First reaction to 'Second Habur' images: 'It was not appropriate'

The visit of former Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) President Masoud Barzani to the Cizre district of Şırnak to attend the 4th International Melayê Cizîrî Symposium drew significant attention. The presence of Peshmerga forces accompanying Barzani, particularly his security detail wearing camouflage uniforms and carrying long-barreled weapons, sparked controversy.

REACTION TO PESHMERGA SECURITY DETAIL

Following Barzani's arrival in Şırnak, a sharp statement came from Chief Presidential Advisor Mustafa Akış. In a post on his social media account, Akış reminded that Barzani holds no official position in Iraq, stating, "Except for a ceremonial officer/aide-de-camp, his security detail can never wear military uniforms and cannot perform their duties with long-barreled weapons other than sidearms."

At the event held on Saturday, Barzani's security detail was seen surrounding him in tactical camouflage uniforms while carrying long-barreled weapons. As the convoy moved, the public welcomed Barzani with enthusiasm, climbing onto vehicles and showing support with applause. A scene reminiscent of the Habur border crossing emerged, and the convoy was followed by a large crowd. However, these images were met with a negative reaction from the Presidential Palace.

"THE IMAGES ARE NOT APPROPRIATE"

Mustafa Akış stated that Barzani was an invited guest in Şırnak, saying, "As a hospitable nation, it is our duty to say welcome." However, emphasizing that Barzani holds no official position in Iraq, he added, "The Republic of Turkey has protocols applied to its guests. Masoud Barzani currently holds no position in the Northern Iraq administration or the Iraqi Central Government. In other words, the protocol that would be applied to Abdullah Gül, Ahmet Necdet Sezer, or Binali Yıldırım abroad is more or less the protocol that should be applied to Mr. Barzani."

Akış stated that Turkey has the power to protect its guests, adding, "Let alone a former state official, even if a head of state were to visit our country, their security detail—except for a ceremonial officer/aide-de-camp—can never wear military uniforms and cannot perform their duties with long-barreled weapons other than sidearms. Furthermore, the Republic of Turkey is not a weak state unable to protect its guest in Şırnak; on the contrary, it is a country powerful enough to protect its guest even in their own lands."

News Source: 12punto