Iraqi Presidency: Any Threat to Iraq's Stability, Security, or Sovereignty Will Not Be Tolerated

Kurdistan 08:49 PM - 2023-09-19

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In a statement, the Iraqi Presidency denounced the assault on Arbat Airfield, saying: "We vehemently denounce these ongoing assaults on the safe cities of the Kurdistan Region, we will also send a letter of protest to the Turkish Presidency through its ambassador in Baghdad."

The following is Iraqi Presidency's full statement:

It is apparent that systematic military attacks are being launched against Iraqi territories day after day, particularly in the Kurdistan Region, for no legitimate military or security reason. As a result of these attacks, Iraq's civilians and military and security facilities are being targeted. We have previously informed Turkey that Iraq is eager to engage in negotiations with the relevant security authorities to resolve security concerns. Turkish officials believe that there are security flaws serving as entry points for those seeking to undermine the country's security. Our request has not yet been responded to meaningfully.

It is possible for security breaches to occur and military operations to be conducted between neighboring countries. The launch of successive military operations against cities, civilians, and military personnel, however, is prohibited under international law and is contrary to the principles of good neighborliness.

A particular concern would be if the aggression was committed by the use of weapons only appropriate for open warfare, such as drones, which have increasingly been used by Turkey to attack Iraqi territory which poses a threat to the security and stability Iraq enjoys today and has not experienced since 2003. As the strongest possible condemnation, we condemn these repeated attacks on the safe cities of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

The successive governments of Iraq have worked to assure neighboring countries, the region, and the world that, following the fall of the former regime in 2003, the new Iraq believes only in dialogue as a means for understanding and resolving disagreements and problems.

Iraq has confirmed its new directions by building communication bridges, restoring diplomatic relations that had been shattered by former regime policies, establishing major joint projects, and opening its doors to countries whose economies could be revived by the Iraqi market, including Turkey, its neighboring country.

It is nonetheless categorically rejected by Iraq that such actions and aggressions in using drones to attack Iraqis are used to confront Iraq's openness and goodwill. It is a matter that the Iraqi government cannot ignore.

Iraq has suffered a great deal as a result of its fight against terrorist organizations. Deash's objective was not just to conquer Iraq, but also to use its territory as a staging ground for terrorist attacks against neighboring countries. For many years, Iraqi citizens from all walks of life have fought this terrorist organization, and Iraq has spent significant resources until terrorist plots have been foiled. Therefore, Iraq has defended its territory and that of its neighbors.

Although all these sacrifices have been made, Iraqi lands are still subject to systematic attacks on a daily basis. In committing these attacks, there is a lack of good faith on the part of the attackers and a lack of desire to maintain a stable, safe relationship between the parties.

As part of our efforts to engage the international community in this matter, in addition to asking the Iraqi security ministries to provide a detailed report on this issue, we will also send a letter of protest to the Turkish Presidency through its ambassador in Baghdad.

Glory and eternity to the heroic Iraqi martyrs, both civilians and safe soldiers, who lost their lives due to repeated Turkish aggression.

As part of its efforts, the new Iraq will make efforts to stop and condemn such attacks, since it believes that dialogue is the most effective means of promoting security and dignity and that it will not tolerate anyone who threatens the security, sovereignty, or stability of the country.

Presidency of the Republic
September 19, 2023

 

 

PUKMEDIA / Iraqi Presidency