Motions for cross border operations in Iraq, passed since October 2007, generally empower the government to order military forces to pursue PKK terrorists.
Turkish deputies began Thursday to debate a new motion on the extention of a one year authorization to carry out cross border operations against terror attacks in northern Iraq.
The Turkish Prime Ministry presented a new motion on Iraq last Friday after the parliament approved authorization to deploy Turkish troops in the face of threats from Syria. The motion states the demand for an extension results from the threat of the PKK terrorist organization which is sheltering in northern Iraq and targeting Turkey’s peace and unity.
It also says Turkey gives great significance to the stability, security and unity of Iraq, while explaining that the Turkish Armed Forces carry out operations by targeting only PKK camps.
The ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party, main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) are expected to vote in favor of the bill while the Pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) is set to vote against.
The CHP avoided explicitly revealing its vote on Monday. A deputy chairman said they will “stun” people with their vote. However senior party figure Akif Hamzacebi told journalists on Thursday that the party will vote in favor of the mandate. “We find it convenient to vote in favor.” The party voted against the bill on Syria, accusing it of being warmongering.
MHP chairman Devlet Bahceli said on Tuesday that the party is inclined to vote in favor of the motion due to their concern for the Turcoman (Turkmen) people living in Iraq.
On the other hand, the motion caused a stir among pro-Kurdish deputies. BDP co-leader Selahattin Demirtas criticized the initiative by saying “Why do you get an authorization against the very people that you want to bring back?” in reference to the solution process the ruling party has started with indirect talks with jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan.
AK Party figures did not talk in detail about the motion.
The first motion for cross border operations in Iraq was approved by parliament on October 18, 2007 and has been extended since. Each motion, with different amendments, generally empowers the government over a one-year period to order military forces to cross into northern Iraq to pursue PKK terrorists.
In order for the mandate to take effect, a simple majority is required at the parliament.
Anatolia News Agency
