The Turkish parliament is discussing the extension of the government's mandate for conducting military operations abroad for one year (starting from October 30, 2017), Anadolu reports.
The bill, signed by Prime Minister Binali Yildirim at an extraordinary meeting, is preparing to support the three leading political forces represented in the country's parliament: the ruling Justice and Development Party, as well as the Nationalist Movement Party and the Republican People's Party.
Nurettin Janikli, the Minister of National Defense of Turkey, speaking on behalf of the government, reminded the parliamentarians about the operation "Shield of the Euphrates", carried out on the basis of the mandate given to the Turkish government by the parliament, which ultimately struck a blow against plans to create a political structure on Syrian-controlled lands in Syria.
"The risks to the national security of Turkey are still real. For this reason, the government asks the parliament to extend the powers provided for by the mandate to conduct military operations outside the country, "Janikli said.
The Minister of National Defense of Turkey further drew attention to the referendum scheduled for September 25 in the Kurdish regional autonomy of Iraq (KRAI).
"A referendum in the north of Iraq can lead to a chain reaction. This irresponsible step can lead to unprovable processes in the region. In Syria, we are already observing from time to time a dangerous rapprochement between the world powers. After the referendum in the north of Iraq, threats in the region will increase, "Janikli said.
According to him, the situation in the region is very fragile. "Changing even one factor can eventually disrupt the entire balance of power, which will form new foci of confrontation and problems. The wave of confrontation can eventually find a world-class conflict, "the Turkish minister warned.
The bill emphasizes the importance of combating the threats to the national security of Turkey, formed against the background of attempts to violate the territorial integrity of Iraq and Syria, the desire to create in the region in violation of the legal norms of the status quo.
In addition, the document points to the importance of taking measures to counter threats, based on Turkey's legitimate law, based on the norms of international law.
The bill says that Turkey attaches great importance to territorial integrity, national unity and stability in Iraq. At the same time, DEAS and PKK fighters continue to operate in Iraq. "Steps are being taken in this country aimed at inciting interethnic discord, which poses a direct threat to peace and stability in the region, as well as to the security of Turkey," the document says.
