IMPORTANT STATEMENTS FROM DR. HICRAN KAZANCI, Coordinator of the ITF and Turkey Representative

IMPORTANT STATEMENTS FROM KAZANCI

The Coordinator of the Iraqi Turkmen Front (ITF) and Turkey Representative Dr. Hicran Kazancı participated in a program titled ‘Agora’ broadcast by Turkmeneli TV and made some important statements about the relations between Iraq and Turkey and the general elections to be held on the 30th of April 2014 in Iraq.

Kazancı said that various changed had been made in the internal structure of the Front to enable the Turkmen community to emerge stronger from the sensitive process which Iraq entered after 2003 and to enable the Iraqi Turkmen Front to have the capacity to react to the developments in the region in a more rapid, strong and flexible manner. Kazancı emphasized that another reason for the changes was to establish and sustain a close relationship based on rational foundations with all the elements in Iraqi politics and said:

“The most important reason for this change was to capture the respect we as Turkmen deserve in Iraq, our acceptance not as the third element but a primary element of Iraq and the enactment of the rights which we have been given. No matter what our faith and opinions may be as the Iraqi Turkmen Front we are united by one common point. We act through Turkmen solidarity and brotherhood and embrace all Turkmen groups.”

Kazancı indicated that the ITF had been fortified by the Turkmen Assembly and set forth with an understanding which covered all Turkmen and said that they were deeply involved in works for the elections. Kazancı underlined the importance of increasing the numbers of voters to participate in the elections by saying, “If participation is low we will be greatly harmed”.

In reply to the question about the election strategy of the ITF and who they would establish coalitions in which province Kazancı said that the ITF followed a strategy which gave consideration to the national interests of the Turkmen community. Kazancı said that the syndrome of sending one member of parliament into Parliament had been overcome with the elections in 2010 and explained that they had acquired representation rights by sending 6 members of parliament into Parliament and 2 ministers into the Cabinet. Kazancı indicated that the strategy for the next elections was to send as many members of parliament to Parliament as possible and acquire an influential position in the decision making mechanism in the Baghdad Government. Kazancı said in line with this strategy they would enter the elections with different lists in different regions and continued by saying, “A definite decision has not been made regarding which lists shall be used in the elections. They are being assessed”. Kazancı said that in addition to the ITF, two political formations had been registered in order to participate in the elections with different groups in different areas. Kazancı indicated that the ITF was in close contact with all the elements in Iraq and added, “We are open to everyone. We will decide in the near future who, where and how we will enter the elections with by giving consideration to the interests of the community.”

IRAQI-TURKEY AFFAIRS…

Kazancı assessed the recent status of Iraqi-Turkey affairs saying that Iraq was an important country for Turkey and that there were historical and cultural ties between the two countries. Kazancı underlined that Turkey was not only an important country for Iraq but for the whole region as well and pointed out that when Europe was in the grips of an economic crisis Turkey was enjoying stability and wealth. Kazancı emphasized that Turkey was a major corridor in the transport of petroleum and said, “There are economic, political and geographical links between Turkey and Iraq. It was decided that it was not possible to maintain the tension in the affairs of Turkey and Iraq. The normalization of affairs is not positive only to Iraq and Turkey but to the people of the region as well. Turkey has always been a country which spreads stability in its periphery. It is a country which gets its strength from stability”. Kazancı pointed out that Northern Iraq had developed because of its good relations with Turkey and said:

“The Turkmen must benefit from this. There are three important centers for the Turkmen: Baghdad, Arbil and Ankara. When relations normalize between them the Turkmen will benefit in a major way. For this reason it is a good sign for the region that relations between the Baghdad Government and the Government of Turkey have normalized recently. The visits which started recently, the normalization of relations, Turkish companies starting work again will not only contribute to the economy of Turkey but bring welfare to Iraq as it did to Northern Iraq.”

