Iraqi Communist Party calls for immediate end to Turkish military operations

The Iraqi Communist Party issued a press statement on 22 February 2008 condemning the incursion by Turkish forces into Iraqi territory and calling on the Turkish authorities to immediately end their military operations. The following is the text of the statement:

We have followed with utmost concern and dismay the news about the incursion and air strikes carried out by the Turkish forces in Iraqi Kurdistan region since Thursday evening 21 February 2008, in blatant violation of Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, under the pretext of attacking the positions of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).

While condemning this aggression, we call on the Turkish authorities to end their military operations immediately, withdraw their forces from our land and respect Iraq’s international borders. We also call on them to pursue peaceful and diplomatic solutions to tackle issues of mutual interest. These operations, and others, have proved that resorting to military action will not solve the problem, and there is no alternative but to address the root causes of the issue of the Kurdish people in Turkey, understand their demands and and recognize their legitimate rights.

At the same time, we call on all the parties concerned to respect Iraq’s territorial integrity and its relations with its neighbors, and not to use its territory for launching any operation of a military nature. We believe it is important to address the issue of the Kurdish people in Turkey peacefully and democratically, and in accordance with international covenants and norms and the principles of human rights.

Central Information Bureau
Iraqi Communist Party
22-2-2008