In reaction to Washington’s categorization of Ankara’s statements against Iraqi Kurdish groups as “threatening”, Turkey has called on the United States and the international community to pursue a “consistent, decisive and clear” policy for the protection of the territorial integrity of Iraq.
According to Hurriyet Daily, “Turkey has pursued a clear and net stance before and after of the referendum held by the Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
This stance is based on the principle that prioritizes the protection of regional peace and stability, promotes the international and Iraqi constitution and takes care of the comfort and prosperity of the entire Iraqi people,” said Hüseyin Müftüoğlu, spokesman of the Turkish Foreign Ministry in a written statement on Sept. 28.
“At the point we have arrived, the international community should pursue a consistent, decisive and clear policy for the protection of Iraq’s political unity and territorial integrity,” he said.
At a press conference on Sept. 25, the spokeswoman of the US State Department Heather Nauert described Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s statements on the KRG as threatening without making further remarks.
Many experts believe the US will not be able to sustain its support for an independent Kurdish state without the support of some of its regional allies, especially Turkey. However, based on stated Turkish policies, Ankara will oppose the creation of an independent Kurdistan. Besides, such a move by Washington will require a major redefinition of its relationship with Baghdad. However, those in favour of creating an Independent Kurdish state count on US support via Israeli regime, the only regional country that has supported the creation of an independent Kurdistan in northern Iraq.