The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) on Thursday responded to Turkish officials who responded negatively to a statement by the Barzani Headquarters and underlined that a new and delicate phase in the relations between the Republic of Turkey and the Kurdistan Region was underway.
“President [Masoud] Barzani’s historic visit to Sirnak Province and the Cizre region of Turkey is a matter of great appreciation. The President’s participation in the Melaye Ciziri Symposium, his expression of support for the peace process, and the warmth with which he was welcomed by both government institutions and the people of the region are a source of gratitude and high regard,” the KRG said.
“However, following the visit, various unintended and unwelcome interpretations have emerged, causing concern.”Read
More: Barzani Headquarters Reject Bahceli’s ‘Chauvinistic’ Statements
Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli in earlier remarks claimed that the presence of “foreign uniformed soldiers with long-barreled weapons in our homeland is, in a word, a disgrace.” During President Barzani’s visit, Kurdish armed military units with Kurdish flag emblems accompanied him for his protection, sparking outrage among Turkish nationalists.
In response, the Barzani Headquarters spokesperson said these comments were, “regrettably, expressed in a chauvinistic tone that contradicts established norms and serves no one’s interests.”
The statement was condemned by Turkey’s Foreign Ministry and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.However, the KRG underlined that “relations between the Republic of Turkey and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq are in a unique and positive era. The peace process is the right step towards addressing an important and sensitive issue. We congratulate the Turkish government, the ruling parties, and everyone who has played an influential role in promoting peace and stability in Turkey and across the region.
“We consider it essential for all of us to work together to address these concerns, to continue to deepen our relations, to strive for reconciliation, and to safeguard our shared interests and the stability of the region.”
