Government, opposition at odds over Barzani

ANKARA - Hürriyet Daily News

Barzani attended the AKP’s convention on Sept 30. AA photo

Leaders of opposition parties have criticized the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) over alleged applause for the president of Iraq’s Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), Massoud Barzani, at the AKP’s convention on Sept. 30.

“Barzani was applauded with enthusiasm, with slogans like ‘Turkey is proud of you,’ while the CHP was being booed. Why are you proud of Barzani? Is it because he protects the terrorist organization [the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party – PKK]? I condemn this act,” main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu said at his party’s parliamentary group meeting.

“Great nation, great power, target 2023,” was the slogan of the congress, reflecting Erdoğan and his AKP’s aspirations to still be in power on the centennial anniversary of the foundation of the Republic of Turkey. MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli accused the AKP, CHP and BDP of being on the same side as the PKK. “The AKP, CHP, BDP and PKK will probably come together soon and start the process of destroying Turkey. The prime minister’s interest in the killer of İmralı [convicted leader of the PKK Abdullah Öcalan] confirms this. In this respect, Barzani’s invitation [to the AKP congress] is not surprising, while Kurdistan maps are being published,” Bahçeli said. “If Turkey is proud of Barzani, how will we explain this bloodshed and the many martyrs? Bahçeli asked.

Addressing Parliament’s General Assembly yesterday, AKP parliamentary group deputy chair Nurettin Canikli said it was not Barzani who was applauded by AKP supporters. When Barzani ended his speech, Erdoğan stepped into the congress hall, and AKP supporters applauded, he said.