Iraq and Syria mandate published in the Official Gazette

The decision to extend the mandate for sending troops to Iraq and Syria for another 2 years, which was accepted in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) with the affirmative votes of the AKP, MHP, IYI Party, Felicity Party, Future Party, and DEVA Party, has been published in the Official Gazette.

In the decision regarding the extension of the military's term of duty in Iraq and Syria, it was stated that "the developments in the regions adjacent to Turkey's southern land borders and the ongoing conflict environment continue to pose increasing risks and threats to national security."

The decision stated, "Taking necessary measures in line with our rights arising from international law is of vital importance for our national security."

The decision, which conveyed that terrorist organizations, primarily the PKK/PYD-YPG and ISIS, continue their actions against Turkey, national security, and civilians in areas adjacent to Turkey's border in Syria, included the following statements:

"The PKK/PYD-YPG continues its separatist activities in Syria. Measures are being taken in line with our legitimate national security interests to maintain the calm and stability established in our operational areas. Risks and threats targeting our activities aimed at establishing stability and security in Idlib within the framework of the Astana process continue.

Within the framework of all these developments, taking necessary measures in line with our rights arising from international law against all kinds of risks, threats, and actions that may pose a danger to our national security, aimed at disrupting the territorial integrity of Iraq and Syria and creating illegitimate faits accomplis on the ground, is of vital importance for our national security."

In the vote held in Parliament, deputies from the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (HEDEP), the Republican People's Party (CHP), and the Labour Party (EMEP) voted "no."