Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) member, Co-chair of the Democratic Popular Front in Southern Kurdistan and University of Duhok lecturer Kamuran Berwari assessed the visit of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi to Turkey.

Berwari said that the reason for Al-Kadhimi's visit to Ankara was to demand material and moral support, adding; “I think there is a negotiation between the two countries on what can be done for a political and economic support for Iraq. Because the Iraqi state is in a difficult situation, protests may spread the whole of Iraq due to the problems experienced by the people, and it is very likely that a war desired by the world countries will take place in Iraq. For these reasons, the Iraqi people have no trust in their own state.”

WHAT WAS DISCUSSED?

Berwari pointed out that sometimes bilateral talks between Turkey and Iraq or trilateral meetings including Iran take place and continued:

"Also, negotiations between Turkey and Iraq and sometimes tripartite negotiations including Iran are being conducted. It is known that these negotiations and agreements are constantly against the gains of the people of Kurdistan. However, this time the meeting was made to debate over several issues, some of which were already reflected in the press. One of the topics of the meeting was the Shengal administration, the second is the PKK, the third is the water issue, the fourth is the opening of new border gates, the fifth is the search for new ways to gain dominance between Rojava and Bashur (to reduce the influence of the Bashur government). Other topics of discussion were the oil exchange, the visa issue between the two states, and business agreements with Turkish companies that spoiled Iraq under the pretext of reconstruction of Iraq. It is unclear if any agreement has been reached on these issues. There is no agreement in appearance."

"The result of the mentioned meeting will not bring anything good; Turkey wants to use Iraq as a backyard for their own interests" said Berwari, warning that "a troubled process awaits Iraq," since the Kadhimi administration is a short-term administration and Iraq has no authority to sign agreements to be made strategically.

THE DOLLAR SOARS

Berwari pointed out that the Iraqi currency hit record lows against the US dollar following the Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi 's visit to Turkey:

“This also has a direct link to the Iraqi economy. International forces have made the currencies of Iran, Turkey and Syria collapse and now they want to put pressure on Iraqi currency. The economic situation will deteriorate. States such as Britain, France, Italy, Germany, Israel and America that seek to dominate Iraq do not want Turkey and Iran have a say on wealth sources in Iraq and they would do whatever it takes to prevent this. This is especially because of the fact that especially the US, their troops stationed in the region and affiliated forces will not let Turkey and Iran to take advantage of the opportunities arising out of the conflicts.”

Berwari remarked over the Iraqi dinar’s free fall against the dollar, adding, "They engage in blackmailing or threat, saying 'If you go too far, we will shatter your economy'."

Berwari evaluated Duhok Governor Ali Teter’s remarks over Maxmur Refugee Camp; "The President of Turkey may have asked Governor of Duhok to do the same thing as in Shengal. Because Turkey and Iraq always have plans over all Kurds and Kurdistan just like Maxmur camp.”

'NO GOOD RESULTS FOR KURDS'

Berwari underlined that negotiations between Turkey and Iraq would never bring a good result for the Kurds and the last meeting may reveal a troubled situation for the KDP because there are attempts to close Ibrahim Khalil Border Gate. Berwari argued that closure of the border gate may strike a major blow to the trade between Turkey and Bashur:

"It is necessary to say this clearly; the Turkish state wants to invade Bashur. It has exercised influence over Bashur in political, economic, military and social terms. It is not just a matter of occupation against Shengal and Rojava, but an occupation of entire Kurdistan in every sense. Every state may have demands or threats concerning the Southern Kurdistan administration, but it does not mean that the Bashur administration will submit to every demand or threat, that is, the Southern Kurdistan administration should have an attitude against them, otherwise everyone has a clear aim; to invade Southern Kurdistan. If there is no attitude or reaction, they will achieve these goals. Otherwise, all gains will be lost one by one and the fate of the Kurds and Kurdistan will be in the hands of these states or powers, as in history."