Barzani Headquarters Responds to “Bahçeli’s” Remarks on President Barzani’s Visit to Botan Island

ARK News.. Barzani Headquarters issued a statement on Tuesday, 2 December 2025, describing the comments made by “Devlet Bahçeli”, leader of Turkey’s Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), regarding President Masoud Barzani’s visit to Botan Island as “chauvinistic” and contrary to established norms.

Below is the full text of the statement:

Response to Bahçeli’s Statement on President Barzani’s Visit to Botan Jizira

“Devlet Bahçeli” has made a statement regarding President Barzani’s visit to Botan Island and his participation in the ‘Mela Jaziri’ Forum, once again—unfortunately—speaking with a chauvinistic mindset that contradicts all norms and serves no one.

Bahçeli’s remarks come at a time when all details and security arrangements for President Barzani’s visit were based on protocol coordination between the relevant institutions in the Kurdistan Region and Turkey. Moreover, every time senior Turkish officials visit the Region, they are accompanied by Turkish special military units without any issues.

President Barzani’s visit was a supportive step toward the peace process that “Bahçeli” claims to endorse. We had thought that God had guided Devlet Bahçeli toward wisdom, and that he had moved past adopting racism and chauvinism; but it appears he is still the same old ‘Grey Wolf,’ only now wearing sheep’s clothing.”

— Spokesperson for Barzani Headquarters
2 December

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