Socialist MP Amineh Kakabaveh has recently submitted a written question to the Swedish parliament about the Turkish state’s military operations and attacks against southern Kurdistan [northern Iraq] which also claimed the life of three civilians in the Maxmur camp last month.

In her motion, Kakabaveh recalled the United Nations’ call -on March 23- for an immediate ceasefire in all corners of the world amid a global mobilization to counter the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Swedish deputy pointed out that Turkey continues its attacks against South Kurdistan despite the UN call and has recently killed three women in an air raid on Maxmur refugee camp. She asked Foreign Minister Ann Linde to condemn the Turkish attack on Maxmur and to bring up the matter to the agenda of the European Union and United Nations.

Answering the parliamentary question, Foreign Minister Linde expressed concerns over the deterioration of Turkey’s relations with Kurdish groups inside and outside the country.

Linde recalled her previous calls for the recommencement of an inclusive and credible peace process in Turkey, adding; “This will pave the way for favorable developments for both Turkey and the entire region.”

The Foreign Minister said she had expressed Sweden’s attitude on the matter during bilateral talks with Turkish officials and the European Union’s dialogue with Turkey.

“Iraq was greatly harmed by the conflicts of recent years and experienced a deteriorating stability because of increasing regional tensions. The security conditions in Iraq are still considerably fragile. Under these circumstances, it is important for all parties to avoid measures that could lead to an escalation. All countries must respect Iraq’s sovereignty and international law. Of course, this is binding for Turkey as well,” she said.

Linde emphasised that international humanitarian law made concrete claims for the protection of civilians from the consequences of conflict, adding; “In an armed conflict, the warring parties are supposed to be directed against military targets alone. The rules of discrimination, proportion and attention must be followed.”