Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) leader Masoud Barzani
The wealth of Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) leader Masoud Barzani, which has been amassed through illegal activities, is estimated at $55 billion, according to a former senior KRG official.
Speaking exclusively to Yeni Şafak, the former Kurdish official said that Barzani, who led an illegitimate referendum backed by the U.S. and Israel, has built a mafia empire with his son, siblings and relatives, amassing wealth through illegal means and funneling money into his personal accounts despite the founding of a regional finance ministry.
The former official, who held a critical position in Erbil between 2009 and 2014, estimated Barzani’s personal wealth at $55 billion.
Occupying over 45 oil fields between 2012 and 2017, Barzani amassed his personal wealth from various sources of income such as the Khabur border crossing, Korek Telecom, and natural gas and oil trading in addition to the money received from the central government.
The source recalled the incident when former KRG Finance Minister Rebaz Hamlan expressed his unease regarding the illegal activities carried out by Barzani, noting that “Hamlan led an anti-Barzani movement after the money sent to the regional government was deposited into Barzani’s accounts. As Barzani continued to amass wealth in his own tribe, the region’s population were left even more impoverished than they were prior to 1991.”
He made investments in a large number of countries
According to a source in northern Iraq, Barzani has made sizeable investments in countries such as Turkey, UAE, Cyprus, and the UK, which were funneled directly to his tribe or other affiliated companies that operate in sectors such as navigation, logistics/transportation, foods, mining, contracting and oil trading, among others.
The former official also indicated that the border crossings of Khabur and Bashmak, on the borders of Turkey and Iran respectively, provide a vital source of income from oil trading for Barzani’s kin, noting that “by building a mafia empire in Erbil, all profits go to one person.”
An administration representative of the people, not the tribe
The source, who held a senior position in the Erbil-based KRG administration for five years, has likened the events in the aftermath of Barzani’s illegal Sep. 29 referendum to “an earthquake that has resulted in severe losses” and noted that “the reverberations of this quake will continue to be felt.”
Speaking on the topic of Lahur Talabany as an alternative for Barzani, the source noted that “the system and mindset in northern Iraq must change. An administration based on a more comprehensive basis of power-sharing must prevail in place of feudal policies. If this model of governing were to continue, Lahur Talabany will turn into an Öcalan or Barzani-like figure. An administration with a vision that is representative of all of the region’s population must be set up in lieu of the current one,” he concluded.
Proposal of northern Iraq's Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) to freeze its illegal referendum would not serve as any compensation for the damage, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım said on Thursday."Regardless of whatever decision the northern Iraqi administration takes, the point we reach today clearly shows that any decision they take would not bear any compensation for the damage they caused," Yıldırım told a joint news conference with his Somali counterpart in Ankara.On Sept. 25 Iraqis in the KRG-held areas -- and in a number of disputed areas -- voted on whether or not to declare regional independence from the Iraqi state.According to results announced by the KRG, almost 93 percent of registered voters cast ballots in favor of independence.The illegitimate referendum was heavily criticized by most regional and international actors, with many warning it would distract from Iraq’s ongoing fight against terrorism and further destabilize the region.KRG poll results must be cancelled: Turkish FMYıldırım also mentioned the Turkish government's willingness to work "more efficiently" with Iran and Iraq for the peace, security and counterterrorism operations in the region.He said that Ankara is working with Baghdad in transferring the control of Ibrahim Khalil border crossing -- also known as Habur -- from the Erbil-based KRG to the central government.The border gates, according to Iraqi constitution, belong to the central government, said the Turkish premier."We have additionally discussed establishing a new route from west of Habur region. The Iraqi side welcomes it and we will work together to open this border."Yıldırım also highlighted enhancing bilateral relations with Somalia. "The relations with Somalia are developing and will continue to develop. We have embraced a new model of strategic partnership," he said.Turkey 'total defender' of Iraq's territorial integrity"We will continue to provide all means of support to your government and state to create better days, better tomorrows for our brothers and sisters living there," he added.He stressed the "importance" of Somalia becoming "one voice, one body" for the development of the country and urged the new Somali administration to implement reforms.Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire expressed his gratitude to the Turkish government and added "Somali people will forever be in debt to you".Khaire vowed to "rebuild" war-torn Somalia, saying that relations that gained momentum in 2011 with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's visit to Mogadishu are to further enhance in the upcoming years.Video: Erdoğan receives Iraqi PM Abadi
Nothing can fix damage done by KRG polls: Turkish PM
