Title: KIRKUK REFERENDUM UNDER THE 2005 IRAQI CONSTITUTION
Author: Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
Release date:June 2007

This paper reviews the factual background underlying the status of the Iraqi city Kirkuk and a related voter referendum (the “Kirkuk Referendum”), which was scheduled to take place by the end of 2007 under the 2005 Iraqi Constitution, and it sets forth the major issues disputed in this area. This report then provides an analysis of possible resolutions to these disputed issues. Finally, it provides a new approach to resolve the status of Kirkuk and suggests constitutional amendments to implement this approach.
This report, drafted for Public International Law & Policy Group (PILPG) by attorneys at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, reviews the factual background underlying the status of Kirkuk and related areas, and provides an analysis of possible ways to resolve certain disputed issues in the context of the Kirkuk Referendum established in the Iraq 2005 Constitution. In addition, it provides a potential approach to the situation of Kirkuk and suggestions for constitutional amendments to implement this approach.[1]