Türkiye Urges Realism on Kirkuk as Iraq Pushes Back at Bahrain Summit

Turkish Defense Minister Vecdi Gönül told participants at the 3rd Regional Security Summit in Manama, Bahrain, that Kirkuk's future status is a matter of concern not only for Iraq but for all neighboring countries, including Türkiye. The summit was organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

Gönül urged Iraqi officials to approach the question of Kirkuk's status with realism. Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari responded sharply, insisting that Kirkuk belongs to Iraq and that Iraqis alone have the right to resolve such questions: "Iraqis are the ones to decide on these problems."

Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt cautioned against any scenario involving Iraq's breakup, calling such efforts extremely dangerous. Gönül endorsed that view, warning that a fragmented Iraq could trigger a wider regional catastrophe.

Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in December 2006, in its own words.