Iraq plans new flag after Kurdish threat [View All]

[ECH1969]

Iraq may get a new flag to replace one rejected by ethnic Kurds as a symbol of oppression under Saddam Hussein, the government said yesterday, hoping to defuse a nasty row that provoked threats of Kurdish secession.

It could be brought up as early as today in parliament.

Kurdish President Massoud Barzani banned flying the Iraqi flag in the region, home to 5 million of Iraq's 26 million people, because of its association with Saddam's Baathist rule and the deaths of many thousands in the Anfal attacks of 1988.

"This is the flag of the Baath and Anfal, of chemical attacks and mass graves," Barzani said, repeating in strong terms his warning that Kurds might one day choose independence.

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