Iraqi Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki, has told Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan to stop interfering in Iraq's regional issues and focus on his own country. In a strongly worded statement, Maliki said Erdogan does not have the right to get involved in Iraq's matters, considering Turkey is heading towards a civil war. He told the Turkish leader to solve problems of minorities in his own country and to protect Turkey from the aggravated domestic and regional problems. Maliki's attack came after Erdogan accused the Iraqi government of inciting a civil war in Iraq following tensions between Baghdad and Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). Erdogan also expressed his fears about the eruption of a civil war over oil in Iraq. However, Maliki opened the door for potential cooperation, saying that the countries can build a relationship based on respect and mutual interests.