Iraq condemns U.S-British violations of airspace

Baghdad, Dec. 30, INA

While Iraq is keen on developing relations with Turkey, it condemns the Turkish parliament's decision of extending the work of the US and British warplanes, which violate Iraqi airspace, the so called "northern surveillance force" for new six months. A spokesman for Iraqi Foreign Ministry said that the Turkish parliament voted in a session held on December25, 2001, to agree on extending the work of US and British warplanes, the so-called 'northern surveillance force', for new six months starting from 31 December, 2001 in accordance with a recommendation submitted by Turkish government.

The spokesman said "While Iraq is keen on developing relations with Turkey, it condemns the Turkish government and parliament's decision of extending the work of the US and British warplanes, which violate Iraqi airspace, perpetrate continued aggression, kill Iraqi civilians and threaten Iraq's security." This decision represent an active participation in the U.S-British aggression which violates Iraq's sovereignty and contradicts the UN Charter, principles of international law and principles of good neighborliness.

This decision contradicts the Turkish government declaration of maintaining Iraq's unity and safety and not to interfere in Iraq's internal affairs, this decision would extend the abnormal situation in Northern Iraq, the spokesman said.

The government of Iraq holds the Turkish government responsible for the damage caused by the aggression and asks Turkey to stop opening its airspace and bases to U.S and British forces.