The following speech is Dr. Saman Shali, KNC President for the KNC 19th Annual conference at Hotel Hilton in Irvine, California on March 24, 2007 "From Struggles to State Hood" KNC 19th Annual Conference Irvine, California March 23-24 th, 2007 Mr. Chairman Distinguished Guests Ladies and Gentlemen I am honored to welcome you on behalf of the Kurdish National Congress of North America. I want to thank and welcome each and every one of you, especially those who have come from Kurdistan, Europe, and Canada and from out of state. The Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said as the war in Iraq entered its fifth year, "I would ask the American people to be patient...We have invested a lot. It is worth the sacrifice." And I agree with her because the sacrifices by our men and women in the military to free the Iraqis will be remembered as a victory for human rights, freedom and democracy. Since the liberation of Iraq four years ago, the Kurdish leadership committed itself to preserve the integrity of Iraq and to establish a democratic government where the rights of all are respected equally by law and according to the Iraqi constitution. Since the liberation two successful elections were held, and for the first time in the history of Iraq, the Iraqi constitution was approved by 80% of all Iraqis. These elections were monitored by the United Nations and the United State. The Iraqi constitution has been tested many times to fulfill its objectives. Holding the first election to form the Iraqi parliament and the Iraqi government on time were performed according to the newly adopted Iraqi constitutions. The people of Kurdistan rights will be tested by the Iraqi constitution for the first time on December 31st, 2007. The dead- line for the implementation of article 140, to revise the process of forced Arbaized area and to give for the first time the right to the people in this area to choose their destiny will be a victory for the Iraqi constitution. The people of southern Kurdistan and their leaderships will not compromise on the implementation of Article 140 under any circumstance. Failing to implement this article in the constitution will result in a complete mistrust by the people of Kurdistan and the central government once again, and it may take the country further away from stability and peace. The United States has a moral obligation to use its power to implement this article to help its only true ally in Iraq and in the area to close this chapter of cruelty against the people of Kurdistan once and for all. The United States and the United Nation did see that other parts of the Iraqi constitution been implemented on time; therefore, they have the same contractual obligation toward the people of Kurdistan to implement article 140. Yesterday, Mr. Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region, said; “Whatever is taken by force should be returned peacefully and democratically.” This is the mentality of the Kurdish leadership to solve this central issue, while others threaten war as a way to solve the outstanding issues. Unless the US helps to bring stability within Iraq, the neighboring countries, such as Iran, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Turkey keep meddling in the internal affairs of Iraq, which resulted in continuous instability and this caused more than 3,200 of US soldiers’ lives and thousands of innocent Iraqi lives. For example, Turkey is still insisting on a delay in the referendum planned for this year, this is a clear violation of Iraqi sovereignty. If the United States, the United Nations, and the Iraqi government fail to implement article 140 on time, then the Kurdish parliament must take a heroic step to declare independence, because the constitution of Iraq is violated the rights of the people of Kurdistan and left them without any choice but to declare independence. The newborn state and strong ally of the United State and the West must be recognized and protected by the United States and the international community and must be accepted as a new member of the United Nations. Having said that, we should be aware of the heartbreaking reality of what will happen if the United States decides to leave Iraq like what happened in Vietnam. Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed a resolution to cut and run in Iraq. We have been telling our leadership for the last two years to have a solid plan to face such a situation when it arises and what we should do to face aggression from Turkey, Iran and Syria when they have the first opportunity to do so? What will our friends do in the United States and around the world to protect the Kurdish people from another genocide? What will we, Kurds in Diaspora, will do in such a situation? These and other questions we hope that this conference will address and give an answer and hope to our nation for their right of self-determination. Iran keeps threatening peace and stability in the world by pushing ahead its nuclear program, threatening to eliminate Israel, interfering with Iraq’s internal affairs and oppressing the minorities in Iran to silence their voice, especially the Kurdish minority.  