Visit the Photo Place

A senior Kurdish leader says Kurdish fighters will leave Kirkuk in the hands of American troops when enough arrive.

Turkey says it has reviewed its troop readiness along the border with northern Iraq because it's concerned about the Kurds' presence in the area. But the US has assured the Turkish government that Americans will replace the Kurdish fighters in Kirkuk.

Turkey is afraid the Kurds will use the city's oil wealth to help fund an independent state and encourage Kurds in Turkey to seek independence.

Dozens of US special forces troops and about 1,200 paratroopers are already in the city.

Date published: 4/11/2003

Comments guidelines

1. Be respectful. No personal attacks.
2. Please avoid offensive, vulgar, abusive, hateful or defamatory language.
3. Read and follow THE RULES.
4. We will block violaters and ban repeat offenders.