EU Turkey Civic Commission Strongly Condemns Turkish incursion into Kurdistan, Iraq

24. February 2008
Press Release: For immediate release
 

EU Turkey Civic Commission Strongly Condemns Turkish incursion into Kurdistan, Iraq

On 21 February, up to 10 000 Turkish soldiers, with the blessing of the US, crossed the Iraqi Kurdistan border in order to track down PKK guerrillas. The Turkish State started its extensive aerial attacks in Iraqi Kurdistan on 16 December, 2007. These bombings resulted in the destruction of peaceful settlements and the killing and wounding of civilians.

The operation, according to Patrick Cockburn (writing in The Independent), is said to be the largest ground incursion by Turkey into Iraq since the American invasion in 2003. A hidden aim of the Turkish offensive is to undermine the Kurdish region. Turkey regards the semi-independence of Iraqi Kurdistan, and the Kurds' claim to the oil city of Kirkuk, as providing encouragement for Kurds in Turkey.

The incursion has been condemned by the UN, and the EU has urged Turkey to refrain from taking any "disproportionate military action" adding that it is watching the situation "closely". These statements, however, are far too mild and are not likely to affect Turkey’s military cross-border activities. The weak attitude of the US and the EU, and the world community regarding the attacks, should be reason for deep concern. As a reaction to the incursion by Turkey the prominent ex-parliamentarian Leyla Zana stated: “Do not push the Kurds into this situation. Peaceful and democratic routes should be opened up. Kurdish identity should be constitutionally recognised. If recognised there will be a wide door open to peace”.

On receiving the news of the Turkish military incursion the chair of the EUTCC Kariane Westrheim stated: “The Turkish military operation can only be regarded as an invasion of Iraqi Kurdistan, an attack against the rights gained by the Kurdish people and a serious violation of international law and should accordingly not be tolerated.

“The EUTCC calls on the European Union, the United States and the international community to issue a clear condemnation of the military incursion into Iraqi Kurdistan which is a threat to peace and stability in the region. A solution to the Kurdish question can only be solved through peaceful means. A military solution will only cause losses on both sides. The PKK has long called for dialogue and negotiations. We urge Turkey to listen to the call.” 

For further information:
Kariane Westrheim
Menneskerettighetenes plass 1
5007 Bergen, Norway
Telephone: +47 976 42 088