In a recent statement, Dilshad Rashid, a member of the General Council for the Kurdish Change Movement (Goran), has expressed grave concerns over Turkey's accusations and threats regarding Sulaymaniyah International Airport. Rashid emphasized the importance of safeguarding civilian safety and urged against actions that might provoke Turkey, given the current geopolitical tensions.

According to Yeni Shafak, a Turkish newspaper known for its close ties with the Justice and Development Party (AKP), Turkey claims that Sulaymaniyah International Airport has been transformed into a logistical hub for the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The report alleges that drones and military supplies are being funneled from the airport to the PKK strongholds in Qandil and Syrian Kurdistan. In response, Turkey has issued stern warnings, threatening to target any future aid shipments to the PKK.

Rashid highlighted the critical need to prioritize the interests of the Kurdistan Region, warning against any actions that might endanger the region's security and stability. "The airport is a place where people should feel safe, and it is crucial to prevent any harm to civilians. Angering Turkey, especially under the current circumstances, is highly dangerous. No country will tolerate threats to its security, particularly from a neighboring state," Rashid stated.

The situation has further intensified following a recent visit by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Baghdad. During his visit, Erdogan, along with senior Iraqi officials and members of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), reiterated that threats to Turkey's security emanating from any part of Iraq or the Kurdistan Region would not be tolerated.

In line with these security concerns, Turkey has extended its suspension of flights to Sulaymaniyah International Airport for an additional six months. The flight ban, initially imposed in December and extended until June 22nd, has now been prolonged once more.

Previously, Turkey's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tanju Bilgiç mentioned that Kurdistan Region Deputy Prime Minister and senior PUK leader Qubad Talabani had visited Turkey in April in an attempt to negotiate the lifting of the flight suspension. However, due to unresolved issues regarding the PUK's relationship with the PKK and unmet promises to curb PKK activities in Sulaymaniyah, Turkey opted to maintain the flight ban for another six months.

As the region navigates these complex security dynamics, the call from Change Movement's Rashid underscores the delicate balance needed to ensure regional stability while addressing the legitimate security concerns of neighboring Turkey.