KIRKUK
Assassination attempt targeted the Chairman of the Iraqi Turkmen Front, Arshad al-Salihi in Iraqi province of Kirkuk on Sunday.
A land mine detonated while Salihi's convoy was passing by en route to Taza district, 10 kilometers away from Kirkuk.
While there were no casualties, Salihi's armoured vehicle was heavily damaged due to the blast.
Salihi told AA that they were to visit Taza, one of the most important settlements for Turkmens, and a land mine was detonated with remote control.
"The windows of my armoured vehicle were smashed due to the attack. The vehicles of my security staff were not armoured. If the land mine had detonated near them, casualties would have been high," said Salihi.
Security forces continue to investigate the incident, noted Salihi.
Salihi stressed that the attack was organized to prevent Turkmens from pursuing their rightful causes.
Salihi said that they have made a proposal for Turkmens to establish their local security forces.
"They might have targeted us because of this demand, but we will insist on own security forces." he said.
Turkish FM calls al-Salihi after surviving assassination attempt
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu called the Chairman of the Iraqi Turkmen Front Arshad al-Salihi by phone on Sunday, wishing him get well soon.
According to diplomatic sources, the minister had a phone call with Salihi on Sunday evening.
Davutoglu wished him get well soon, and said Turkey would always support Turkmens.
The Turkmen leader thanked Davutoglu for his wish.
An assassination attempt targeted the Chairman of the Iraqi Turkmen Front from which he survived. A land mine detonated while Salihi's convoy was passing by en route to Taza district, 10 kilometers away from Kirkuk.
Turkey condemns assassination attempt targeting Iraqi Turkmen leader
Turkey vehemently condemned the assasination attempt targeting Iraqi Turkmen Front (ITF) leader Arshad al-Salihi, according to the statement released by Turkish Foreign Ministry.
The statement said it was pleasing that Salihi could survive the attempt.
"We call all the representatives of the parties in Iraq's political arena to take the steps, which are required for Iraq's peace and stability, as soon as possible," the ministry said.
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu also called Salihi and wished him to get well soon.
An assassination attempt targeted the Chairman of the Iraqi Turkmen Front from which he survived. A land mine detonated while Salihi's convoy was passing by en route to Taza district, 10 kilometers away from Kirkuk.
This is the second attack targeting Turkmen leaders. Deputy head of Iraqi Turkmen Front Ali Hashim Mukhtaroglu was killed in a suicide attack organized on June 25, 2013.
englishnews@aa.com.tr