We call once again on the UN to stop the Iranian government from developing its nuclear program and prevent them from implementing their hostile policy against the Kurds and other minorities and grant them the right of self- determination according to the UN charter. The only way to bring peace to this part of the world is by regime change and this can be done by strengthening the national identity of the minorities in Iran, which will weaken the central government’s hold  on power and that will result in falling the regime. Then a federal government can be formed under a new constitution where the rights for self-determination for all the minorities will be guaranteed. Turkey is still pushing their policy of discrimination against the Kurdish people, denying them the right of self-determination. Although attempts have been made in Turkey to improve their image to join the European Union, these attempts are far from granting the Kurds their basic human rights. The Kurdish people are supporting Turkey's admission to the European Union, because we truly believe that the high standard of European Union in respecting human rights and the rights of the self-determination for all the nations in the Union will grant the Kurds their rights, too, for self-determination through a democratic and peaceful process. The Kurdish people in Turkey have been calling for peaceful dialogue many times with the Turkish government, but their calls have gone  without any positive response from the Turkish government. In the last two weeks a spokesman for the PKK Mr. Rustam Jawdat said, “We want to solve the problem with Turkey peacefully. We have simple weapons. If we have guarantees to recognize Kurdish national identity, we would not need to carry weapons.” Mr. Jawdat said the PKK is willing to work. We call on the international community to step in and with the Americans and Europeans to resolve the conflict with Turkey peacefully. “America and the European Union should know that we would not give up our weapons as long as (the Turks) do not accept our rights and do not recognize our national identity,” Jawdat said.  Today find a peaceful and just solution for the Kurdish national rights in Northern Kurdistan. In Syria, the Ba’th party, which is running the country, continues its policy of aggression against the Syrian people especially against the Kurdish people by denying them their rights and the government’s  determination to continue with the policy of Arabization. The regime’s  support of international terrorism against the international community has resulted in instability in the region. Regime change must lead by Syrian people to insure that a new democratic government will be formed where the rights of all citizens will be respected under a new constitution, especially where the rights for self-determination will be given to all. We called on the Kurdish parties in Western Kurdistan to unite under one umbrella to face their enemy with one voice.   In the last year KNC achieved a huge milestone in serving our nation. Here is some of these achievements and others to be accomplished: 1.    The Kurdish National Congress continues to work to form a united front in Eastern Kurdistan by bringing all the parties, which genuinely believe in the front together. KNC did provide them with a realistic mechanism to form the front based on consensus; all the parties welcome the proposal and we are looking forward to continue our efforts to form the front. 2.    The Halabja committee started its work and they did present their work yesterday and it will continue until justice is done in a court of law and the victims are compensated for the crime of the century committed against our people. 3.    We formed a committee to support the efforts of KRG, and other organizations to implement Article 140 in the Iraqi constitution which gives the people in the forced Arabized area the rights to choose their destiny for the first time in their history. We are planning to hold International Conferences in Washington DC, and in Europe to inform the US and the European Communities of the importance of the implementation, and execution of Article 140 for the future of Iraq and stability in the Middle East. We plan to lobby in the United Nation to make them oversee the implementation of article 140 and to ensure that the Iraqi constitution will be respected 4.    We delivered two shipments of medical supplies, which are   worth $530,000.00, to the Ministry of Health. 5.    We started a project between University of California in Irvine (UCI), with the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Higher Education, and the Governor office in Irbil to test the Air quality in Irbil. We’ll follow by testing other cities in Kurdistan Region. The first 24 samples have been sent to UCI for testing. 6.    