SECRETARY-GENERAL URGES RESTRAINT OVER TURKEY VOTE ON CROSS-BORDER RAIDS

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

Recent attacks by the PKK inside Turkey have been rightly condemned by the international community.  However, the Secretary-General is concerned about the decision by the Parliament of Turkey enabling the Armed Forces to take cross-border military action in Iraq against PKK targets.  The Secretary-General strongly urges all sides to demonstrate restraint at this delicate juncture.  He welcomes the affirmation by the Turkish Foreign Minister that Turkey is open to discussing all problems in Iraq.

The Secretary-General also calls on the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government to ensure that Iraq’s territory is not used to mount cross-border attacks.

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For information media • not an official record