SITUATION IN KURDISTAN

Early day motion 2150, tabled 18 October 2007 by David Anderson (Labour). Signed by 23 members.

That this House deplores the recent terrorist attacks in Turkey; supports mediation efforts with Iraq and Turkey about the Partiya Karkerên Kurdistan (PKK) attacks to encourage a comprehensive political solution to the problem of the PKK, which cannot be solved solely through military means; further deplores Turkish shelling of villages inside the Kurdistan Region in Iraq on the Iraq-Turkey border, as well as Iranian intimidation and attacks on the eastern borders of the Kurdistan Region; is deeply concerned that a Turkish incursion could jeopordise the economy of the Kurdistan Region, the most secure and prosperous part of Iraq where Turkish trade and investment has been instrumental to economic growth; notes that the Kurdistan Regional Government seeks no conflict with Turkey, considers friendly relations with Turkey its top priority and is pursuing stronger ties through direct dialogue with Ankara on any and all issues of common interest; and believes that problems and disagreements should be solved through diplomacy and dialogue based on the principle of non-interference in the affairs of others, rather than threats of military force.

Signatures by party: Labour 15, Liberal Democrat 4, Conservative 2, Scottish National Party 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.