Iraq warns of "regional war" if Turkey doesn't withdraw troopsOctober 5, 2016 - 11:35 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi warned Turkey that keeping troops in northern Iraq could lead to a "regional war," according to comments broadcast on state TV on Wednesday, October 5, Reuters reports. Abadi, who spoke at news conference Tuesday evening, was reacting to the Turkish parliament's decision last week to extend a mandate that allows military operations against terrorist organizations in Iraq and Syria for another year. "We have asked more than once the Turkish side not to intervene in Iraqi matters and I fear that the Turkish adventure could turn into a regional war," Abadi said. "The Turkish leadership's behavior is not acceptable and we don’t want to get into a military confrontation with Turkey." The Iraqi parliament also voted on Tuesday a text that condemns the Turkish parliament's decision, Reuters reports. Turkey says it deployed troops at a base in northern Iraq late last year as part of an international mission to train and equip Iraqi forces to fight against Islamic State which controls vast territory south of the border region, around the city of Mosul, and also in neighboring Syria. The Iraqi government says it never invited such a force and considers the Turkish troops as occupiers. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |