UPDATE - Turkey's security council backs Iraq's Kirkuk operation

UPDATES WITH MORE DETAILS

By Merve Aydogan and Kubra Chohan

ANKARA (AA) - A meeting of the National Security Council on Monday backed Baghdad’s operation in Kirkuk, the council said in a statement.

Referring to the meeting of Turkey’s senior military and political figures, the statement said: “Our sensitivity and anticipation of the central Iraqi administration’s operation in Kirkuk… and the aim to establish the city according to its historical depth has been particularly emphasized.”

The council called for the federal government in Baghdad to take control of Ibrahim Khalil border crossing, also known as Habur, between Turkey and the Kurdish region in northern Iraq and proposed closing Turkish airspace for flights heading to or departing from Kurdish territory in Iraq.

The statement said the council also evaluated Baghdad's steps to establish constitutional sovereignty across Iraq.

Chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the council also reiterated Turkey’s support for Iraq’s territorial integrity.

Late Sunday, Iraqi forces began moving in on the Kurdish held city of Kirkuk.

Last month, the Kurdish Regional Government held an illegitimate referendum across northern Iraq that resulted in a vote for independence from Baghdad. The vote was opposed by Baghdad as well as Turkey and the U.S.

The council also evaluated the role of Turkish troops as per Astana agreement, to ensure lasting peace in Syria.

- State of emergency

In line with agreements reached at peace talks in Astana, Kazakhstan, Turkish troops are tasked with monitoring a cease-fire and establishing a series of observation posts along the line between the Syrian areas of Idlib and Afrin.

On Thursday night, Turkish military convoys entered northern Idlib after being dispatched from Reyhanli in Turkey’s southern Hatay province.

The council also agreed to advise an extension in the state of emergency, “in efforts to continue the measures to protect our democracy, principles of the state of law and protection of our citizens’ rights and freedoms".

Turkey declared a state of emergency on July 20, 2016, five days after the defeated coup attempted by Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO). It has been extended three times since then.

According to the Turkish Constitution, a state of emergency can be declared for a maximum period of six months.

During the state of emergency, the Cabinet has the right to issue statutory decrees under the President of the Republic without regard to routine procedures and restrictions in Article 91 of the Constitution.

These decrees are first published in the Official Gazette and then submitted to Parliament for ratification.