Nujaifi: PM Erdoğan gives friendly advice

BAGHDAD - Anatolia News Agency

The Iraqi Parliament speaker has said the recent exchanges of undiplomatic words between Turkey and Iraq do not contribute to stable and strong relations, adding that the Turkish Prime Minister’s recent remarks should be seen as the advice of a friend and brother of Iraq.

Osama al-Nujaifi stressed yesterday that relations between Turkey and Iraq should be based on common interests, mutual understanding and balance, and urged for an increased dialogue between the two. He said developments in Syria were creating tension in the region, which “naturally” affected Iraq. Al-Nujaifi added that some Iraqi politicians had complained about the internal problems of the country and sent messages to Turkey, causing Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to have worries about the future of the region.

“In fact, Erdoğan’s remarks should be considered the advice of a friend and brother who loves Iraq. These kind of messages should be welcomed. There must be a constant dialogue based on mutual respect and sovereignty between us,” al-Nujaifi said. He also said the Iraqi government was not content with the fact that Iraqi Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi was currently staying in Turkey.

Al-Hashemi, a Sunni, fled to northern Iraq after being accused of running a death squad by Shia Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. He is currently in Turkey and has said he will stay for as long as is necessary.
Al-Nujaifi said al-Hashemi deserved a fair trial, which has not been provided so far, adding that the common belief is that al-Hashemi’s bodyguards have been forced to give false testimonies under torture. Al-Hashemi claims that his bodyguards have been tortured to death while in detention. Al-Nujayfi also said he would visit Turkey at the beginning of May to attend a conference on “Investment in Mosul.”