‘Very Difficult, Very Embarrassing’

So you're not convinced that the PKK is behind the attacks?
I don't really know—it could be the PKK. But the PKK are infiltrated, also.

By whom?
By many—even by Turkish military and Turkish intelligence. The PKK have contacts and relations also with Iran. They were based in Syria for many years, as you know. The Turkish foreign minister is going to be visiting Baghdad soon, in the next couple of days. So our decision was to wait until he comes to hear from him, basically. Secondly, we are prepared to send a delegation to Ankara to discuss ways and means or what practical measures can be taken against the PKK presence or activity in the north. One sticking point is—and this is one of the paradoxes of the Turkish position—practically nothing can be done in the Kurdish region without the full support and engagement and commitment of the Kurdistan Regional Government [KRG]. Here, the Turks have been reluctant. It was our decision a year ago to set up a tripartite commission between Turkey, the United States and Iraq at the military and security level to address this legitimate Turkish security concern. We went out of our way also to reassure the Turks that we are serious and genuine by including the KRG in [a single] Iraqi delegation. The Turks refused that …

Recently it seems that Erdogan has indicated that he could accept such a kind of arrangement. If that happens I think it could be a big step forward … The other point which has been missed out completely: Turkey has intelligence stations throughout the north, from Sulaimaniya to Dahuk to Erbil to Zakho, and so on. And they have over 1,300 troops with tanks, with armored personnel carriers, with guns stationed in the region.

The Turkish troops are still there?
They are still there. Inside Iraq. The main mission of these troops is mainly to observe and monitor PKK activity across the border. This Turkish exposure of their position to send thousands of troops across the border is not primarily aimed at the PKK; they know where the PKK are. This may have some other, ulterior motives. To disrupt the KRG administration. To cripple the infrastructure, and so on. That's why there's a great deal of anxiety and nervousness. The situation is tense.

Do you have a clear line of communication with the PKK?
Believe me, we don't. They may have some contacts locally. But as a government we don't have such contacts.

Is there any discussion about the Americans handling this issue?
Yes, of course. The Americans have a responsibility toward this as the MNF [Multinational Force] in charge of the security, protection of Iraq—definitely they have a role here, a very important role. They have been urging caution all along, for patience, for restraint. For them the situation is also very embarrassing. It's inconceivable that a NATO member can invade another country which is under the protection of the United States. It would be very, very embarrassing. Or to see their allies the Kurds and the Turks at each other's throats. Their position is very, very difficult. Very embarrassing. That's why we are all in some crisis, to be honest with you.

© 2007