The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday summoned the Turkish ambassador to Iraq, Mr. Alireza kunai, on the background of the ongoing violations of the Turkish army.

The action by the ministry comes after the recent large-scale military operation launched by the Turkish state in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq), which affects the areas of Metina, Zap, Avashin and Basyan.

The ministry handed the Turkish ambassador a strongly worded diplomatic note calling for the cessation of such provocative acts and unacceptable violations, according to a statement released by the ministry today.

“The Iraqi government renews its demand for the withdrawal of all Turkish forces from Iraqi territory in a manner that reflects a binding respect for national sovereignty,” said the statement, which further pointed out that, “Iraq has the legal right to take the necessary and appropriate measures in accordance with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations and the norms of international law in the face of such unilateral and hostile acts, which take place without coordination with the Iraqi government.”