Turkish PM's reaction to my remarks on Iraqi Kurdish referendum are against political kindness: MHP head

Turkey's opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli has criticized Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım over replying to his comments regarding the planned independence referendum in the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) of northern Iraq. 

Bahçeli had suggested that the vote should be deemed a "cause of war" for Ankara if necessary, prompting Yıldırım to say that it doesn't amount to a "casus belli." 

"The fact that Yıldırım reacted hastily and felt necessity to correct my comments on the dangers our country is facing is against political kindness and grace," Bahçeli said on Aug. 26, as he added that those that need to be criticized and their "treacherous intentions" are in Arbil.  

"This referendum is a sneaky prestudy and a dark precursor move in order for the foundation of Kurdistan. It's a national necessity for Yıldırım to see this," Bahçeli also said. 

The planned referendum in northern Iraq has been on the agenda of Turkey for a number of days, with Ankara calling on KRG President Masoud Barzani to cancel the vote on Sept. 25. 

One of the harshest comments had come from Bahçeli regarding the referendum, who said that "the vote is completely against Turkmens and Turkey." 

"We must disapprove of [KRG President Masoud] Barzani's referendum preparations, including in Turkmen towns. It should be known that this potential referendum is a rehearsal for Kurdistan. This referendum is completely against Turkmens and Turkey. It should be deemed a cause of war for Turkey if necessary," Bahçeli said at a press briefing on Aug. 24. 

On his way back from Vietnam on Aug. 25, Yıldırım was asked about Bahçeli's remarks.

"Between who does war break out? Wars occur between states. We don't...