A representative of the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) said that allegations concerning the use of chemical weapons by Turkish forces in Iraqi Kurdistan merit investigation and that the responsibility for this lay with the United Nations, reported Fırat News Agency (ANF).
Dr. Gisela Penteker indicated that the video images and photographs taken in the war region were not sufficient proof of chemical weapons use, but that in order to reach a firm conclusion the allegations needed to be investigated by experts. She added that since Turkey was a NATO member, such an investigation had to be carried out with the involvement of NATO.
“If NATO does not want to lose credibility it has to facilitate a UN investigation,” she said, also calling upon the Berlin administration not to remain silent about the military attacks targeting the Kurdish people.
The People’s Defence Centre, the central command of the armed wing of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) who have been fighting to fend off Turkish incursions into Iraqi Kurdistan that have intensified since April 2021, recently made allegations that chemical weapons were being used by Turkish forces in various areas including Zendura in Metina and Girê Sor in Avasin.
IPPNW is a non-partisan federation of national medical groups in 63 countries, representing doctors, medical students, health workers, and concerned individuals who share the goal of creating a more peaceful and secure world free from the threat of nuclear annihilation. The organization’s headquarters is in Malden, Massachusetts, US. IPPNW was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1985.
