SULAIMANIYAH, Iraq, Oct 15 (AFP) - 16h07 - Iraqi Kurds flocked to the polls Saturday to vote for a constitution that confirms the status of their autonomous region and was hailed as historic step by regional president Massoud Barzani.It is an historic day that crowns the sacrifice of martyrs, Barzani told reporters after casting his ballot. He said the referendum "laid the foundation for a democratic Iraq and peaceful coexistence between its ethnic groups."

Kurdish groups fought bitterly against former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein and have held de-facto control over three northern provinces since 1990.

In the lines that formed quickly in front of voting stations, many felt they were voting for their autonomy and perhaps even more.

"I am voting 'yes' because I think it's a guarantee for the independence of Kurdistan," said Khadija Amin, 78, who was carried by relatives to the polls.

Provincial administration chief Omar Fattah said: "In my opinion, the vast majority of Kurds will vote in favor of the constitution."

Mohammed Said Mohammed, who said he had been persecuted under Saddam's rule, had "the feeling of voting against the ousted dictatorial regime".

Many women voted too, some dressed for the occasion in traditional full and brightly colored, embroidered costumes.

"I am taking part in the referendum to say 'yes' to a constitution that consecrates federalism and autonomy for our region," said 20-year-old Nihayat Karim.

Among the few who admitted they would vote against the constitution was Yasin Wahhab, a 27-year-old teacher.

"I am not optimistic because I think the project carries the stamp of Shiite religious forces that want to control Iraq," he said.

The text is nonetheless the result of tough talks that included Barzani and Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, who is also Kurd, and confirms Kurdish autonomy.

It also stipulates that Islam is not the only basis of law.

Barzani spearheaded a last-minute compromise aimed at rallying the support of Sunni Arabs by allowing future amendments once general elections are held in December and by promising that Arabic would be an official language in Kurdish regions.

He referred to the deal again after voting in his fief near Arbil in northern Iraq.

"Kurdish brothers must realize that it is the best text possible ... and voting against it would harm their interests."

He was upbeat regarding the results.

"I am confident because as I have already said, victory will mean a good future for (Iraqi) Kurdistan as well as a guarantee for the unity of Iraq."

His party, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), controls two of the three Kurdish provinces, Arbil and Dohuk.

The third, Sulhaimaniyah, is run by Talabani's Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK).