Leading MEPs are worried about a possible escalation of violence after Türkiye launched a military operation in Syria and Iraq.
Parliament’s Standing Rapporteur for Türkiye Nacho Sánchez Amor (S&D, ES) and Chair of the EP Delegation to the EU-Türkiye Joint Parliamentary Committee Sergey Lagodinsky (Greens/EFA, DE) issued the following statement following the launch of operation ‘Claw Sword’ by the Turkish military.
“The recent military operation in Northern Syria and Iraq has caused us great concern. While we acknowledge Türkiye’s right to self-defence, we urge utmost caution as well as unambiguous respect for international law and human rights. We join European Parliament President Metsola and many others in calling on the Turkish authorities to exercise restraint in full respect of international standards. The civilian population should never be the victim of military self-defence. Use of force must always be duly justified, proportionate and within the boundaries of international law.”
“We are genuinely concerned about a possible escalation of violence and the risk of increased instability both in the region and within Türkiye. Furthermore, we are worried about the possible surge in an already highly nationalistic narrative – widely shared across the political spectrum in the country – particularly ahead of the upcoming elections, which are due next year.”