A Professor will arrive from Kurdistan in April to the US for one month, to be trained in air quality testing. We hope to establish an air quality lab in Kurdistan to improve the environment. 7.    Within the next 2-3 weeks, the third shipment will arrive to Irbil. It contains children’s books and blankets for newborn babies in addition to some medical supplies. The total shipment is worth $227,000. 8.    The fourth shipment of medical supplies has left the US for Kuwait, worth over $272,000. The total of four shipments is worth over one million dollars. These projects are done with cooperation with our partner Global Operations & Development. On your behalf I want to thank Global Operations & Development for their continuous work in the Kurdistan region to help our people. 9.    We submitted the Strategic Alliances project with our partner, Prevent Hate in California, to the Prime Minister of Kurdistan Regional Government, to bring delegations of high government officials and businessmen to Southern California for one week to build a bridge between the Los Angles community, and the Kurdish community in Southern Kurdistan. The Prime Minister welcomes the idea, and we are currently studying ways to implement this project. 10.     We applied for a grant from the US government with our two US NGO’s partners (Prevent Hate & Center for Civic Leadership-Southern California (Coro)), to apply projects in leadership training, women, youth, education and human rights in Southern Kurdistan. 11.     On March 8th, we held a successful first International Conference on Kurdish Women for Peace and Equality in Southern Kurdistan. The Kurdistan Regional Government through the Ministry of State for Women affairs supported the conference and we are grateful for their support and hospitality during the women delegations’ visit to Southern Kurdistan. I take this opportunity to thank the conference committee for arranging this conference, and the hard work of the board of directors and KNC members for last year’s achievements. Without teamwork, we could not achieve what we have. I am looking forward for another successful year ahead. The only way we can achieve our rights is through our unity.  Unless the Kurds in all parts of Kurdistan understand fully the importance of our unity, our enemy will keep controlling the future of our nation. The Kurdish National Congress will continue its commitment to serve our people and it will work harder to lobby on behalf our nation until we achieve our right of self-determination and a Free, United Kurdistan. Thank you. Saman Shali KNC – President March 24, 2007

The following speech is Mr. Azad Moradian's speech on the KNC 19th Annual Conference at Hotel Hilton, Irvine ,California on March 24, 2007 The Second Panel  on Saturday was titled "Political Dynamics of the Region" Dr. Fekrat Hekmat, Dr. Rashid Qaradaghi, Mr. Ralph D. Fertig, and Mr. Azad Moradian “ Dynamic of the region and the role of Kurds in building Federalism and Democracy in Iran” By: Azad Moradian Ladies and Gentlemen: The U.N. Security Council seems intent on moving the international viewpoint towards a confrontational stand against Islamic republic of Iran. The facts that the Islamic government has lost an opportunity to contact UN and US directly, on nuclear issues, gives the Iranian opposition groups an incredible opportunity to take advantage of this new situation. It seems that US policy for  “ changing behavioral policy “ in Iran is moved toward changing Islamic regime. Islamic regime’s foreign policy to be regional hegemonic power has failed after Afghanistan and Iraq’s war. Iran’s national strategy to be leader of the Muslims around the world has also failed since their neighbors and the leadership of the Arab states challenges them. Islamic regime in Iran is struggling with pressure from the International community on one side, and internal ethnic divisions, on the other side. Internal strife is causing the destabilization of Iran.  Some US politicians believe that the United States does not need to, nor should it intervene in Iranian politics, since its own domestic problems will eventually topple the regime.     I considered that any political opposition to the Islamic regime without the involvement of Kurds, Turkmans, Baluches, Azeri’s, and Arabs would fail. The reality is that Kurds, exceptionally and potentially, are well prepared for liberal democracy in Iran and in the Middle East. Kurdish political parties and Kurds in Diaspora have been instrumental in leading positive changes in Iraq and this leadership role manifested itself again in formation of a united opposition front for Syria in 2007. I believe that democracy and federalism in Iran could help all Kurds in other countries to move towards freedom and independence in the future. As a member of the Kurdish community in Diaspora, actions must be taken to ensure that the situation in Iran is taken advantage of in favor of the Kurds before the loss of this opportunity and thus on November 2005 a group of Kurdish-Americans decided to organize a committee to work on Kurdish issues in Iran and to build a relationship among Iranian opposition groups toward democracy. The following points clarified a need for organizing and helping the Iranian political parties to come together and to start coordinating their efforts.  