02.12.2025 19:51
Former President of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Masoud Barzani's visit to Turkey to attend a symposium held in the Cizre district of Şırnak was evaluated by former Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, Bülent Arınç. Arınç stated that he could not understand the criticisms directed at the meeting. However, he expressed that he found the images of Barzani's bodyguards in military uniforms and carrying long-barreled weapons to be inappropriate.
Former Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) Bülent Arınç made striking evaluations regarding the visit of former President of the Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government (IKBY) Mesud Barzani to Turkey to attend a symposium held in the Cizre district of Şırnak.
In a statement he made via social media, Arınç expressed that he could not understand the criticisms directed at the symposium and stated that he found the images of Barzani's bodyguards in military uniforms and with long-barreled weapons to be inappropriate.
"MANY OF THOSE COMMENTING DO NOT KNOW MESUD BARZANI AND ARE BIASED"
In his statement, Arınç included the following remarks: "The participation of Mr. Mesud Barzani in the Melaye Ciziri Symposium held in Şırnak has been positively received. I also find it very appropriate to organize such a meeting with the participation of our Deputy Minister of Interior, our Governor, past and present AK Party members of parliament, and very important scientists.
I have observed that many unnecessary discussions have arisen in the public regarding this symposium. I would like to express that I find these discussions unwarranted. Many of those commenting do not know Mesud Barzani and are biased. Mr. Mesud Barzani has been the president of the Kurdistan Democratic Party in Northern Iraq since 1979, and this party still holds the majority in power. He has served in the positions of President and Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government.
"HE HAS GIVEN IMPORTANT MESSAGES REGARDING THE PROCESS"
The meeting held is a scientific meeting. Melaye Ciziri is one of the Ottoman period scholars who lived between 1567-1640. He is of Kurdish origin, like Ahmed-i Hani and Feqiyê Teyran, and is one of the common beliefs and cultural values of this geography. I find it wrong to look negatively at a meeting where these scholars are mentioned and their works are read. I believe that the content of the meeting and the excitement it has generated in the region will mark an important turning point. Moreover, Mr. Mesud Barzani has also given very important messages regarding the process in his speech. Therefore, I cannot understand some of the criticisms directed at this meeting.
"I FIND THE REACTIONS TO THE IMAGES OF BODYGUARDS JUSTIFIED"
However, I also find the reactions to the images of armed bodyguards, which have been placed at the center of negative criticisms, justified. Turkey can very well ensure the security of Mr. Barzani, just as it does for all official officials visiting. Therefore, these images have led to justified reactions.
"HE HAS FOUGHT AGAINST PKK FROM THE PAST TO THE PRESENT"
As important as the Kurdistan Regional Government is for Turkey, Mr. Barzani and his administration are equally important for us. We cannot be on the side of anything that would overshadow these relations. I wish to see him more often in Turkey.
In the process carried out in 2013, Mr. Mesud Barzani came to Diyarbakır and provided great support to the process. He is a friend of Turkey. He has always stood by Turkey, including during peace processes, and has been a highly regarded figure among conservative Kurds in our country. He has fought against PKK from the past to the present. He is currently one of the names providing the greatest support to the process alongside Turkey."