ANKARA
The speaker of the Turkish parliament has told lawmakers on their first day back from a summer recess that the international community must make "an urgent decision" on terrorism.
Referring to the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant and the Syrian regime of President Bashar al-Assad, Cemil Cicek told the Grand National Assembly on Wednesday: "The international community and institutions, primarily the UN, should make an urgent decision."
Turkish lawmakers returned from the summer recess Wednesday and are due to debate Thursday motions authorizing the Turkish military to launch operations in Iraq and Syria.
Current powers to operate south of Turkey’s borders are due to expire. Thursday’s motions will propose extending the timeline for these and, it is anticipated, identify ISIL as a potential threat.
Cicek described "the terrorist attacks" being perpetrated in Iraq and Syria as "the bloodiest" in human history.
He also referred to terrorism in Africa and added: "Millions of people have been evicted. We are facing a humanitarian tragedy."
Cicek, a member of the ruling Justice and Development Party, condemned all terror groups "without making any discrimination."
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