We considered that: 1. Iran is not a homogeneous ethnic society and formidable Iranian opposition parties are aligned with separate ethnic groups.  2. Persians are a minority who has been the dominating power since the end of WWI and all other minority groups have revolted at some point during the 20th century and continue to do so in this century. 3.Kurdish struggle for human rights and self-determination is the longest and most mature democratic national movement in Iran, the only one to have developed a constitution for a democratic society (The Republic of Kurdistan, Mahabad 1947).  4. We considered that any political opposition to the Islamic regime without the involvement of Turkmans, Baluoch, Azeri, Kurd and Arab groups would fail.   5. Almost all Persian nationalist parties have vowed to side with the Islamic regime to “fight” minority groups and democracy. Based on the above ideas and considerations, Kurdish Americans from Iran organized a Committee for Democracy on December 2005. ” Kurdish American Committee for democracy in Iran” had a sense of obligation to take an active role in organizing the Iranian opposition groups by: –    First creating a unified Kurdish front and later by bringing the other minority opposition groups together.  Looking at the social fabric and history of Iran and planning for a democratic society. –    Our mission is to: –    Give resources and expert help on political party and organization building to the political parties that participate in this effort. –     Encourage and consult with the participating entities on political party structure and democratic practices within the parties themselves. –    Bring Iranian party leaders (not limited to Kurdish) together in Washington DC or Europe for working meetings. –    Make available the result of study on opposition front methodology and facilitate the creation of the front.  –     Help develop media campaigns aimed at publicizing the democratic values of the United Iranian Opposition Front and its program.  –    Facilitate help for newly formed democratic institutions operating in Iran (there has been an up-surge in the year 2006) Mobilizing the Kurdish Americans of Iranian decent to participate in the struggle for freedom and democracy in Iran. Promoting the Kurdish Americans of Iranian decent to Participation In American Civic Life and Iranian American issues. Kurdish American Committee’s Goals: The short-term goal is formation of the United Iranian Opposition Front by Iranians and securing of its leadership role as well as public relations campaigns exposing the Iranian regime.  The long-term goal is democracy in Iran with freedom for all ethnic groups and legal protection for their human rights. At this point I will shorten my speech and allow for questions and answers to lead the rest of the panel, in order to clarify the ideas presented in this speech and ensuring the understanding of the listeners. Please feel free to ask your questions and I will answer them to the best of my ability. Thank you, I appreciate your attention.

Date: Wednesday, March 28, 2007 KNC PRESS RELEASE The Kurdish National Congress of North America P.O. Box 1663                        P.O. Box 43098                        P.O. Box 545 Lake Forest, CA                        Mississauga, ONT                   Millersville, MD 92630 USA                                L5B 4A7 CANADA                       21108 USA Tel/Fax: 949-583-1417           Tel: 905-306-7300           Tel: 410-350-4301   www.kncna.org PRESS RELEASE Summary of the 19th Annual Conference of the KNC N.A. March 23-24, 2007  Irvine, California    "From Struggle to Statehood" The Kurdish National Congress of North America concluded its 19th Annual Conference on Saturday March 24, 2007. Under the Conference theme "From Struggle to Statehood", the goal was to encourage in-depth discussions on all four parts of Kurdistan and to bring political leaders, intellectuals and independent activists from East, West, North and South together. As in the past 18 years, the 19th Annual Conference got under way with the raising of the Kurdish flag and singing of the national anthem Ay-Raqeeb. The Mayor of Irvine, Mrs. Beth Krom, opened the conference by welcoming all attendees and indicated that Irvine is a place for all cultures and peoples, and that she was delighted to have the conference in Irvine.  