PUK seeks reconciliation with KDP, North of Iraq

The leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, Jalal Talabani, sent a message to his rival, Massud Barzani of the Kurdistan Democratic Party.

"We would like to establish a permanent peace with KDP," Qadir Haji Ali said, "Mr. Talabani has sent a letter to Mr. Barazani with that aim."

The two main Iraqi Kurdish groups in the area protected by Western forces have had several clashes since 1994, resulting in thousands of deaths.

"The letter includes proposals to solve the problems between them, new elections to be held and electing a new government," a member of the PUK's Political Bureau told reporters.

The two parties agreed on a new ceasefire after a fourth round of fighting between them started on Oct. 12, 1997.