HDP backs hoisting Kurdistan flag in Kirkuk

ANKARA, Turkey (Kurdistan24) – Turkey’s pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) on Wednesday voiced support regarding the raising of the Kurdistan flag on official buildings in the Kirkuk Province.

HDP lawmaker for the Agri Province at the Turkish Parliament Dilan Dirayet Tasdemir told a Kurdistan24 reporter in Ankara her party welcomed the Kirkuk Provincial Council’s Tuesday decision, “which should be respected.”

Tasdemir who is also the HDP Women’s Council spokesperson praised the “robust coexistence” between the Turkmen, Kurds, and Arabs in Kirkuk.

Additionally, she hoped no “problem” would arise with the Kurdistan flag flying high in the province.

The HDP, being the second largest opposition party, is the only side in Turkey that has welcomed the move in Kirkuk.

Earlier this month, HDP Spokesperson Osman Yildirim said “Ala Rengîn,” the colorful flag of Kurdistan, belonged to all.

In a statement on Tuesday, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry said they “disapproved” the decision proposed by the Kurdish Governor of Kirkuk Najmaldin Karim.

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, who was speaking to the state TV, said it was impossible for them to accept “a wrong move.”

“We do not find what the regional administration is doing right,” Cavusoglu said, erroneously implying the Kurdistan Region’s authorities, and not those of Kirkuk pushed for the move.

Cavusoglu revealed an undersecretary from his ministry had contacted the Region’s Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani via telephone before the Kirkuk Provincial Council’s voting session and shared Turkish views.

The Kirkuk province, considered a disputed territory, remains contested between the Iraqi government and Kurdistan Regional Government.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany 

(Azad Altun in Ankara contributed to this report)