Talabani has been an advocate for Kurdish rights and democracy in Iraq for more than 50 years.

Other issues such as Kurdish rights, women's rights and press freedom have also attracted controversy.

The group decided in 1974 to start a campaign for Kurdish rights.

But the government has refused to respond to his calls for Kurdish cultural rights, saying it will not dignify such a figure by dealing with him.

By this time, Pamuk had also become a high-profile figure in Turkey, due to his support for Kurdish political rights.

The 1980s, especially during the Iran-Iraq war, were a particular low point for Kurdish rights within Iraq.

Several political parties supporting Kurdish rights have been banned on this pretext.

"Democracy will be the main guarantee for national Kurdish rights," he said, "we are for autonomy within the framework of Iraq."

On the issue of Kurdish rights too, much remains to be done.

Can the Council comment on the particular position regarding Kurdish cultural and human rights as part of any negotiation package?