The Kurdistan Observer
June 26, 2001

In accordance with the agreement of the Higher Committee for Peace between
the KDP and PUK, 40 exiled families in Arbil were allowed to return to their
homes in Suleymania in exchange for 35 families from Suleymania to their
homes in Arbil, reported Kurdish media in Iraqi Kurdistan yesterday.

This exchange was agreed upon by the KDP and PUK on June 16, 2001.  More
exchanges are to follow in the near future.

The exile or displacement of these and other people occurred as the result of
infighting between the KDP and PUK forces several years ago.  Current occupants
of these houses in both Arbil and Suleymania were ordered to vacate them and
return the properties to their original owners.
 

The Higher Committee for Peace, which consists of selected members of the
PUK and KDP, decided to meet again on July 1 in order to make further
advances toward a lasting peace between the two main Kurdish parties.