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Bezirgan: We favor a
democratic, pluralistic Iraqi Kurdistan
Erbil, Kurdistan-Iraq, Group leader Bezirgan
criticizes influence of some regional powers in
northern Iraq in the past, saying, 'These were
mistakes. Now we're convening this congress to
redefine the Turkmen strategy within Iraqi
Kurdistan'
TNA Executive Editor Ilnur Cevik addresses congress
as special guest speaker. 'TNA and I have always
supported the brotherhood of Turks and Kurds, and we
will continue to do so. Let us forget the past and
look to the future,' he stresses. 'Turkmens are a
strong bond between Turkey and Iraqi Kurdistan'
The Turkmen Reform Movement held its first congress
in Erbil yesterday, with its leader Abdulkadir
Bezirgan expressing support for a democratic,
pluralistic Iraqi Kurdistan where all ethnic groups
enjoy peaceful coexistence.
"Interference by some foreign actors has not been in
the interest of Turkmens. These were mistaken
policies," Bezirgan said, addressing the congress.
"Now we are convening this congress to redefine
Turkmen strategy within Iraqi Kurdistan."
Executive Editor and Chief Columnist of The New
Anatolian Ilnur Cevik addressed the Congress as a
special guest speaker. "My newspaper and I have
always supported the brotherhood of Turks and Kurds,
and we will continue to do so. Let us forget things
happened in the past and look to the future," Cevik
stressed.
Recalling his meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister
Abdullah Gul last week where Gul said that Turkey
has an equal distance to both Iraqi Kurds and
Turkmens and views both of them as beloved
relatives, Cevik said all sides now have to let
bygones be bygones and look to the future. "Turkmens
are a strong bond between Turkey and Iraqi
Kurdistan," he said.
Cevik also argued that when the Turkmens and Kurds
show cooperation and solidarity they enjoy better
success, citing the recent example of Turkmen
politician Karhi Altiparmak being hosted in the
White House as a representative of Turkmens during a
visit by Iraqi Kurdish leader Massoud Barzani.
"Unfortunately some of our Turkmen brothers were
misled in the past as a source of a problem between
Turkey and the region. But that was in the past. Now
Turkmens are a strong bond between Turkey and Iraqi
Kurdistan," Cevik stressed.
Erbil Governor Nevzat Hadi and Kurdistan Democratic
Party (KDP) representative Mamosta Goran also
attended the congress.
www.thenewanatolian.com
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