The international community continues to remain silent towards the Turkish state, which has been using chemical weapons, tactical nuclear bombs and banned gases during its ongoing invasion attacks against Zap, Avaşîn and Metina regions in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq) since April 14, 2022. While OPCW’s indifference grabs attention, the diplomatic efforts of the Kurds and their friends in response have gained momentum.

Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) member Adem Uzun spoke to the ANF about the silence of the OPCW, the evidence of Turkish use of chemical weapons on the battle front in South Kurdistan and the official reports presented in this regard.

Uzun noted that the OPCW and other institutes that monitor the use of banned weapons have not responded to the reports prepared by regional and international organizations, especially by the Committee Against the Use of Chemical Weapons in South Kurdistan. He pointed out that not only the Kurdish freedom guerrillas, but also the civilian population are under attack by chemical agents.

USE OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS INCREASED THIS YEAR

The Kurdish politician underlined that unlike the previous year, the Turkish state dramatically increased its chemical attacks in Kurdistan in 2022. “The international press covered the use of chemical weapons many times, but unfortunately, no results could be obtained because the relevant institutions did not conduct any research.”

Uzun remarked that the families of the guerrillas who were killed by chemical weapons sent dozens of letters to the authorized institutions, while international Kurdish institutions submitted reports to the relevant authorities, various states, and institutes. Providing information on the diplomatic activities, he said, “So far, some states have responded to us. For example, German authorities stated that ‘we are aware of the chemical attack allegations, but the OPCW has not obtained any evidence’. Britain similarly replied that ‘we are aware of what is going on, but the OPCW will deal with it once they have evidence’."

OPCW SHOULD SEND A DELEGATION TO THE REGION

Uzun stressed that the OPCW did not accept the evidence presented by some independent institutions and individuals. “They did not accept the related reports and evidence, nor the data and pieces brought from the ground. Moreover, they still do not send commissions and working groups to the region to conduct investigations,” he said.

According to OPCW, research by their side requires a request at state level, said the Kurdish politician and continued, “Despite very serious allegations, video footage, international protests and the repeated calls by the international public, the OPCW still does not step into action. This is a double standard. This is a non-recognition of its own laws and principles, as well as an attempt to manipulate international public opinion.”

OPCW AND MEMBER STATES BREAK THEIR OWN RULES

Noting that the OPCW and its 193 member countries work together, Uzun continued, “Member states have representatives in the OPCW and the OPCW has representatives in these states. These states have commissions that deal with banned weapons, yet the OPCW and member states do not take any action. This means that these states and the OPCW do not recognize their own rules.”

Reports on the matter reveal how negatively the local people living in the areas targeted by chemical weapons are affected, said the KNK member, adding, “Turkey is a NATO member and uses tactical nuclear weapons which are strictly prohibited. Maybe they don't use bombs as destructive as those used in Nagasaki and Hiroshima, but those used in Kurdistan are the same type of weapon. Even though their explosive yield is low, they cause permanent damage to nature, environment, and people in Kurdistan.”

NATO PROTECTS ITS CRIMINAL MEMBER

Kurdish politician Uzun remarked that despite all the evidence, there is still no reaction from any NATO country concerning the Turkish state's use of chemical weapons. “Therefore, we have to say this is a strategy of NATO which protects its members from the war crimes they commit by using chemical weapons and violating international laws.”

Uzun also addressed the dirty negotiations within NATO in return for Turkey approving the membership of Sweden and Finland, “NATO has made a dirty deal with Erdogan over the Kurds, so that he can carry out an ethnic cleansing and genocide against them. In fact, NATO not only gives the green light to the use of chemical weapons, but also allows Erdogan to violate international law, leading to further ethnic cleansing and turmoil in the region.”