Turkish Presence in N. Iraq is Illegal
"Maintaining troops in the area against KADEK carries the aim of protection," said Prof. Dr. Ulku Azrak.
Uskul and Azrak, who are both constitution legists, said the presence of U.S. troops in Turkey was a violation of the constitution.
Uskul: The Turkish Armed Forces could cause confrontations
Prof. Uskul said fighting could result from Turkish Armed Forces going into northern Iraq. And that would create a situation similar to the U.S. attack on Iraq, he added.
* Turkey can send troops into northern Iraq only if there is an attack against it, or if after the war, the United Nations (U.N.) gives Turkey the task of maintaining security in the region.
* People in northern Iraq do not accept the presence of Turkish Armed Forces. A Turkish military presence or action in northern Iraq could give rise to fighting in the region.
* The Turkish Armed Forces currently in northern Iraq aim to take measures in case of a possible refugee influx. They give the impression that they are there solely for humanitarian purposes. So, no one is objecting to that. But if the Turkish troops start moving inwards, this will lead to fighting and thus it is not legitimate.
* A confrontation between the groups in northern Iraq, or the establishment of a federal state are not legitimate reasons for Turkey to send troops into northern Iraq. The U.S. and it allies entering into Iraq is far from international legitimacy, and is illegal. If Turkey sends troops into northern Iraq, it will have done the same thing.
Azrak: The border is being protected
"If Turkey increases its military presence in northern Iraq because it fears terrorism, how it is not going to be able to make the international community accept this," said Prof. Azrak.
* The Turkish Armed Forces see KADEK as a threat and control the borders to keep Kurdish rebels under supervision and to prevent them from coming into Turkey. I don't think they would get do other things. The U.S. did not attack Iraq because of a proven threat. Turkey however, is fighting this terrorist group for the last 20 years.
* But Turkey should not give the impression that it is an invasion force in northern Iraq and should act inline with international law. It should also take into consideration that the international community and the European Union have a positive view about Kurds.
The presence of U.S. troops in Turkey is not legal
"It is obvious that there is a U.S. troop presence in Turkey. This exceeds the limits of the modernization agreement. The government should make an explanation," said Prof. Uskul.
"With its military presence in Turkey, the U.S. is violating the parliament's decision not to allow foreign troops in Turkey," said Prof. Azrak. "We are witnessing the activity of these troops. Missiles are falling. Turkey must urgently prevent this situation that is a violation of the constitution. The Turkish Armed Forces should not cooperate with the U.S. troops," he added. (OG/BB/EA/NM)