- Sputnik International
World
Get the latest news from around the world, live coverage, off-beat stories, features and analysis.

Arab League Slams Turkey's 'Blatant Intervention' in Iraq

© AP Photo / Burhan OzbiliciTurkish army troops sit in the back of a military truck as they return from northern Iraq, in Cukurca in Hakkari province at the Turkey-Iraq border, Friday, Feb. 29, 2008.
Turkish army troops sit in the back of a military truck as they return from northern Iraq, in Cukurca in Hakkari province at the Turkey-Iraq border, Friday, Feb. 29, 2008. - Sputnik International
Subscribe
The international backlash against Turkey has continued, with the Arab League being the latest organization to condemn the deployment of Turkish troops in Northern Iraq, labeling the incident an "intervention."

Following international criticism at Turkey's decision to send troops into Northern Iraq to train Kurdish forces without Baghdad's permission, Nabil Elaraby, Secretary-General of the Arab League, said the act was a "blatant intervention."

He told newspaper Al Youm El Sabea that while the Arab League couldn't take direct action against Turkey, they could release a statement condemning Ankara for the breach of Iraq's national sovereignty.

Elaraby also warned that if Turkey continued to intervene in Iraqi territory without permission, then the Arab League would go to the UN Security Council to try and resolve the issue.

The furor comes after more than 100 Turkish troops, along with tanks and artillery, entered Kurdish-controlled territory in Northern Iraq.

Turkish officials said the deployment was merely part of a routine training exercise with Kurdish forces to help them fight against Daesh, also known as ISIL.

However, Iraqi officials angrily criticized Turkey's actions, saying that the move was a "serious breach of sovereignty."

With tensions rising, Baghdad on Sunday threatened to go to the UN Security Council unless Turkey removed its forces within 48 hours.

"Iraq has the right to use all available options, including resorting to the UN Security Council if these forces are not withdrawn within 48 hours," Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said in a statement.

Iraqi Defense Minister Khaled al-Obeidi backed his prime minister, saying that Turkey needed to consult with the Iraqi government, regardless of what their motives were in the fight against jihadist groups in the region.

"No matter the size of the force entering Iraq, it is rejected. It was possible to undertake this sort of prior coordination without creating circumstances which contributed to a crisis between the two countries," al-Obeidi said.

Turkey has come under serious international criticism over the country's actions in recent times, particularly following the shooting down of a Russian jet last month, which resulted in the death of one Russian pilot.

The incident sparked a rebuke from fellow NATO member states, and led Russian President Vladimir Putin to label Turkey as "accomplices of terrorists."

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала