Two Busloads Of Turkmens To Kirkuk Daily

In Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, where most Iraqi Turkmens live, the Turkmens are leaving for Iraq. They pack their belongings, load them on to TIR (International Road Transports), and then buy tickets for Habur Border Gate. Three to five families fill the bus for the 30-hour trip to Kirkuk, and at least two buses leave every day.

The General President of the Iraqi-Turk Cooperation Association, Kemal Beyatli, disclosed that there are about 15 thousand Iraqi Turkmens in Turkey. Beyatli said, "Iraqi Turks who, years ago, couldn’t get a residence permit for Turkey and went to other countries are now returning to Kirkuk. Our Turkmen brothers will settle down and start a new life in Kirkuk. Some of them couldn’t take their passports when they left Iraq so suddenly, and they now face some difficulties going to Kirkuk.

Beyatli added that the Association provides Turkmens with financial help; it buys their bus tickets for them and gives them pocket money.

Isa Sezen / Izmir / TURKEY