ANAVATAN Leader Urges Türkiye to Swap Border Crossings Rather Than Debate Iraq Intervention

Motherland Party (ANAVATAN) leader Erkan Mumcu called on the government Monday to focus on practical steps rather than speculation about military intervention in Iraq, speaking to reporters in the northern city of Ordu.

Mumcu argued that Türkiye should pursue firm, clear-headed diplomacy to defend its interests, particularly regarding Iraq's territorial integrity and the future status of Kirkuk. He said Türkiye would not be taken seriously without demonstrating genuine resolve.

On a specific policy point, Mumcu pressed the government to replace the Habur border crossing with a new one at Ovakoy, saying that concrete action on Türkiye's own territory would signal far more determination than ongoing talk of intervention.

He also criticized the government for what he described as an inadequate response to events unfolding in northern Iraq.

Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in January 2007, in its own words.