figures were active within Turkey, others in the countries in which they resided. They brought attention to the plight of the Turkoman people who had been jailed and executed, and those whose property was confiscated. They also alerted the United Nations and Amnesty International to the injustices being perpetrated to their people, in the same way they were perpetrated to the Iraqis. The Front is an umbrella organisation made up of many Turkoman parties established in exile during the Iran-Iraq war. Each party has a different mandate, but all are united under the same goal, namely that of becoming citizens of a free democratic Iraq. We pride ourselves on being civilised and educated. No Turkoman took part in the looting that followed in the wake of the liberation of Kirkuk. I have no wish to state that the Front has more right than any other group to represent the Turkoman people before this can be decided in a democratic manner.
Do you think that the Front or any other Turkoman party will resort to armed struggle to obtain their goals?
We insisted on peaceful opposition right from the beginning. There is no need to take up arms and we will obtain our rights with the support of our people. Nothing can be gained without popular support; Saddam Hussein is a prime example of this. He had everything but popular support, which resulted in his downfall. Iraq is our homeland, just as it is the homeland of Arabs, Kurds and other ethnic groups. There is room enough for all.
Do you think that Kirkuk issue will be resolved?
It can be resolved, if we are realistic about it. We can refer to official documents to see which ethnic group, namely Arabs, Kurds or Turkoman, have historically owned more property in Kirkuk. The issue can be resolved by referring to the facts; there is no need for arms, terror or intimidation. All Iraqis should be granted their rights under the law and constitution.
Do you think America has liberated the Iraqi people?
The nation, any nation, must liberate itself. Nobody can do it on behalf of the people. Yet the Iraqis were unable to defend their rights. The previous regime was very brutal. The Iraqis remained silent in order to protect themselves. Under Saddam Hussein it was very easy to rape and torture relatives of those who dared to oppose him. America, the one and only superpower in the today's world, helped us. But we also know that the United States works on behalf of its own interests. They did not come just because they love us; they know that he who controls the Middle East controls the world. Maybe they even have plans to stay for the next 50 or 70 years. We should be aware of the fact that even though it was with American help that we managed to return to our own country, the US cannot remain a friend forever. We are friends now, but we also have to defend our own rights and our homeland. Iraqis must work together to govern their country in order to reap the benefits of its extensive natural resources.
In the eyes of many Iraqis, a lot of the current opposition figures are lacking in credibility. They say the opposition are willing to sell the entire country simply to rule Baghdad.
We used the opposition to promote our cause because of the international backing they received. I can now confirm that the Turkoman will be mentioned by name in the new constitution, and will be represented in the new government.
It has been said that Iraq will become a federation of Iraqi states, including a Kurdish state. What is the position of the Turkoman people regarding this?
It is too early to talk about this. Let's wait until after the elections, when a new government has been formed.
How do you see relations with Turkey?
It is our motherland. Our relationship with Turkey would be like the relationship between any other Arab countries of the Arab world.
How do you see the future of Iraq?
Tomorrow will be ours.
