His trip at these critical moments raised many questions since Kurds have always been considered one of the main enemies of the Turkish government.
In this regard, a Turkish journalist spoke on condition of anonymity due to security reasons with Alwaie News correspondent in Ankara and said “Moscow and Ankara’s relations strained after Turkish fighter jets had shot down a Russian Su-24 bomber. After downing Russian craft, Turkish authorities were extremely concerned about the future of their country, especially when Kremlin Authorities started to react”
He went on to say: “At this time Barzani seized the opportunity. He travelled to Turkey and asked Turkish officials to increase relationships between Turkey and Iraqi Kurdish Region. In fact, Barzani promised the Turkish authorities that in return to some concessions he will provide some of which Turkey needs and they were imposed sanctions or threatened by Russia.”
The Turkish journalist also said: “Since Barzani know that Russian have been informed about oil transportation routes by ISIS to Turkey, so he suggested Turkish authorities to choose a new path that goes from Iraqi Kurdistan which is comparatively safe and inaccessible for the Russians.”
In this meeting, Erdogan asked Barzani to suppress PKK (Kurdish People’s Party) and to get tough on Kurds in Turkey. He also tried to seek Barzani’s support due to growing differences with Kurdish leaders in Turkey.
