Rajoub says Talabani pledged to protect Palestinians

Jibril Rajoub, President Abbas' senior security adviser, told the AP that he asked Talabani during a meeting in Baghdad last Wednesday for better protection for Palestinians: "His Excellency assured me that the violations against Palestinians were individual acts and the government has promised to ensure protection and safe places for Palestinians in Iraq." (story carried in IHT and Jerusalem Post).

It is unclear from Rajoub's statement whether Talabani has offered refuge for Palestinians in the Kurdish region, something many have been asking for. However an article in KurdishMedia.com today refers to: "the latest news from Iraqi President, Jalal Talabani's [office], offering the Palestinians refugees to Iraq, refuge, shelter and secure place in Southern Kurdistan [that is the Iraqi Kurdistan]." It is unclear whether this is statement is based on an official position/statement by Talabani, but what is worrying is that it continues: "The Palestinians have never been Kurdish friends; in fact, they have always stood against Kurds. Only two months ago their prime minister called Kurdistani Peshmargas "gangs" and the Palestinians have often fought on the side of the Iraqi army against Kurdistani people. Allowing these enemies to come and settle in Kurdistan is not a stupid mistake but treason." (see comments by KM readers)

A 2nd delegation headed by PLO Executive Committee member Dr Asa'ad Abdul Rahman also met with Talabani later in the week. The delegation also met with the deputy president, Adil Abdul Mahdi, and other officials. Reports say that the talks "focused on the protection [of Palestinians] and even possible evacuation to northern parts of the country."