What messages is Davutoğlu expected to convey to Barzani of Erbil

A critical meeting held prior to Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu’s departure today for Erbil brought National Intelligence Organization Undersecretary (MİT) Hakan Fidan, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Feridun Sinirlioğlu and Turkey’s Ambassador to Baghdad Yunus Demirer together to discuss the messages Turkey intends to deliver to Massoud Barzani, the leader of the Kurdish Autonomous Region in Northern Iraq.

The following, are the four messages Davutoglu will be delivering to Barzani in Erbil:

WE ARE NOT AGAINST KURDISH UNITY

We are not at all against the unity of Syrian Kurds nor of their determining their own future. We are against the opportunist actions of the PYD (a PKK affiliate). If the Syrian public were to reach a different decision for Syrian Kurds then we would respect it. The PYD is using the fact that Assad is losing control. This is not a development accepted by the Syrian public. If you recognize the PYD, then for us, that would be the end of it.

BE CAREFUL WITH THE KANDIL-QAMISHLI LINE

Those raising Öcalan’s flag in Syria are PKK members who came from Kandil. During this time period, securing Kandil is extremely important. We must continue to work together against the PKK.

DO NOT TRUST THE PYD

The PYD first collaborated with Assad and has since changed directions. On July 12 during a Kurdish conference held in Erbil, they acted differently towards you. The Syrian National Council is also uncomfortable with the PYD.

SUPPORT THE SYRIAN NATIONAL COUNCIL

The division of the opposition works to benefit Assad, and results in further deaths. Instead of Kurdish groups gathering in separate structures, you should promote their joining the Syrian National Council.

DAVUTOĞLU BRIEFS ERDOĞAN

Prime Minister Erdoğan met with Davutoğlu for a one on one meeting in the late evening hours last night. During the one-hour meeting, Davutoğlu relayed to Erdoğan the messages he intends to deliver to Barzani during his trip to Iraq.

01.08.2012
SOURCE: SABAH ENGLISH

This is a translation of an article originally written by Duygu Güvenç.