Underlining that Turkey wants a peaceful solution to the problem, President Erdoğan said: “I would like to reiterate that we will not hesitate to use our means and capabilities if that avenue hits a dead end. Those, who think they are stalling our country in Syria, thus making sure that we cannot pay attention to Iraq, must know that we, if need be, are powerful enough to fight against the entire world. All possibilities are on the table right now, including economic sanctions and military options. Air spaces, land, they are all on the table, being discussed. I hope none of them will be necessary and the administration in northern Iraq will come to its senses and gives up on adventure that leads to darkness.”

Speaking at the opening ceremony of 2017-2018 Academic Year, President Erdoğan regarding that the referendum, held in northern Iraq, said: All possibilities are on the table right now, including economic sanctions and military options. Air spaces, land, they are all on the table, being discussed. I hope none of them will be necessary and the administration in northern Iraq will come to its senses and gives up on adventure that leads to darkness.” 

President Erdoğan attended the opening ceremony of the 2017-2018 Academic Year held at the National Congress and Cultural Center of the Presidential Complex, Beştepe.

Regarding the referendum in northern Iraq, President Erdoğan said the IKRG insisted on holding the referendum on independence despite all warnings and objections. Stressing that the referendum does not have any validity under the current Iraqi constitution.

“The fact that a single group has made such an attempt in the multi-colored make-up of northern Iraq in terms of creed and origin means nothing but a herald of new conflicts and sufferings,” President Erdoğan said. “They say it has been approved with 90-92%. Does it really count for something? Who will recognize your independence? Israel. But there is not only Israel in the world. 114 countries recognized Kosovo but unfortunately it could not become a state, it is still facing difficulties. Northern Iraq, what will you get only with Israel? They do not know politics, either. They do not have a clue about how to be a state. They think it will happen just by saying ‘we did it’. No, it cannot and will not happen.” Drawing attention to the difficulties, the northern Iraq will be faced with once Turkey starts to impose sanctions, President Erdoğan said: “The moment we close the valve, it is over. All their income goes out of the window. Once our trucks stop working in northern Iraq, they will not be able to find food and clothes.”

Recalling his meeting with the Jewish Committee in the US, President Erdoğan said: “They asked about the relations with Netanyahu. And I told them that they needed to meet with Turkey in the middle ground first for a relation to be established.” Noting that Israel should review its support to the IKRG referendum, President Erdoğan said: “If they do not review it, we cannot take a lot of steps we were about to take with Israel. It is not possible for us to take steps with those who do not see Turkey as a playmaker in the region. Turkey is a playmaker in the region.”

ILKHA