Turkish PM denies deal with Iraq to launch joint operation against PKK

Turkish Prime Minister’s office said in a statement on Tuesday, March 27, that Yildirim spoke by phone with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi.

According to the statement Yildirim said the information regarding launching joint operations on Iraqi soil was transmitted inaccurately, adding that Turkey instead meant that it would not carry out any operations without the Iraqi government’s approval.

“Turkey respects Iraqi sovereignty and will not do anything to violate Iraq’s sovereignty,” the statement cited Turkish prime minister, NRT reported.

Abadi, for his part, said Iraqi forces had instructions to prevent “foreign fighters” from launching cross-border attacks on Turkey.

“We reject any Turkish violation of our land,” Abadi added.

Last week, Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari rejected any military action on Iraq’s soil by any neighboring country.

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