Turkish Minister Barred From Landing In Iraq

Turkish Energy Minister Taner Yildiz

Turkish and Iraqi officials say Baghdad has banned a plane carrying a Turkish cabinet minister from landing in the autonomous Kurdish region.

The head of the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority, Nassir Bandar, said Turkish Energy Minister Tanir Yildiz's plane was supposed to land in Irbil, but it was denied permission to do so.

He cited lack of legal approval.

Relations between Iraq and Turkey have been strained after fugitive Sunni Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi sought refuge in Turkey.

Hashimi has been accused by Iraq's Shi'ite-led government that he was running death squads.

Ankara rejected Baghdad's request to hand over Hashimi, who was tried and convicted in absentia.

Iraq's government and the autonomous Kurdish region have been involved in various disputes over rights to develop natural resources.

Based on reporting by AP and AFP