LOC09:04
06:04 GMT
BRUSSELS, Feb 26 (KUNA) -- The European Union said late Monday that it is
following with "great concern" the operation of the Turkish Army in the
territory of Iraq.
"While recognizing Turkey's need to protect its population from terrorism,"
the EU called on Turkey to refrain from taking any disproportionate military
action and to respect Iraq's territorial integrity, human rights and the rule
of law.
An EU Presidency statement also called on Turkey to limit its military
activities to those which are absolutely necessary for achieving its main
purpose -- the protection of the Turkish population from terrorism.
Finally, the EU encouraged Turkish authorities to pursue dialogue with
their international partners, particularly with the government of Iraq.
Slovenia holds the current EU Presidency.
The EU reiterated its call on the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan
Regional Government to take appropriate measures and ensure that the Iraqi
territory is not used for violent action against Iraq's neighbours. (end)
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