The first panel focused on Kurdish organizations and their activities in the United State and Canada. Ms. Lana Salah Salih (Moderator), opened the session by emphasizing the significant role that can be played by the Kurdish American youth to promote Kurdish issue, and Kurdish interest in the US. She asked the Kurdish youth to be well educated, to work hard, and to be involved in all political, and non-political aspects in the American society. Mr. Goran Sadjadi, president of the Kurdish American Youth Organization (KAYO), a KNC affiliate, spoke of the organization's first Kurdish Youth Conference in Nashville, Tennessee held February 2007. He thanked the KNC for their support and sponsorship of the conference. Mr. Nezar Tovi also spoke on the activities of KAYO including ways to reach out to all Kurdish youth in the US and Kurdistan. Then Mr. Luqman Barwari talked about the relief aid project organized by KAYO for victims of the November 2006 floods in North Kurdistan. He presented a slide show on the area affected by the flood, emphasizing the ongoing need for rebuilding the area. Finally, Mr. Brusk Reshvan spoke of the activities of Kurdish organizations in various Canadian cities and the need to organize their efforts to best serve our nation. Several guest speakers followed with a diverse set of topics. Mr. Tahseen Atroshi, president of Kurdish Community Center in San Diego warned about the pullout of American military from Iraq, the future of the Kurds, and what Kurds in Diaspora can do about it. Mr Atroshi praised the KNC for the work they are doing in serving the Kurdish people. Mr. Steve Tataii discussed his three books on Kurdish issues and noted how closely these books related to the theme of the conference. The second panel was devoted to the International Conference on Kurdish Women for Peace and Equality held in Hawler, Southern Kurdistan on March 8, 2007. Mrs. Soraya Fallah gave an update regarding the International Conference on Kurdish Women for Peace and Equality. In her opening statement she stated that the conference was an historic event and it was indeed the first International Conference on Kurdish Women in the Middle East. She focused on the input, aims and goals of the conference and followed with the conference outcome and resolutions. Mrs. Juliana Ditty, Executive Vice President of Global Operations and Development noted she was truly impressed by the many individuals who traveled from the United States to be part of this conference and their desire to serve their nation.  After traveling to Halabja she expressed her full support for those who want to bring to light the atrocities committed against the Kurdish people.    Professor Sharon Faye Linzey said the International Kurdish Women's Conference for Peace and Equality was a historic gathering of all those concerned for equality for Kurdish women. It was impressive that a good number of men also attended and saluted women's rights as a necessary precondition for progress in Kurdistan. Miss Kathryn Laurraine Dovel, stated that it was a privilege and honor to participate in the conference and commented how the people of Kurdistan proved to be hopeful and resilient despite decades of suffering - showing an immense desire for change politically, economically, and socially. Through seeing the memorials in Halabja and Barzan, the health deprivation within the villages, and the hope and enormous potential within Southern Kurdistan, she became further committed to the cause and noted her plan to return to Kurdistan in September for several months. "I am very excited and honored for this opportunity, and encourage anyone who is capable to visit this amazing land and see for yourself the endless opportunities that are available to assist in rebuilding Kurdistan."  The Third panel outlined the progress of The Halabja Committee Dr. Fouad Darweesh said that it is very hard to imagine that any human being can endure such pain just because they are Kurds and urged the international community to help ease the suffering of the victims of the chemical attacks. Dr. Kirmanj Gundy started by expressing his gratitude to the late Soraya Serajeddini, executive vice president of the KNC. He referred to the victims of Halabja as one of the most forgotten and oppressed people in the 21st century. All who committed such hideous crimes, other than a few top former Iraqi leaders and Frans Van Anraat, went unpunished. Those who assisted the Iraqi government in obtaining chemical weapons should be brought to justice, Gundy noted. Dr. Saman Shali emphasized one aspect of the committee was to bring the companies who assisted the Iraqi government in developing chemical weapons to the court of law, to prevent such atrocities from ever happening again and to make them pay for what they have done to our people. The United Nations should be pressured to release the complete list of all the companies involved in helping Saddam's government to make such weapons. The last panel of the day related to KNC Affairs Each of the KNC Board Members spoke on activities for the past year and what is their agenda for the coming year. Accomplishments for the past year have included: 19 Annual Conferences in North America with participation from leading Kurdish and non-Kurdish scholars and politicians The March 8th, 2007 International Conference on Kurdish Women for Peace and Equality in Hawler November 2006, KNC delivered Medical supplies worth $530,000 to Ministry of Health (KRG) in Southern Kurdistan. Conducted Air quality test in the city of Hawler in coordination with Ministry of Environment, Higher Education, Hawler Governorate and the University of Southern California, Irvine, USA. Organized meeting for delegations from Eastern Kurdistan with United States officials April 2006 Organized the first conference for the Kurds from Western Kurdistan in Washington March 2006. Day 2 - March 24 After welcoming the attendees and the guest speakers, Dr. Artin, the chair of the conference, appreciated the hard work of all of his fellow KNC members who helped him to organize the event. He emphasized that despite softer attitude of Kurdish established political parties, KNC as a pluralistic organization should insist that nothing less than independence for all parts of Kurdistan is acceptable in the long run. Dr. Artin also gave the same message during the Newroz banquet in a creative slide show titled "Kew in Animal Kingdom". Professor Asad Khailany, founder of KNC made a special presentation on the late Soraya Serajeddini and her husband Thomas Ver Ploeg - their dedication to human rights, their contributions, and sacrifices toward Kurdish national rights in general and to the KNC in particular. Professor Khailany quoted many people from around the world expressing their admiration for Soraya and to all members of Ver Ploeg family for their contributions and sacrifices to human and national rights for all. Dr. Saman Shali added that Mrs. Serajeddini's early departure was a great loss to our nation and especially to the KNC. He presented a special commemorative plaque on behalf of the Kurdish National Congress to her husband Mr. Tom Ver Ploeg. Mr. Ver Ploeg thanked the KNC and everyone for their kind thoughts and remembrance. Mrs. Serajeddini passed away on July 24, 2006. Guest speaker Mr. Serdar Sengul spoke of the current phase of Kurdish struggle, noting both opportunities and risks. Coming to power in the either side of the 36th parallel creates new opportunities and areas of problems for Kurds. Only a critical intellectual engagement can grasp the complexities of the situation and produce the necessary knowledge we need to overcome problems and make the gains sustainable. While Mr. Ali Qadri, representative of Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran emphasized the role of KDPI during past 61 years of struggle, and the sacrifice of over 6,000 Peshmmerga and 3 national leaders - Mr. Qazi Mohammad, Dr. Qasemlou and Dr. Sharafkandi. Professor Sharon Faye Linzey related four stories of Kurdish families in Northern Kurdistan, which serve to illustrate the problems that the Kurds suffer are common in the area. Whether they are from North, South, East or West Kurdistan, Kurdish families have suffered similar fates under the dominant powers that continually deprive the Kurds of their rights, homes, livelihood, and freedom. Dr. Shali read a letters of congratulation and support from Mr. Nechirvan Barzani, the Prime Minister of Kurdistan Region, Dr. Mohammad Ihsan, Minister of Extra Regional Affairs, Mr. Mohammad Haji Mahmud, General Secretary of Kurdistan Socialist Democratic Party, Mr. Ali Gazi, President of Kurdistan Freedom Party, Mr. Hussen Yazdan Bana,VP of Kurdistan Freedom Party, and Mr. Baba Shaikhhusseini, General Secretary of Organization of Iranian Kurdistan Struggle. Dr. Saman Shali, KNC president, addressed the attendees describing the situation in Iraq and the commitment of the Kurdish leadership to supporting federalism as the best solution to hold Iraq together. He stressed the role of the Iraqi constitution to bring trust between the Kurdish people and central Government by implementing Article 140, addressing the issue of the forced Arabization in the area. Failing to implement this article will take the country further away from stability and security. Also, he addressed the Kurdish issues in Iran, Turkey and Syria and suggested the best solution is to grant Kurds in these countries their rights for self-determination. Dr. Shali reviewed the KNC achievements and accomplishments for the past year and other projects to come. The first Panel was titled "Struggle, Challenges and Opportunities" Dr. Wafa Khorsheed (Moderator) stressed that a common agreement is there among superpowers and they will dictate world diplomatic policies that serves their own national interest. Sometimes these diplomatic policies are full of contradiction and hypocrisy. Dr. Khorsheed made a comparison between the Palestinian and the Kurdish People as an example of the double standard dealing with these comparable cases. He added that a strong and independent Kurdistan is in the national interest of the US and Europe. The need for a strong and independent Kurdistan will override the need to support Turkey. Turkey cannot afford to be in direct conflict with the US and Europe. Mr. Serdar Sengul described how Kurds have been deprived of our own educational institutions throughout the 20th century. One of the first practices of the nation-states that were established in the historical lands of Kurds was to eliminate the educational systems. This has had tremendous effects on Kurdish culture, Kurdish society and the way in which Kurds pursue knowledge. At the present period, the significance of and the need for devising a modern Kurdish education system is clearer than ever for Kurdish intellectuals, politicians and technocrats. Within this context he told the audience he is certain the madrasa system that historically sustained the backbone of Kurdish intellectual class would prove to be productive.  