Foreign Ministry spokesman Öncü Keçeli pointed out that Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's statements in an interview on a TV channel on February 9 were distorted by some media organizations in Iraq. Keçeli said, “On this occasion, as Türkiye, we reiterate our support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of neighboring Iraq.” made a statement.
Keçeli shared on his social media platform account the reflections of Foreign Minister Fidan's statement on Iraq in an interview on a television channel of Iraqi media.
“It is understood that some statements made by our Minister in the interview he gave on a TV channel on February 9, 2026 were distorted by some media organizations in Iraq.” Keçeli wrote and stated that they have always emphasized that they wish to further promote the institutional, constructive and effective cooperation that has been established with Iraq in almost all fields, including security and the fight against terrorism, in the future.
Keçeli said, “The statements of our Minister in the above-mentioned interview are aimed at drawing attention to the threat posed by the terrorist organization PKK, which hides in parts of Iraqi territory, especially in Sinjar, Mahmur and Qandil, to the territorial integrity and security of Iraq, based on this understanding of cooperation.” he said.
The Foreign Ministry spokesman noted that Fidan, in this context, emphasized his determination to completely eliminate terrorist organizations from the Iraqi region, as well as in Syria, and the need to strengthen cooperation with the Iraqi authorities in this area.
Keçeli emphasized that they reject the distortion of Minister Fidan's statements by some groups, taking them out of context and declaring interference in Iraq's internal affairs, saying, “On this occasion, as Türkiye, we reiterate our support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our neighbor Iraq.” made a statement.
INTERVIEW OF MINISTER FIDAN
Foreign Minister Fidan, in an interview on CNN Turk on February 9, about the presence of the terrorist organization PKK in Iraq, said: “This problem also has an Iraqi part. After the Syrian part ends, there will be an Iraqi part. I hope they will learn from what happened in Iraq and make smarter decisions and the transition there will be easier.” he said.
Fidan emphasized that the Iraqi government will have to make a determination regarding the PKK issue and that the structure in Sinjar cannot and should not stop there.
Regarding the organization's presence in the region, Fidan said, “The PKK is an organization created to fight Türkiye, but there is no area it can occupy in Türkiye. However, in Iraq, on the other hand, it occupies very large lands. In Syria, it is occupying. The problem is your problem, not my problem. What kind of sovereign nation are you to allow it to exist in this way?” gave his assessment.
Fidan said that Sinjar was surrounded by Hashd al-Shaabi elements and said, “When Hashd al-Shaabi advanced by land and we operated from the air, it took two or three days. It didn't take long. It was a simple military operation.” he said.
“The Iraqi government can allow another armed element to occupy its territory. They do not consider this a national security threat. Who do they consider a national security threat? I don't know. It was directed against Türkiye 6-7 years ago. Now such a problem does not exist in reality.” Using his statement, Fidan pointed out that there are other balances in the country.
