Peregraf - The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has issued a clarification regarding the recent visit by the President of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), Masoud Barzani to Turkey following a sharp condemnation from Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs over remarks made by the Office of the Spokesperson for Barzani Headquarters.
In its statement, the KRG highlighted the “historic” nature of KDP leader Barzani’s visit to Şırnak province and the Cizre (Cizir) region, where he attended the Malaye Jaziri Symposium, expressed support for Turkey’s new peace process, and received what it described as a warm and official welcome.
The KRG said later commentary and political interpretations surrounding the visit were “undesirable and far from the intended purpose,” stressing that relations between Turkey and the Kurdistan Region have entered a unique and important phase.
“What is important is that a unique era in the relations between the Republic of Turkey and the Kurdistan Region is underway,” the KRG said, noting that the peace process represents “a correct step toward resolving an important and sensitive issue."
The KRG called for mutual cooperation to dispel concerns, deepen relations, and protect the mutual interests and stability of both sides.
Turkey Condemns Masoud Barzani’s Office Statement
On December 3, Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned a separate statement issued by the Barzani Headquarters Spokesperson, calling it “unacceptable in both substance and language.”
The ministry said the remarks—directed at Devlet Bahçeli, leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP)—were “disrespectful, provocative, and based on baseless allegations.” It added that Ankara had formally requested the KDP leadership to clarify the issue and take swift action against those responsible.
The dispute stems from Bahçeli’s criticism of the armed security guards accompanying Masoud Barzani with Kurdistan Region flag on their uniforms during his November 29 visit to the Fourth International Mullah al-Jaziri Symposium in Cizre. Bahçeli accused Barzani’s guards of violating Turkish sovereignty and protocol, arguing that Barzani, no longer a public office holder, should not have entered Turkey with armed personnel.
Barzani Headquarters Fires Back
Earlier on Monday, the Barzani Headquarters issued a strongly worded reply, accusing Bahçeli of maintaining a “chauvinistic mentality” and failing to respect established procedures.
The statement said all security arrangements were coordinated through official channels between the Kurdistan Region and Turkey, adding that Turkish officials visiting the Kurdistan Region are routinely accompanied by Turkish military units.
“We believed Bahçeli had moved beyond racism and chauvinism,” the statement read. “But it seems he is the same old grey wolf, now only in sheep’s skin.”
The headquarters emphasized that Barzani’s participation in the symposium was intended to support Turkey’s renewed peace efforts.
Barzani’s Visit and the Peace Process
The symposium, hosted by Şırnak University, brought together 111 scholars from 23 Turkish universities and 16 international participants from the Kurdistan Region, Syria, Iran, and Germany.
Barzani described the event as “one of the happiest days” of his life, praised Mullah al-Jaziri as a “bright star that will never set,” and publicly welcomed Turkey’s peace initiative. He thanked President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for “opening the door to peace” and said the Kurdistan Region is prepared to support the process “with all our power.”
Escalating Political Tension
The exchange of statements comes at a delicate moment for Ankara as it seeks to advance its “Terror-Free Turkey” initiative while navigating complex relations with Kurdish actors in Turkey and the Kurdistan Region.
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry said it expects the KDP leadership to address the issue promptly, while the KRG’s latest clarification appears aimed at easing tensions and reaffirming its commitment to cooperation and stability.