Mr. Arif Bawajani, congratulated the KNC for their work in serving our nation and especially the work by Dr. Saman Shali to form a front comprised of various Kurdish parties in Eastern Kurdistan. He added that the area is going through dynamic changes and urged Kurds to be united to have a role and say in these changes. He said the Kurdistan Regional Government has many enemies like Turkey and Iran and they are the traditional enemies of our nation, protecting this government is duty of every Kurd. Throughout their history the Kurdish people in Eastern Kurdistan fought for self-determination. Sarbesty Party believes the only way to self-determination is by working for complete independence and creating a Kurdish State. He also stressed the significance of forming a united agenda and to be prepared for the days ahead with one united front. Prof. Daniel Gibran, an expert on terrorism, emphasized how the crimes of religious extremists are in fact against their own faith and against the achievements of the civilized world. The Second Panel was titled "Political Dynamics of the Region" Dr. Hikmat Fikrat (Moderator), pointed out that dynamics is defined by the dictionary as "an interactive system or process of social, intellectual or moral forces that produce activity and change". As such, life is all about dynamism. From the moment we are born, we interact with our environment, and the society, physically, mentally and socially - a process that makes us what we are. The same is true for any nation within a group of nations that it cohabitates with in a region. Historically, the Kurdish nation has always been in a state of active interaction with the other nations in the region. This dynamic flux in our history is what has shaped us so far.  For Kurdistan to go forward, to attain its full sovereignty and prosperity, we need to study the dynamics of the political forces in the region. It was in light of such an understanding of the gravity of the present political situation and the alliances among the States that surrounds the Kurdish nation, as well as their rivalries, that the panel discussed the challenges that face Southern Kurdistan and the Kurdish nation at large.  "The future of Kurdistan will be more determined by policies framed in Washington than in Baghdad," said Ralph D. Fertig, President of the Humanitarian Law Project and Associate Professor at the University of Southern California. He called for active intervention in the politics of the United States, now, in the framing of foreign policies by the candidates and platforms of both parties. As one place to begin, he invited Kurdish Americans to present a draft resolution on the independence of Iraq-occupied Kurdistan as an element of peace and withdrawal from Iraq to the Democratic Party state convention meeting in San Diego on April 27 - 29. Dr. Rashid Karadaghi said: The occupiers of Kurdistan continue their oppression of the Kurds and there is no hope they will ever change their ways. The Kurds must continue to push for attaining their rights and end the master-slave relationship imposed on them. They must be united and rely on themselves even as they seek the assistance of the US and other Western powers.  Mr. Azad Moradian stressed that Kurds potentially and exceptionally, are well prepared for liberal democracy in Iran and Middle East. He also considered that any political opposition to the Islamic regime without the involvement of Kurds, Turkmen's, Baluch, Azeri, and Arab groups would fail. He pointed that federalism in Iran is the first step to move Kurds towards independency in the future. The third panel was titled "Why Independent Kurdistan", Dr. Saman Shali (Moderator) opened the panel by asking "Why would the United States support an Independent Kurdistan while putting their interest with Turkey, Iran, 22 Arabic countries and over 300 millions Moslem in jeopardy? What can an Independent Kurdistan offer the United States and the West? What does it take to support Independent Kurdistan? Is Kurdistan of sufficient interest to them - geographically, economically and strategically - to shift their attention? What will happen if the United State leaves Iraq? We hope that distinguished panelists answer these questions and others." Mr. Aris Anagnos of the Humanitarian Law Project, stated that an independent Kurdistan is in the national interest of the United States because the Kurds are the best friends- in fact the only friends - in that area. The Kurds are in danger from Turkish aggression, which Turkey has repeatedly threatened with the excuse that they will attack "terrorists" because President Clinton designated the PKK as a terrorist organization.  