Gonul: Only Target Of Cross-border Operation Is To Eliminate Terrorist Organization

PARIS - Turkish National Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul said on Tuesday that a cross-border operation of Turkish security forces has one and only target which is to end presence of terrorist organization in the north of Iraq.
Speaking at the Interparliamentary European Security & Defense Assembly, Gonul stressed that any operation which will be staged by Turkish security forces will be in line with international norms.
Gonul recalled that Turkish government asked for cross-border operation authority from Turkish Parliament to prevent the north of Iraq from becoming a secure zone for terrorists.
Gonul said that Turkey earlier expressed the importance of protection of territorial integrity and sovereignty of Iraq.
Touching on the economic assistance which Turkey provided to Iraq, Gonul expressed the importance of goods which are transported with hundreds of trucks as well as services from Turkey to Iraq everyday.
Gonul said that Turkey will also continue its diplomatic initiatives for Iraq`s fulfilling its responsibilities within the scope of international agreements and good neighborly relations.
Gonul stressed that terrorism can be prevented through international cooperation.