Turkey: Main opposition backs operations in Syria, Iraq

By Muhammet Emin Avundukluoglu

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) on Tuesday supported a motion in the parliament, seeking extension of military operations in Syria and northern Iraq.

"Out of respect for soldiers, out of respect for mothers who sent their sons off to the military, we say 'Yes' to the motion,” leader of the opposition Kemal Kilicdaroglu, told his party’s parliamentary group.

Kilicdaroglu reminded that Turkey was already involved militarily in northern Syria.

"We should protect these soldiers," he said.

The motion, which was submitted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government, had previously allowed the Turkish military, to carry out cross-border operations for one year, from Oct. 30, 2018 until Oct. 30, 2019.

The motion further stated that Turkey attaches great importance to the protection of Iraq's territorial integrity, national unity and stability.