“Our message to our Kurdish brothers is for negotiation in order to resolve the Kirkuk question and issues in the disputed areas,” Salihi said in a written statement.

“This is the best option to achieve justice for all of groups,” he added.

Earlier this week, Salihi called on the Kurdish leadership to reach an agreement with them on the matter, rather than with Sunnis and Shias, NRT reorted.

Solutions regarding the disputed areas should be made with the Turkmen, not with the Iraqi forces, with whom the Kurds should form a new government, argued the head of the Turkmen front Arshad Salihi on Wednesday.

“The Turkmens decide on Kirkuk, Tuz Khurmatu, and other disputed areas,” he added in a press conference.

“Any agreement between the Kurds and the Shia and Sunni will fail because the case of the disputed areas [must involve] Turkmen.”

His remarks came one day after Turkish ambassador to Baghdad, Fatih Yildiz, said Kirkuk is the “land of ancestors” for them and that Turkey is the “land of ancestors” for Kirkuk residents.

Reporter’s code: 50101