FILE IMAGE
The Iraqi government has accused the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) of brining forces of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) into the contested city of Kirkuk.
The PKK is designated as a terrorist group by Turkey, the US, EU members states and the NATO. The group is actively operates in Turkey, Iraq and has links with the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces operating in northern Syria.
#BREAKING Reuters: Iraqi govt accuses Kurdish authorities of bringing PKK fighters to Kirkuk, says PKK involvement “declaration of war” pic.twitter.com/FE2fOpFvU5
— CNN Türk ENG (@CNNTURK_ENG) 15 October 2017
The accusations followed a meeting between top Iraqi and Kurdish officials that took place on Sunday. The control over the disputed areas, airports and oil import are among the key issues discussed by the side.
The meeting resulted in no positive outcome as the KRG rejected all demands of the fedreal government.
In turn, the fedreal government said that it would seek to restore law and oreder over Kirkuk and other disputed areas.
The KRG denied that it has been involving PKK members in its standoff with government forces.
#BREAKING Reuters: Barzani aide says PKK has no presence in Kirkuk, denies Iraqi accusations pic.twitter.com/FrmKNIsPhw
— CNN Türk ENG (@CNNTURK_ENG) 15 October 2017
The KRG and the KRG-linked media are now actively pushing an idea of “military threats”of the federal government against the “democratic” goverrnment of the KRG.
The war of words are ongoing amid the continued tensions in the countryside of Kirkuk city.
