U.S. Department of State
96/08/23 Statement: Kurdish Ceasefire
Office of the Spokesman


Press Statement by Department Spokesman Glyn Davies
August 23, 1996



                     Kurdish Cease-Fire


The U.S. has been in direct contact today with Massoud Barzani, leader 
of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), and Jalal Talabani, leader of 
the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), concerning the current round of 
fighting between their respective parties.  The two leaders have agreed 
to cease the fighting; return their forces to the positions held before 
the current fighting began on Saturday, August 17; and meet with the 
U.S., represented by Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs Robert 
H. Pelletreau, in September to solidify the cease-fire and to pursue 
reconciliation.  Outside intervention to manipulate and enflame the 
conflict must also end.

The U.S. is pleased by this agreement, which serves the interests of 
both Kurdish parties, the residents of northern Iraq, and the 
international community's interest in regional stability.  We look 
forward to immediate implementation of these commitments.