MOSCOW (Sputnik) – On Thursday, the CHP is set to vote in favor of extending the mandate stipulating the Turkish Armed Forces' military actions in Syria and Iraq against ISIL militants. In 2014, when the mandate was adopted, the CHP voted against it, arguing the move would be a "legalized right to conduct a war."
"Such factors as the rapid strengthening of the ISIL terrorist group and the threat it poses to Turkey, and the deteriorating situation on the border areas [with Syria] have played the key role in our decision to support the extension of the mandate," Ciray said.
According to Ciray, the CHP does not support the government's interference with Syria's internal affairs despite its decision to back the mandate's extension.
Turkey, which supports the anti-ISIL coalition led by the United States, shares a 550-mile southern border with Syria, where the militant group has seized large territories.
In July, Ankara launched a military campaign to tackle ISIL militants in Syria.
