The World : Kurds Granted Amnesty

Iraq announced a general amnesty for Kurdish rebels after the plight of thousands of Kurdish refugees fleeing alleged Iraqi chemical attacks drew expressions of international concern, diplomats said. Baghdad Radio said the ruling revolutionary command council issued the pardon for all ethnic Kurds involved in anti-government activities, apparently including an estimated 10,000 Kurdish guerrillas waging a campaign for independence in the province of Kurdistan. Persian Gulf-based diplomats said the move comes as Iraq seeks to gain world sympathy at Geneva peace talks with Iran.