Erdogan: Plots to divide Syria, Iraq aim at besieging Turkey

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said yesterday that plots to tear apart, divide and incite ethnic and sectarian strife in Syria and Iraq are aimed at besieging Turkey from the south.

During a meeting in Ankara, Erdogan said: “This is not just a cross-border encirclement, it’s a big conspiracy that goes inside the country as well, and we’ll try to thwart it as we did with previous plots.”

Erdogan warned that soon his country will impose sanctions on Kurdistan in the aftermath of a referendum on separation from Iraq.

Addressing the Kurdistan administration, Erdogan said: “All air spaces will be closed, the flights already are suspended. Who will come? How will you go? Soon, the borders also will be closed. How will you be able to exit and enter?”

Read: Turkey warns of global conflict if Iraq or Syria break up

Erdogan stressed that his country rejected the Kurdish’s referendum on separation from Iraq and said it has nothing to do with the Kurds.

The referendum was held without consultation with Ankara and at a time when Iraq needs unity, this referendum is a betrayal of Iraq’s territorial integrity.

He accused Israel of supporting and backing Kurdish President Masoud Barzani.

“These are not your friends. Today they are standing by you and tomorrow they will disappear. You have to cooperate with us.”