Politics

Barzani says Turkmen can play ‘positive role’ in Erbil, Baghdad dispute

Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani on Friday highlighted the role of Turkmen in Kurdistan and said they could play a “positive role” in the conflict between Erbil and Baghdad.

Karzan Sulaivany 2017/12/30 14:37

kurdistan Turkmen Kurdistan Referendum Kurdistan

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani on Friday highlighted the role of Turkmen in Kurdistan and said they could play a “positive role” in the conflict between Erbil and Baghdad.

“The Turkmen can play an important and positive role in the internal crises the Kurdistan Region faces,” specifically the ongoing dispute between the KRG and the Iraqi government, a statement from the Prime Minister’s office read.

“As the second-largest national component in the Kurdistan Region, the Turkmen people have historical roots in this country,” Prime Minister Barzani stated during his meeting with Turkmen political officials in Erbil, the KRG statement revealed.

Turkmen “are real partners and national pacifists,” he added. “They have always been clear contributors to the development of Kurdistan.”

Tensions between the KRG and the Iraqi government have considerably increased following Kurdistan’s Sep. 25 independence referendum.

The historic vote received widespread support for secession from Iraq, but Baghdad refused to recognize the results and instead responded by imposing collective punitive measures against Kurdistan, including the use of military force in disputed areas.

The KRG has shown its flexibility, offering to freeze the results of the referendum, but Baghdad demands a full annulment as well as the handover of airports and border crossings as a precondition for the start of negotiations.

Kurds dance and wave the flag of Kurdistan during pro-independence referendum rallies in the Kurdistan Region. (Photo: Archive)

Meanwhile, a statement issued by the representatives of Turkmen political parties in Kurdistan confirmed their support for the KRG and called on Turkmen to play an “active role” in the government because their rights are “guaranteed” in the Region.

The statement also pointed to the upcoming elections in the Kurdistan Region, which are set to take place in early 2018.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Barzani called for general elections to be held no later than three months after the New Year to resolve the political crisis in Kurdistan.