‘Turkey determined to continue to fight against terror'

ANKARA

Turkey’s parliament speaker reiterated Ankara’s relentless struggle against terrorism on Saturday.

“Turkey is determined to continue its fight against terrorists and their supporters by making no compromises on its attitude that embraces the whole of Turkish citizens,” said Mustafa Sentop on Saturday at a news conference ahead of his departure to Iraq.

Sentop visited Iraq on Saturday to attend “the Baghdad summit of parliaments of neighboring countries”, along with a delegation to meet their counterparts from Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Turkey, Jordan and Syria.

He expressed his deep sorrow over the martyrdom of four Turkish soldiers and injuring of six others on Friday during operations against terrorists.

He offered his condolences to the families of the martyrs and to the Turkish nation, and wished the injured soldiers a quick recovery.

On Friday, at least four Turkish soldiers were martyred during operations against terrorists in the Turkey-Iraq border area.

According to a statement by the Defense Ministry the terrorists came under heavy fire from Turkish air operations and fire support.

The statement did not specify the name of the terrorist organization, but the Turkish military frequently conducts operations against the PKK terrorist group in the area.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of nearly 40,000 people, including women and children.

On the Baghdad summit, Sentop said: “The developments in Iraq have direct effects not only on Iraq itself but also on the countries of the region.”

“Turkey expects Iraq to regain its sovereignty and create a national consensus under the Iraqi identity as soon as possible,” the speaker said, adding Turkey will continue its support for Iraq's unity and territorial integrity.

The summit will be headed by Speaker of Iraq’s Council of Representatives Mohammed al-Halbusi.

Sentop will also address the parliament speakers and lawmakers at the summit.

Security in Iraq, the fight against terrorism, regional cooperation, as well as the development of economic and political relations are expected to be discussed at the summit.

Following a luncheon hosted by al-Halbusi, the summit will close with a final declaration.

*Writing by Zehra Nur Duz