Members of the European Parliament condemn Turkish aggression against Kurdish regions and call for action to stop the attacks.
The following are some of the comments tweeted by MEPs in response to last night’s spate of cross-border airstrikes in various locations in Syria and Iraq:
Nikolai VillumsenMember of the European Parliament on behalf of the Red-Green Alliance and Vice-President of the Left in the European Parliament:
“The Turkish attacks on Kobane and other Kurdish cities in northeastern Syria and northern Iraq are not only a clear violation of international law, but also a destabilization of safe areas where millions of people live and a weakening of the fight against ISIS and terror .”
Andrew Schieder from the Progressive Socialists and Democrats Group of the European Parliament:
“So sad and dangerous: Turkish attacks started tonight not only on Kobanê, but also in other cities in Rojava and Iraq. This Turkish bombing of the “safe” areas of northern Syria threatens the entire region. We call for an immediate cessation of these hostilities.”
Anna MirandaMember of the European Parliament for the EFA Group:
“If the global coalition to defeat ISIS opposes this illegal war, then its members must immediately take strong steps through economic, political, diplomatic and legal measures to force Turkey to comply with international law.”
Max LukeGreens Group Turkey Policy spokesperson:
“There is no justification for violations of international law. Therefore, there is no justification for Turkey’s new bombings in Syria and Iraq. Destabilizing an entire region by a NATO partner is completely unacceptable.”
Martin SchirdewanCo-President of the Left (GUE/NGL):
“Turkey bombed Rojava massively last night. Erdoğan attacks those who fight ISIS. Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser wants to speak tomorrow about “terrorism” in Ankara. This visit must be cancelled! There is also a limit to hypocrisy.”
Katrin Langensiepenmember of the Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance:
“I was in Rojava region about 14 days ago. The local population lives in poverty, but also tries to build democratic structures. The development and stabilization of the region is destroyed by such attacks by Turkey.”
Francois Alfonsimember of the Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance:
Turkey bombs Kobanî in Syrian Kurdistan in “retaliation” for the Istanbul bombing without any credible information to establish Kurdish responsibility. In fact, it was designed to justify the invasion of Syrian Kurdistan and Northern Iraq with the use of chemical weapons.
Sergey Lagodinskymember of the Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance and chair of the delegation to the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee:
“I am very concerned about this development. As I said recently at the hearing in the European Parliament, security concerns do not justify human rights and violations of international law. I hope for restraint and compliance with international law.”
Massimiliano Smerigliomember of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats:
“Right now the Turkish army is bombing Kobane in Syrian Kurdistan. Let’s stop another massacre. In all international forums, we call on Erdogan to stop now.”