The true goal of the Turks, of course, is the oil of Mosul and Kirkuk, proven and documented by declarations from Turkish officials.  Since the PKK has never attacked Americans but mainly resisted the atrocities of the Turkish army against the Kurdish population it is in the national interest of the United States to remove the terrorist designation from the PKK and eliminate the excuse for a Turkish invasion.  We need to engage in an educational campaign with public officials, the Congress, and the public to put that point across. Mr. Jeff Klein discussed the Kurdish dynamic in the Middle East, addressing the gradual emergence of the Kurds as a power player in the region and rise in pan-Kurdish sentiment in all parts of Kurdistan that has taken place since the creation of the KRG. He stated that the elimination of Saddam's regime challenged the established order of the Middle East, empowering both the Shi'a and the Kurdish people. Saying that the Kurds are leading the march of the democratic revolution in the Middle East, Mr. Klein discussed threats to Kurdish interests and spoke about eliminating sectarianism and corruption within the Kurdish national movement and working to insure that the Middle East of the future is one that will include more freedom and power for the Kurdish nation. In his presentation, Prof. Robert Olson argued that if the Kurds were to have an independent state in southern Kurdistan (Northern Iraq) that it would contribute to the political, economic and social stability of not just Iraq, but of Turkey, Iran and Syria. Olson also argued that such a state would contribute to the lessening of tensions and hostilities among the central governments and the administrations of the largely Kurdish regions of the four states in which most Kurds live. He argued further that a Kurdish independent state in Iraq would also contribute to the economic development and vitality of the Kurdish regions, via international funds, of Turkey, Iran and Syria allowing for the central governments of these three states of allocate funds to other regions of their countries. Mr. Kevin McKiernen, the renowned journalist and documentary director spoke of the situation in Iraq and noted that, while much of Iraq is literally on fire, Iraqi Kurdistan seems to be enjoying a Golden Age, with the potential for a Swiss-like tourist haven or a financial center like Hong Kong or Shanghai. Nonetheless, the Kurds may find it wise in 2007 to strengthen their base with Kurds in neighboring countries. Sic transit gloria mundi…the glory of this world passes quickly. With the looming showdown over Kirkuk, there is reason to doubt that the U.S. will back the census and referendum called for in the Iraq constitution. The conference ended with calls and recommendations to the International community and the Kurdish leaderships: Call for Unity among all the Kurdish parties and organizations for the creation of a National strategy to take on the new challenges facing our nation in all parts of Kurdistan. Draft resolution on the independence of Iraq-occupied Kurdistan as an element of peace and withdrawal from Iraq. The conference calls on KNC to continue their efforts to form a united front among the Kurdish parties in Eastern Kurdistan. The conference calls on KNC to make same efforts to bring together and unite different parties in Western Kurdistan to form the same front in Northern Kurdistan. The conference emphases on the importance in forming a strong lobby to inform the United States and the United Nations of the plight of the Kurds and the rights for self-determination by holding conferences and public hearing in the US and Canada. Call on KNC to form a committee to lobby for the implementation of article 140 in the Iraqi constitution which deals with disputed area resulted from Arabization policy of Saddam's regime. The conference calls on Halabja committee to continue its work until Justice is done in the court of law for the victims of the chemical weapons. KNC to continue it is work with Kurdistan Regional Government to serve our people in any capacity they can. KNC to follow up with recommendation and resolutions of the International Conference on Kurdish Women for peace and Equality and to coordinate its efforts with Ministry of State for women's affairs and the women organizations (NGO) in Kurdistan. For more information please email: knc@kurdishnationalcongress.org and visit www.kncna.org

19th Annual Conference of the Kurdish National Congress of North America (KNC NA)

Location: Hilton Irvine/Orange County Airport 18800 MacArthur Boulevard , Irvine , CA 92612 For hotel reservations and special room rate, please contact the Hilton at 949-833-9999 Seats are limited; for reservation please contact knc@kncna.org or click  Reservation.