In the aftermath of the 18 September attack on the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) building in Erbil (Hewlêr), which resulted in the death of their Erbil representative Deniz Cevdet Bülbün, KNK Co-chairs Zeyneb Murad and Ahmed Karamus voiced their concern that no one has been held accountable and no statements have been issued by officials of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), the ruling party in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
In an interview published by Mezopotamya Agency on Monday, KNK Co-chair Zeyneb Murad described the attack in Erbil as part of a larger scheme. “The attack is not only an attack on the KNK, but it also undermines efforts at Kurdish national unity”, she stated. She argued that the greater conspiracy behind the attack is led by the Turkish government.
“The crisis isn’t confined to Kurdistan; it’s a global challenge involving dominant powers and international and regional forces, and Kurdistan is at its core”, she added.
Ahmed Karamus, KNK Co-chair, said that their members have recently been under surveillance by Parastin, the KDP’s intelligence service. “We informed KDP officials about threats to our members. But the authorities did not take our security concerns seriously”, he remarked. He agreed that the attack was part of a conspiracy against Kurdish unity.
Karamus stressed the Turkish government’s increasing disregard for international norms and agreements. “We are aware that Turkish intelligence MİT, is responsible for this attack. Such an attack in the heart of Hewlêr is highly unusual”, he stated.
Karamus also expressed his dimay with the KDP, accusing them of collaborating with Turkish forces. “Those who did not take a stance against the attacks are also complicit”, he added.
