EP lawmaker penalized over Turkish delight protest

By Yusuf Ozcan
STRASBOURG, France (AA) – European Parliament (EP) lawmaker Angelo Ciocca Thursday got punished for throwing a box of Turkish delight at a session in protest of Turkey’s counter-terrorism operation in northern Syria.
On Oct. 9, Turkey launched “Operation Peace Spring” to eliminate terror corridor sought to be established near its southern borders, bring peace and stability to the war-weary people in northern Syria.
David Sassoli, the head of EP, said far-rightist Italian lawmaker Ciocca’s act was disrespectful and not acceptable, adding his behavior damaged the reputation of the parliament.
Sassoli said he got in contact with the presidents of political parties and he would no longer allow any act harming the parliament’s prestige.
He went on to say that Ciocca was suspended from joining EP’s activities for a period of five days.
On Oct. 9, Turkey launched Operation Peace Spring to eliminate PKK terrorists and its Syrian offshoot YPG from northern Syria east of the Euphrates River in order to secure Turkey’s borders, aid in the safe return of Syrian refugees, and ensure Syria’s territorial integrity.
Turkish authorities reiterated that the anti-terror operation is in line with Article 51 of the UN Charter on the right to self-defense and UN Security Council resolutions on the fight against terrorism.
In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the European Union -- has been responsible for deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.
* Ali Murat Alhas contributed to this story from Ankara