HDP against KRG pipeline to Turkey

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (K24) – The representative of Turkey's People's Democratic Party (HDP) to Erbil, Abit Ike said on Sunday that Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) should be more mindful of the political and social situation in Turkey.

In an interview with K24, Ike stated that the pro-Kurdish HDP expects KRG to consider the current conditions of Kurdistan of Turkey (Bakur), suggesting the halt of oil and gas transportation.

"We are aware of the financial situation in Kurdistan Region, but there is a war against Kurds in Bakur," Ike stressed.

"The Turkish government should stop the war before they [KRG] export oil and gas to Turkey," he added.

On Feb. 16, Kirkuk-Ceyhan crude oil pipeline near the city of Urfa in southeastern Turkey was sabotaged, triggering a long-lasting interruption in oil flow and millions in damages.

The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) claimed responsibility for the damage.

Member of the Natural Resources Board in KRG Parliament Bayar Doski said, "The explosion of the Kurdistan Region oil pipeline in Ceyhan port has resulted in nearly USD $55 million worth of damage to Kurdistan Region's economy."

According to Doski, the recent sabotage halted exports of up to 600,000 oil barrels per day.

On Thursday, Feb. 18, the KRG Ministry of Natural Resources released a statement condemning the destruction of the Region’s oil pipeline and also announced that repairs will occur this week.

PKK and its affiliated groups, including the Kurdish Communities Union (KCK), reportedly tried to prevent the opening of a natural gas pipeline in Turkey to force KRG to help solve the Kurdish issue in Bakur by pressuring the Turkish government.

Reporting by Gulala Khaled
Editing by Karzan Sulaivany and Benjamin Kweskin