Turkey’s foreign minister on Thursday said beyond anything northern Iraq’s regional government has proposed, it must cancel outright the results of last month’s illegitimate referendum.“Northern Iraq’s step back is an important step but an inadequate one. This referendum must be cancelled,” Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu told a joint press conference in Ankara with his Kosovar counterpart Behgjet Pacolli.Çavuşoğlu said Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) President Masoud Barzani is in a weaker spot now after the illegal poll, adding that in a one-on-one meeting he had previously warned Barzani about the consequences of the illegitimate referendum.On Wednesday, the KRG -- fearing more military escalation by Baghdad -- offered to “suspend” the results of last month’s illegitimate poll, halt all military activity, and enter into dialogue with the central government.Tension has steadily mounted between Baghdad and the KRG since Sept. 25, when Iraqis in KRG-held areas -- and in several disputed areas, including Kirkuk -- voted on whether or not to declare political independence.The unconstitutional referendum was heavily criticized by most regional and international actors, with many warning it would distract from Iraq’s ongoing fight against terrorism and further destabilize the region.Kirkuk, Kosovo“Kirkuk is a disputed region, but its oil reserves belong to the central government” in Bagdad, Çavuşoğlu said.“We will be cooperating in repairing and renovating [the area]”.Çavuşoğlu also said Turkey “may” open a new border gate with Iraq if the central government in Bagdad assumes control.Turning to Kosovo, Çavuşoğlu stressed that Kosovo and Turkey are “brotherly nations,” saying that he and Pacolli had discussed a wide range of subjects.“We have implemented over 600 projects worth about $100 million in Kosovo”, said Çavuşoğlu, adding that they will continue to support development projects.“We are supporting our Turkish companies investing in Kosovo. We would like our Kosovar brothers to continue trusting our companies”.He added: “We expect the Kosovo administration to cut red tape, to take more responsibility for our companies. Together with the Kosovo administration, we will increase the amount of investment of Turkish firms there."We do not see our relations with Kosovo as an alternative to other countries. Our good relations with other countries don’t affect or change our Kosovo policy at all. We are committed to this. Because the people of Kosovo are brothers to Turkey."Çavuşoğlu also said he had pledged to pay Kosovo a visit in 2018.Turkish Parliament Speaker Ismail Kahraman later received Pacolli at the parliament.
KRG poll results must be cancelled: Turkish FM
Turkey has taken the “clearest and strongest stance” against last month's Kurdish independence referendum in northern Iraq, according to parliamentary research.The Sept. 25 illegitimate vote held by the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) was opposed by regional powers such as Turkey and Iran, as well as Baghdad. The U.S. and UN also spoke out against the poll.Calling the vote a threat to Turkey's national security, a report by parliament’s research center said Ankara “did not hesitate to take a position against the referendum despite its strong commercial, political and security relations with KRG.”Video: Turkey ready to work with Iraq against PKKThe report, released on Thursday, added that Israel was the only regional power to back the referendum “thinking that an ‘independent Kurdish state’ would be a good partner for itself.”The research group also said that U.S. criticism was focused on the timing of the referendum and did not object to it in principle.The U.S. said the poll would disrupt efforts to defeat Daesh.Turkey 'total defender' of Iraq's territorial integrityIran had “clearly” rejected the poll while debate in Saudi Arabia was “dominated by the opinion that favored supporting Iraqi Kurds’ demands for independence”.The report added that Russia and China had closely monitored the situation.“Russian and Chinese energy companies have investments in the Kurdish region,” it said. “Although they did not have a determinant role in the demand for independence, it can be said that they were prepared for possible independence.”Iraqi PM says KRG referendum results should be cancelledThe results of the referendum, which was held in disputed parts of the country as well as KRG territory, showed that nearly almost 93 percent of those who cast ballots voted in favor of independence.The poll led to Iraqi troops moving into the disputed region of Kirkuk on Oct. 16, removing KRG Peshmerga forces.The KRG on Wednesday proposed a freeze on any moves towards secession from Iraq and begin talks with the federal government. It also proposed a cease-fire.Iraqi army retakes strategic border crossing with SyriaIraqi forces seize control of strategic area near Mosul
Turkey took 'strongest stance' against Iraqi Kurd poll
Turkish Customs and Trade Minister Bülent Tüfenkçi said on Thursday that Turkey had reached an agreement with Iraq on opening a second border gate.“Most of our trade is with the central government of Baghdad, not with northern Iraq, and there is consensus on the opening of a second border gate with the central Iraqi government. After the necessary steps are taken, the Ovaköy border gate can be opened,” said Tüfenkci.The Ovaköy border gate, an alternative to the Habur border crossing located between Turkey and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in northern Iraq, will bypass the Masoud Barzani administration.Iraqi forces clearing way for Ovaköy border gateThe construction of the planned gate, which would be near the northern Iraqi city of Mosul, will begin once the necessary security measures are taken."Once steps are taken to secure the path, there is no other obstacle for us," the minister said.Turkey-US relationsTüfenkçi also discussed trade ties between Turkey and the U.S. “Turkey is not a country that can be forsaken in terms of trade. The U.S. is aware of this,” he said.Turkey’s next step to foil Barzani’s plans: Ovaköy border gateEU sanction claims“The EU was founded on commercial interests. If they want fair competition, they should not resort to economic blackmail. The EU’s sanction claims that transformed into political blackmail are immoral,” Tüfenkci said.Turkish troops in Bashiqa to guard Ovaköy border gateOvaköy border gate to end Barzani’s lifelineOvaköy: The border gate that will bypass northern Iraq
Turkey, Iraq agree on opening second border gate