Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim Jaafari told the UN Security Council that Turkey had invaded Iraqi territory without permission, and asked for a Council resolution condemning the invasion and ordering the withdrawal of Turkish troops, Sputniknews.com reports.
Earlier this month, Turkey deployed about 150 troops and 25 tanks to a base in the Iraqi Nineveh province, without Baghdad’s approval. Baghdad regards the deployment as illegal.
“Iraq is requesting the Security Council to assume its international legal responsibilities under the UN Charter, and to adopt a clear and explicit resolution includes the following, first, condemnation of the Turkish occupation and illegal incursion against the will of a founding member state of the UN, in breaching the rules and provisions of the UN Charter and the norms of international law. Second, demanding Turkey to withdraw its troops immediately,” Jaafari told the UN Security Council of Friday.
Last week, the Iraqi Foreign Ministry said it had officially filed a complaint with the UN Security Council, calling on the United Nations to ensure an immediate withdrawal of the Turkish forces from its country’s territory.
Jaafari told the Council on Friday that Iraq retains its right of self-defense and is ready to take all necessary measures to end Turkey’s “hostile act” if it is carried out again.
The Turkish authorities reported after the Nineveh incident that their troops had entered Iraq to ensure the security of the Turkish soldiers deployed earlier at the base to train local militias, fighting against terrorist groups.