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KurdistanObserver.com
Turkey Slams US for Failing to curb Iraqi Kurds
ANKARA, Feb 1 (AFP) Turkish Prime Minister
Recep Tayyip Erdogan hit out at the United States on Tuesday for failing to rein
in Kurdish moves in northern Iraq which he said could throw the entire region
into turmoil.
"I am sorry to say that forces tasked with establishing order in Iraq have
failed to respond to certain developments which our nation has deeply
regretted," Erdogan told a parliamentary group meeting of his Justice and
Development Party (AKP).
"Forces who say they came to the region to bring democracy have preferred to
remain indifferent to anti-democratic ambitions," he added without mentioning
any names.
Erdogan was referring to what Ankara sees as attempts by Iraqi Kurds to take
control of the oil-rich city of Kirkuk and make it the capital of a future
independent Kurdish state.
Iraqi Kurdish independence is a nightmare scenario for Turkey which fears
such a development would fan separatism among its own Kurdish community in the
southeast of the country and create regional turmoil.
"Let me say once again clearly that any step taken without consideration for
Turkey's rights will yield no result other than fanning the fire in the region,"
Erdogan said. |
