By Hiwa Osman Irbil, northern Iraq

A top Kurdish leader opposed to Baghdad, Massoud Barzani of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), has ruled out participation in any covert action to topple Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

Mr Barzani was reacting to reports that US President George W Bush has authorised CIA undercover operations to overthrow the Iraqi leader.

The Iraqi issue in general and the Kurdish issue in particular won't be solved by a military or covert action Massoud Barzani

"Let me be very clear on this, we do not support any covert military action. We would like transparency and clarity," Mr Barzani said at his headquarters in Salahuddin, overlooking the Kurdish regional capital Irbil.

A political agreement on the future of Iraq and Kurdish rights should be reached before taking any positions, he said.

"The Iraqi issue in general and the Kurdish issue in particular won't be solved by a military or a covert action. It is a political question."

The KDP and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), led by Jalal Talabani, have been ruling Iraqi Kurdistan since 1991, outside Baghdad's control.

In 1992, their joint regional parliament demanded a federal relationship with Baghdad as a solution for the Kurdish issue.

Since the Bush administration began speaking of its desire to see Saddam Hussein toppled the Kurds have refrained from any action or statement that might provoke Iraqi reprisals.

Kurdish concerns

Mr Barzani set out rigorous conditions for joining any operation aimed at replacing the regime in Baghdad.

Iraqi Kurds

They have been in control of their area since 1991 The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) share power They enjoy Western protection since the establishment of the UN safe haven

"If a federal solution for the Kurdish issue within a democratic, pluralistic and parliamentary Iraq is guaranteed, a dictatorial and military alternative is not imposed on us and regional interference is not allowed - then the Kurds will play a major role."

If a US-led effort to oust the Iraqi leader went ahead without meeting these conditions the Kurds would remain on the sidelines, he said.

But he added that the Kurds would "not be able to stop the Americans from going ahead with their plan".

Federal solution

Iraq's neighbours, especially Turkey, have expressed concern about the possibility of a Kurdish state emerging in the event of a US attack.

Mr Barzani played down such an outcome, saying: "We have not asked for an independent state".

"According to our experience [of self-rule], federalism is the best solution for our problems."

He said the Kurds were ready to discuss security "reassurances or guarantees" with their neighbours.

"But if these countries want to exploit the situation, and interfere in our internal affairs, we will definitely resist and stop them. We Kurds don't interfere in their internal affairs."