Jalal Talabani: Quotes about people

“I am very, very sorry for the lives lost in Iraq. I think it was a very noble job that your army and your people did in Iraq.”

Jalal Talabani

Speaking about loss of life of British soldiers, to students at Cambridge University — reported in Deutsche Press-Agentur staff (May 11, 2007) "Iraqi president says soldiers die for 'noble cause'", Deutsche Press-Agentur.

People , Thinking

“The Western governments will be encouraged and persuaded to deal with the real representatives and listen to the real voice of the Kurdish people.”

Jalal Talabani

On the first-ever free elections for the Kurds of northern Iraq — reported in Jim Muir (May 15, 1992) "Iraqi Kurds Hope Vote Legitimizes Leadership - Cut off by a harsh blockade, Kurds engage in spirited first-ever election campaign that sets out two different visions of future", Christian Science Monitor, p. 6.

People

“The building of this site would not be possible without the courageous decision by President Bush to liberate Iraq. This building is not only a compound for the embassy but a symbol of the deep friendship between the two peoples of Iraq and America.”

Jalal Talabani

On the United States building a new embassy in the Green Zone of Iraq — reported in Chelsea J. Carter, Associated Press (January 6, 2009) "U.S. inaugurates $700 million new embassy in Iraq Mammoth new building called symbol of new era", Charleston Gazette, p. P3A.

Friendship , People , Courage , Decision

“Some Shi'ites are asking that Islam be the only source of laws, which means turning Iraq into an Islamic regime, and that is unacceptable. We accept that the religion of Iraq is Islam, and we must respect Islam and the Islamic identity of Iraqi people. But we think Islam should only be one source of the Iraqi laws.”

Jalal Talabani

Jim Muir (February 10, 2005) "Shia demands 'risk turning Iraq into an Islamic regime' into Islamic regime constitution will be fierce, says Talabani", The Daily Telegraph.

People , Religion , Law , Thinking

“Saddam was the creation of outsiders. He was created, strengthened, and kept by international force. He is like a man on a tree and the tree will be cut: he will fall down. The formation of a new front will inspire the Iraqi people to intensify the struggle, to give heart to people who before were faced with the whole world supporting Saddam.”

Jalal Talabani

Statement made as the then-General Secretary of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PKU), on Iraqi opposition leaders — reported in George D. Moffett III (September 20, 1990) "Iraqi Exiles Make a Try at Unity - Saddam's isolation spurs varied opponents to shelve differences and plot his overthrow", Christian Science Monitor, p. 4.

People , World , Support , Tree