LOC20:55
17:55 GMT
IRBIL, Feb 23 (KUNA) -- The Iraqi Kurdistan regional presidency, government
and parliament here Saturday voiced resentment at Turkish attacks on the
region, casting doubts about the real intentions of such Turkish offensives.
A spokesman for the presidency said in a release that all preparations and
arrangements were taken to face any Turkish aggression on the people of
Kurdistan Region or populated areas there.
Orders have been issued to the population of Kurdistan Region to valiantly
resist Turkish attacks, he said.
Kurdistan Region President Masud Barazani has recently said the region will
not be a party to the fighting between Turkey and Kurdistan Workers Party
(PKK), the release said.
It quoted Kurdistan officials as casting doubts about the real intentions
of Turkish attacks, considering that the genuine goal is to target Kurdistan
Region, rather than the PKK.
The Kurdistan Parliament also condemned Turkish attacks as "inhumane",
urging the international community, European Parliament and multinational
forces to put an end to such "illegal" operations.
It also refuted Turkish excuses for such military offensives as "baseless",
believing that Turkey feared the successful democratic experiment in Kurdistan.
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) denounced the Turkish offensive,
and urged the government of Turkey to pull out its forces immediately.
It also called for resolving the PKK issue through peaceful, not military,
means.
It also urged the UN to do everything it could to stop Turkish military
operations. (end)
sbr.mt
KUNA 232055 Feb 08NNNN