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Kurdistan PM: "We will not allow use of
our territory to threaten others’ security. Turkey is
an important neighbour"
28.2.2008
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February
28, 2008
Interview with Asharq Alawsat, By Maad Fayad
Nechirvan Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan
Regional Government (KRG), expressed his concern
regarding Turkey’s military incursion along the
Iraq-Turkey border. He said, “We are concerned about
the recent developments on the border. Experience
has shown that there is no military solution to this
problem.”
The Prime Minister stressed that the military
attacks against PKK fighters in villages and bridges
in the Kurdistan Region served no purpose: “The KRG
supports dialogue.” He repeated the KRG’s belief
that four party-talks between Washington, Ankara,
Baghdad and Erbil are needed.
Prime Minister Nechirvan Barazani gave his views in
an exclusive to Asharq Alawsat by phone from his
office in Erbil, capital of the Kurdistan Region.
He explained the PKK problem from the KRG’s
perspective. “We want Turkey to understand that we
are not a part of this problem. We also suffer from
it. Past experience shows all countries,www.ekurd.net
particularly
neighbouring countries, that we are a factor for
stability in our region, and we have done what we
can for the sake of stability,” said the Prime
Minister. |
Nechirvan Barzani, Prime
Minister of
Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) |
He spoke of his respect for the principles of
international interaction and good relations with
neighbouring states. “We respect the principles of
international relations, the principle of
non-interference in the affairs of other countries,
and national sovereignty.” He stressed that the KRG
and the Kurdish people in Iraq are not a threat to
others saying, “We have not been, nor will we ever
be, a threat to the security of neighbouring
countries.”
Mr Barzani made clear his views on solutions to the
PKK problem, which threatens the security of both
Turkey and Iraq. “We know that this is a problem,
but history shows that the military option is not
the best way to solve it.”
When asked about the KRG participating in dialogue
between Iraq and Turkey to solve the current crisis
and the PKK’s presence in Iraqi territory, the Prime
Minister said, “We are partners in Iraq and
therefore have a responsibility for Iraq’s borders.
As partners, we expect to be part of any political
equation to find a peaceful solution to this issue.
We are serious about working together to overcome
this crisis.”
He said the federal government in Baghdad was slow
in addressing the issue of the Turkish incursion.
“The federal government was slow in addressing this
issue and when it did so, its comments were not at
the required level,” he said.
Nechirvan Barzani stressed that the KRG’s clear and
serious position was this: “We do not allow the use
of our territory to launch attacks against any
neighbour, particularly Turkey. The KRG has taken
the necessary steps to show our goodwill and
determination.”
Barzani said that while he seeks to build good
relations with neighbouring countries, this would
not be at the expense of the Kurdistan Region’s
security and stability. “Security is a shared
responsibility that has nothing do with making
political or security concessions, but is rather the
joint work of all parties for the sake of security
and stability.”
The Prime Minister highlighted the ambitions of his
government. “We seek to work with the relevant
agencies to find a comprehensive regional mechanism
that ensures the stability of the region as a whole.
These solutions include political and economic
aspects.”
The young Prime Minister expressed his ambitions and
aspirations for the region as a whole and projects
that are beneficial to the peoples of the region.
“Stability is in everyone’s interests. Stability
serves the political process, economic development
and reconstruction efforts. All these things will
help build good relations with Turkey and other
countries.”
“We see Turkey as an important partner in the region
and Iraq as a whole. We see in the future many
opportunities to benefit from dialogue. We have, and
will continue to, support investment, trade and
strong economic ties which are for the good of all
the people.”
Barzani said he was very worried about the impact of
a military operation in an area that has achieved
stability after years of oppression by former Iraqi
regimes. He said, “The military incursion and the
escalation of the crisis negatively affect the
current situation. Nevertheless,www.ekurd.net
the KRG continues to act
as a calming influence. I hope these military
operations end as soon as possible because their
continuation will only lead to further complications
and casualties.”
When asked whether the KRG will allow the Iraqi
military to intervene if necessary to defend Iraqi
territory, Barzani said, “We hope that things will
not reach a point that requires the Iraqi army’s
intervention, or for that matter any armed
confrontation between us and Turkish forces. I know
the Iraqi army will fulfill its role honourably if
necessary. It is prepared to defend this part of
Iraq despite the fact that the army is really not
ready for this kind of confrontation. It is part of
the Iraqi army’s sacred duty to defend this part of
the country.”
The Prime Minister said, “Our visit to Baghdad is
still on the cards, we are partners in Iraq and we
must continue with the political process. The aim of
our visit is to discuss issues that affect all
Iraqis, a mechanism for cooperation between the KRG
and the federal government, and other outstanding
issues.”
Asharq Alawsat - aawsat com
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