IPPNW demands immediate halt to Turkey’s operations in Iraqi Kurdistan

International condemnation has intensified concerning Turkey’s operations in South Kurdistan (also referred to as Iraqi Kurdistan), which have been continuing since 23 April.

The non-governmental organisation International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) has demanded an immediate halt to Turkey’s operations in South Kurdistan. It has also drawn attention to the role of the German government in supporting Turkey.

IPPNW condemned the obstruction by German police of members of the International Delegation for Peace and Freedom in Kurdistan trying to travel from Germany to Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan. The organisation appealed to German Exterior Minister Heiko Maas to lift the prohibition on the peace activists travelling abroad.

IPPNW also called upon the South Kurdistan administration to grant permission to the delegation to travel to the region. IPPNW’s director Gisela Penteker stated: “The German government must follow Belgium’s lead and take coherent and definitive steps towards peace in the Kurdish war.”