Kazancı emphasized the importance of Turkey saying, “Today it is evident that problems emerging in the Middle East, Central Asia or Europe can not be resolved by keeping Turkey out. Turkey is now obliged to take its place on this platform”. Kazancı indicated that Turkey made a significant contribution to ensure welfare, democracy and stability in Northern Iraq and this was possible through good relations. Kazancı drew attention to the fact that until 2003 relations between the Kurdistan region and Turkey had been tense and normalization of these relations had been more beneficial to Northern Iraq than to Turkey.

Kazancı said that the Iraqi Turkmen Front had opened an office in the Kurdistan region recently and that in the forthcoming process the Turkmen might get a ministry saying, “That means that we will also become influential there. It is not going to help our case to remain outside the government. It is wrong to have a working relationship with one and cut communication with another. This harmed us. If it is vital that we are involved in the Baghdad government then it is also necessary to be involved in the Kurdistan Region. It is vital for the welfare of the Turkmen cause that we work in coordination with Ankara when we do this”.

Kazancı reminded that Ahmet Davutoğlu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey visited both the Sunni as well as the Shiite leaders in Iraq and said, “This is a discourse which befits a country which is a great state. Those who accused Turkey of pro-Sunnism and other things in the past must have felt ashamed today”.

Kazancı indicated that the Speaker of the GNAT Cemil Çiçek was a significant personality and that his visit to Iraq would create a major impact as did Davutoğlu’s visit and pointed out that the ‘zero problem’ policy of Turkey was a correct policy.

NO END TO THE TARGETING OF TURKMENS IN NORTHERN IRAQ.

UPDATED ON 25th November 2013  

Article published in Kerkuk Net 25 NOV 2013

Terror attacks in Tuz Khurmatu : 35 people killed and 49 injured

PLEASE SEE:

http://www.kerkuk.net/?p=26115

NO END TO THE TARGETING OF TURKMENS IN NORTHERN IRAQ.

NO END TO THE TARGETING OF TURKMENS IN NORTHERN IRAQ.

Yesterday, Saturday 24th November 2013, Turkmens were once more victims of terror attacks in the Turkmen cities of Tuz Khurmatu and Telafer in Northern Iraq.

At least 12 people were killed and over 75 were wounded in a suicide attack on a mosque in Tuz Khurmatu. 

In Telafer at least 3 people were killed and 20 people were wounded when a car bomb exploded at a police checkpoint.

At least 15 killed in latest bout of Iraq bloodshed

(AFP) – http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gHKprUDH1GF1RgkVEfDvDL99HQYQ?docId=4de02e92-33f3-44c0-aa11-502d29cae18b&hl=en

Kirkuk — Twin suicide bombings at a Shiite mosque in north Iraq were the deadliest in attacks nationwide that killed 15 people Saturday, amid a surge in bloodshed authorities have failed to quell.

The violence, which has killed more than 200 people in the past week alone, has forced Iraq to appeal for international help in combatting militancy just months ahead of its first general election in four years.

Officials have also voiced concern over a resurgent Al-Qaeda emboldened by the civil war in neighbouring Syria which has provided the jihadist network's front groups in Iraq with increased room to plan operations.

Attacks on Saturday struck mostly in the north, although Baghdad was also hit.

The deadliest violence was in Tuz Khurmatu, where a suicide car bombing followed by a suicide attack targeting a Shiite mosque killed at least 10 people and wounded 45, according to a police colonel and town mayor Shallal Abdul.

The initial blast was at 5:30 pm (1430 GMT) near the Imam Ali mosque, which is in the middle of a crowded market and near offices of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, the party of ailing Iraqi President Jalal Talabani.

Shortly afterwards, a suicide bomber blew himself up at the entrance to the mosque.

"I am sure the attack was carried out by Al-Qaeda," said Abdul.

"There is major destruction and damage in the area, because it (the mosque) is located in the centre of a market."

Tuz Khurmatu, an ethnically mixed town, lies in the middle of a tract of disputed territory that Iraq's Kurds want to incorporate into their autonomous northern region over the objections of the central government.

