The memorandum between the two countries does not say so, but it seems evident that the intention is to exchange information and cooperation in order to exorcise the attraction that Iraqi Kurdistan wields over millions of Kurds who live in neighbouring countries.

Ankara (AsiaNews) - The memorandum signed by Turkey and Iran to develop cooperation on security is clearly, if not explicitly, anti-Kurdish.  The agreement, announced by the interior ministry of Ankara, was reached at the end of a series of conversations that saw the participation of Iranian deputy interior minister Abbas Mohtaj.

A statement from Turkish officials says that "the growth of some terrorist movements in the region is damaging both countries, and the most positive way to combat them is the exchange of information and cooperation in the field of security".

Even if it is not said explicitly, the reference is to the separatist Kurdish groups, against which Turkish air raids continue in Iraqi territory.  The growing autonomy of Iraqi Kurdistan is looked upon with preoccupation by Ankara and Tehran, because of the fear that this could be a pole of attraction for the Kurdish populations residing in the surrounding regions of the two countries.

The Iranian news agency ISNA situates the agreement in the context of Tehran's programme for increasing regional cooperation on security.  Iranian experts will meet for this purpose in Saudi Arabia next month.

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