BUSINESS > Iraq freezes licenses of Turkish businesses

ISTANBUL – Hürriyet Daily News

Ankara’s ties with PM al-Maliki’s Baghdad have been worsening over oil issues. RETUERS photo

The operating licenses of Turkish companies active in Iraq have been halted, Iraq’s Ministry of Trade said yesterday, according to Anatolia news agency.

The licenses have been put aside until further notice while “inspections are conducted and arrangements [made],” the ministry said in a written statement.

It was not immediately clear whether the decision would affect Turkish companies doing business in the north of Iraq, controlled by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). Turkish companies are particularly active in Northern Iraq, which has become a significant trade partner with Turkey.

The decision came as Iraq’s fugitive Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi, who is currently residing in Turkey, defied the verdict of an Iraqi court that sentenced him to death in absentia, on charges that he had run death squads in Iraq, and ruled out returning home until he is guaranteed “security and a fair trial.”

The Turkish government has refused to extradite al-Hashemi, increasing the political tension between the two countries.

September/13/2012

PRINTER FRIENDLY

Send to friend »

READER COMMENTS

Click for Hürriyet Daily News comment guidelines

Joshua Bronxman

9/13/2012 5:43:43 PM

Interesting. Iran's increasing influence in Iraq cannot be denied. It makes me wonder about the verdict against Al-Hashemi. This influence might also tie into the cancellation of operating licenses of Turkish companies. And Iraq also doesn't seem to be a free agent in making decisions regarding the Syrian upheavals. Turkey will make up for any losses in Iraq with the potential construction contracts in Syria when the conflict ends in a predictable way.

Roger Harding

9/13/2012 5:07:43 PM

AKP is making real soup out of Turkey's International relations. I have no idea what they are trying to do or achieve. AKP leaders are wasting all of Turkey's political capital and goodwill in the international arena on this and that. Get nothing in return.

mara mcglothin

9/13/2012 4:34:50 PM

TURK UZAN I do believe that FARUK was being facetious! The whole region is in a turmoil. Just got back to blaming the good ol' USA for all of the problems. I am sure that is coming next.

Murat

9/13/2012 4:23:36 PM

This was probably inevitable. It also accelerates the independence of Northern Irak, which is where most Turkish investments are. I think Maliki is cutting his nose to spite his face.

Turk Uzan

9/13/2012 3:04:20 PM

@ Faruk Beisser ... is there even a need to say anything about your ridiculous post? Anyway, What did I say just a day ago "mark my words, if we do not deal with Iran and Syria, Iraq will become increasingly hostile" They are encouraged by Iran, Iraq would never dare to do such a thing otherwise ..... the AKP is making a mess out of things,

hisham majed

9/13/2012 10:06:43 AM

@ Ismail Its not pathetic, its the very least Iraq should do. First Turkey bypasses the Iraqi National government and starts to trade oil directly with the Kurds and then Turkey gives refuge to a VP convicted of murdering dozens of officials. Al-Hashemi. What would you do Mr Hijazi ? Strengthen ties or reduce them ??

Sam Steel

9/13/2012 9:53:49 AM

@Ismail: As opposed to Turkey being a satellite state to the USA? At least Iraq has a few excuses such as being completely destroyed and had a power vacuum that was filled by the smartest neighbors. What excuse does Turkey have to do every dirty deed of the USA? or harbor a fugitive from the law of a neighboring country which is supposedly a friend? With friends like Turkey who needs enemies!

Nikos T.

9/13/2012 9:00:09 AM

Was that zero problems with neighbors they wanted, problems with every neighbor or zero neighbors? In the end Turkish politicians will fight with each other.

Faruk Beisser

9/13/2012 7:44:28 AM

Ismail, you seem to be getting something confused here. Not Iraq, Turkey is the new satellite of Iran, and soon the Great Leader will become the Grand Ayatollah!

Ismail Hijazi

9/13/2012 12:12:27 AM

Iraq has become a satellite state of Iran. Really pathetic!

< >