Militant groups often exploit poor communication between the two sides' security forces in order to carry out attacks, and Tuz Khurmatu is frequently hit by violence.

Unrest in Baghdad and two cities in the north -- Tal Afar, which is mostly Shiite Turkmen, and Sunni Arab Tikrit -- left five other people dead, officials said.

No group has claimed responsibility for the rise in violence, but Sunni militants linked to Al-Qaeda often launch attacks on both Shiites and Sunnis, ostensibly in a bid to undermine confidence in the authorities.

Türkmeneli’nden...Türk’ün dilinden: Türkiye’ye Sitem, Mahir Nakip

Türkmeneli’nden...Türk’ün dilinden: Türkiye’ye Sitem Mahir Nakip mnakip@yahoo.com 9-10 Kasım’da IMPR tarafından Ankara’da düzenlenen ‘’Kürtler, Barış, Demokrasi ve Çözüm Modellerini Tartışıyor’’ toplantısına katıldım. Burada Irak’tan KDP, KYB, Goran ve İslami Kürt Partisi’nin temsilcilerinin yanında, Suriye’den ve İran’dan Kürt siyasetçiler bulundu. Türkiye’den BDP’den de katılım oldu. Bu masum başlık altında her ne hikmetse bütün katılımcılar Türkiye’deki Kürt açılımına hararetle temas etti. KDP adına konuşan Hemin Havramani, Türkiye’nin Kürtler konusunda daha güçlü ve sürdürülebilir adımlar atmasını, demokratikleşme paketi çerçevesinde yasal ve anayasal değişikliklere daha emin ve hızlı adımlarla ilerlemesi icap ettiğini ve Öcalan’ın basınla daha rahat ilişki kurmasının sağlanması gerektiğini vurguladı. İbretle dinledim. Doğrusu aklımdan, ‘Türkiye’den AKP, CHP ve MHP’nin temsilcileri Erbil’e gidip orada Irak Türkmenlerinin sorunları konusunda bir toplantı düzenleyerek Kürtlere bazı tavsiyelerde bulunsalar, Erbil Yönetimi acaba bunu nasıl karşılar’ sorusu aklımdan geçmedi değil. Neyse geçelim... .../. http://www.bizturkmeniz.com/tr/index.php?page=article&id=29053

The Ambassador of the Republic of Turkmenistan to the Kingdom of Belgium invited ITF EU representative to a reception at Le Palais des Colonies on the occasion of the 22nd Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Turkmenistan

The Ambassador of the Republic of Turkmenistan to the Kingdom of Belgium Mr. Kakadjan Mommadov

welcoming ITF EU representative Dr Hassan Aydinli

On the occasion of the 22nd Anniversary of the Independence of 
the Republic of TURKMENISTAN 

Ambassador of Turkmenistan 

to the Kingdom of Belgium, 

Head of Mission of Turkmenistan to EU and NATO

Mr.Kakadjan Mommadov and Mrs. Maya Mommadova

invited ITF EU representative Dr. Hassan Aydinli 

at a reception at Le Palais des Colonies, Tervuren, on 22nd November 2013.

ITF EU Representative and the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkmenistan

Mr. Ihor Dolhov, Ambassador of Ukraine to Belgium, Head of Mission of Ukraine to NATO,

 Mr. Fatih Ceylan Büyükelçi NATO Nezdinde Türkiye Daimi Temsilcisi 

and Dr. Hassan Aydinli, ITF EU Representative

Mrs. Maya Mommadova

The Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Kingdom of Belgium and his spouse

DÜTAP (DÜNYA TÜRKLERİ AVRUPA PLATFORMU) members with the 

Ambassador of the Republic of Turkmenistan Mr.Kakadjan Mommadov

Palais des Colonies, Tervuren.

The reception was attended by diplomats from several countries, by representatives and members of several cultural organizations and associations, and by many businessmen and businesswomen based in Belgium.

