https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2021/08/turkish-airstrikes-claim-yazidi-lives-iraqs-sinjar
Turkey air attacks on Sinjar – in Iraq – leads to more Yazidis deaths. UK Minister says “We believe Turkey has a legitimate right to defend itself against the PKK?” How is it “legitimate” for a NATO country to kill Yazidi civilians?
Wendy Morton MP
Minister for the European Neighbourhood and the Americas
King Charles Street
London
SW1A 2AH
Tel: 0207 008 5000
The Lord Alton of Liverpool
House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA
September 2021
Dear Lord Alton,
Thank you for your correspondence of 18, 19 and 21 August to the Foreign Secretary about Turkish operations in northern Iraq. I am replying as the Minister for the European Neighbourhood and the Americas.
The UK continues to follow the situation in northern Iraq closely. The Foreign Secretary met Iraqi President Saleh, Prime Minister Kadhimi and Foreign Minister Hussein during his visit to Iraq on 8-9 June. He welcomed discussions between Iraqi and Turkish Defence Ministers regarding Ankara’s military operations against the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a proscribed terrorist group, in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
He also reiterated the importance of dialogue and cooperation between Iraq and Turkey to combat terrorism, ensure regional security, and protect civilians. The UK respects Iraqi sovereignty, and acknowledges Turkey’s security concerns regarding the PKK. We believe Turkey has a legitimate right to defend itself against the PKK, whose attacks we condemn as we condemn all terrorism. As in any conflict, civilian casualties should be avoided and human rights need to be fully protected.
We support the agreement to normalise the situation in Sinjar as a means to stabilise and reconstruct the region and regard it as a critical step towards stabilising the situation in Iraq. As such, the UK-supported UN Development Programme Funding Facility for Stabilisation (FFS) has completed 490 out of 512 projects identified by community leaders and local authorities for support. In the historically Yezidi areas of Sinjar and Sinuni, FFS has completed 72 out of 87 projects, including the rehabilitation of 23 schools, three primary healthcare centres and four directorate buildings.
The UK also stands with Iraq as it responds to the coronavirus outbreak. In 2020 the UK outlined a £17m UK aid package to help Iraq respond to the pandemic and continue to meet the needs of the most vulnerable.
Funding provides support to the primary health care systems and prioritises health infrastructure rehabilitation medical needs.
Wendy Morton MP
Minister for the European Neighbourhood and the Americas