There was also an interesting exhibition of beautiful Turkmen artefacts, costumes, carpets and jewellery, which was organised by Niderlandlardaky Türkmen Balh Dostlary (Stichting Balh Turkmenen in Nederland).

BÜYÜKELÇİ KAYMAKÇI’DAN ÖNEMLİ AÇIKLAMALAR

21 KASIM 2013

Türkiye’nin Bağdat Büyükelçisi Faruk kaymakçı, Türkmeneli Televizyonu’na önemli açıklamalarda bulundu.

Türkmeneli TV Genel Müdürü Yalman Haceroğlu’nun programında soruları yanıtlayan Kaymakçı, Irak-Türkiye ilişkilerini değerlendirdi. Kaymakçı, iki ülke arasında önümüzdeki günlerde yapılacak olan ziyaretlere de açıklık getirdi.

İki ülke arasında son 1,5-2 yıldır konjonktürden kaynaklanan bazı soğukluklar yaşandığını söyleyen Kaymakçı, “Biz her zaman şunu biliyorduk. Türkiye ve Irak birbirinden vazgeçemeyen iki kardeş ülke. Birbirine ihtiyaç duyan iki kardeş ülke. Aramızda çözülemeyecek hiçbir sorun olmadığını da biliyorduk” dedi.

Dışişleri Bakanı Ahmet Davutoğlu’nun Irak’ı ziyaret etmek için özellikle Muharrem ayını seçtiğini kaydeden Kaymakçı, Davutoğlu’nun hem siyasi hem de dini liderlerle, Irak’taki herkesi kucaklayan bir anlayışla temaslarda bulunduğunu anlattı. Bakan Davutoğlu’nun ziyareti sırasında önemli mesajlar verdiğini belirten Kaymakçı, “Bunlardan bir tanesi bizim Irak’ta her kesimi kucakladığımız ve Irak’ı kardeş bir ülke olarak gördüğümüz mesajıydı. Bir başka mesaj bizim aramızda çözülemeyecek hiçbir sorun olmadığı, doğrudan diyalog ve sağlıklı ilişkiler kurarsak bu tür sorunlarla bir daha karşılaşmayacağımız yönünde mesajdı. Türkiye’nin mezhepçiliğin karşısında olduğu, Irak’ın birliği, bütünlüğü ve egemenliğine saygı duyduğu mesajını da verdi” diye konuştu.

Davutoğlu’nun ziyaretinin ekonomi açısından da önemli sonuçları olduğunu vurgulayan Kaymakçı, şunları söyledi: “Türkiye-Irak ilişkileri ekonomik açıdan da çok önemli. Irak’ın dünyanın 4. büyük petrol rezervlerine sahip, önemli gaz stokları olan bir ülke. Aynı zamanda yeniden yapılanmaya büyük ölçüde ihtiyaç duyan bir ülke. Bunun yanı sıra Türkiye bölgesinde en önemli ekonomik aktör. Avrupa’nın en hızlı büyüyen ekonomisi. Enerjiye ihtiyaç duyan bir ülke ve aynı zamanda inşaat konusunda da önemli mesafe almış, dünyanın en önde gelen ülkelerinden bir tanesi. Irak’ın da yeniden yapılanma sürecinde Türk firmalarına da ihtiyacı var. Zaten ilişkilerimizdeki son 1,5 yılda görülen soğukluğa rağmen hala Irak’ta binlerce firmamız faaliyet gösteriyor. Dolayısıyla bu ziyaret bu anlamda da çok önemliydi. Ziyaret Irak’ta her kesimi kucakladı. Net mesajlar verdi. Türkiye’nin Irak’ı kucakladığını ve geleceğinin Irak’la bir olduğu mesajını verdi. Aynı tepkiyi Iraklı muhataplarımızdan da gördük.”

Büyükelçi Kaymakçı, TBMM Başkanı Cemil Çiçek’in Irak Parlamentosu Başkanı Usame Nüceyfi’nin davetlisi olarak önümüzdeki günlerde Irak’ı ziyaret edeceğini açıkladı. Çiçek’in ziyaretinin ardından bazı teknik bakanların ziyaretlerinin gerçekleşeceğini bildiren Kaymakçı, önümüzdeki iki hafta içinde Türkiye ile Irak arasında ikinci bir sınır kapısının açılması çalışmalarının resmen başlatılacağını da sözlerine ekledi.

Kaymakçı, aktif çalışmalarından dolayı Türkmeneli TV’yi tebrik etti.

Türkmeneli’nden...Türk’ün dilinden: Türkiye’ye Sitem

Türkmeneli’nden...Türk’ün dilinden: Türkiye’ye Sitem


Mahir Nakip




9-10 Kasım’da IMPR tarafından Ankara’da düzenlenen ‘’Kürtler, Barış, Demokrasi ve Çözüm Modellerini Tartışıyor’’ toplantısına katıldım. Burada Irak’tan KDP, KYB, Goran ve İslami Kürt Partisi’nin temsilcilerinin yanında, Suriye’den ve İran’dan Kürt siyasetçiler bulundu. Türkiye’den BDP’den de katılım oldu. Bu masum başlık altında her ne hikmetse bütün katılımcılar Türkiye’deki Kürt açılımına hararetle temas etti. KDP adına konuşan Hemin Havramani, Türkiye’nin Kürtler konusunda daha güçlü ve sürdürülebilir adımlar atmasını, demokratikleşme paketi çerçevesinde yasal ve anayasal değişikliklere daha emin ve hızlı adımlarla ilerlemesi icap ettiğini ve Öcalan’ın basınla daha rahat ilişki kurmasının sağlanması gerektiğini vurguladı. İbretle dinledim. Doğrusu aklımdan, ‘Türkiye’den AKP, CHP ve MHP’nin temsilcileri Erbil’e gidip orada Irak Türkmenlerinin sorunları konusunda bir toplantı düzenleyerek Kürtlere bazı tavsiyelerde bulunsalar, Erbil Yönetimi acaba bunu nasıl karşılar’ sorusu aklımdan geçmedi değil. Neyse geçelim...

Derken gündemimize tarihi! Diyarbakır buluşması düştü. Geçen Cumartesi Diyarbakır’da büyük bir buluşma vardı. Gün boyu süren töreni adım adım televizyondan izledim. Yetmedi, günlerdir medyada tartışılan bu konuyu takip ettim. Durumdan vazife çıkaranların, kelime ve ifadelerden mana bulanların ve dillerinin altından baklayı çıkaranların haddi hesabı yoktu. Sayın Erdoğan’ın Kuzey Irak Kürdistan Yönetimi demesi, var olan bir realiteyi ifade etmektedir. TBMM’nin ilk tutanaklarında da bu kelime var. Bunda bir beis görmeyebiliriz. Ama Diyarbakır Belediye Başkanı’na göre bu ifade Türkiye Kürdistan’ını da gündeme getirmiştir, yıllardır Kuzey Irak’ta yaşayan! Arzu Yılmaz’a göre de bu, Rojava’nın da batı Kürdistan olduğunun kabulü demektir. Nitekim PYD iki gün sonra Türkiye sınır kapısına yakın bir binanın üstüne yine kendi bayraklarını astılar. Daha neler ve neler...

Assessing Iraq's Rising Air Defense Capabilities: A Lucrative Defense Market or a Military Caveat?

Assessing Iraq's Rising Air Defense Capabilities: A Lucrative Defense Market or a Military Caveat? Dr. Can Kasapoğlu, EDAM - Research fellow While the Turkish strategic community is swamped with work on the Syrian civil war, and the world concentrates on the prospects of a nuclear deal with Iran, an important trend continues to carry on regarding Iraqi military modernization. Clearly, for some time, Baghdad has been pursuing a well-balanced defense procurement plan to foster its air defense capabilities, which means, in practical terms, its control over the Iraqi airspace. Please click on the link below http://www.orsam.org.tr/en/showArticle.aspx?ID=2510