+++ UPDATED – 20.-28. Nov. 2022 +++
As an anti-war contribution, we as a Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) Representation in Europe publish here international voices and statements against the war of the Erdogan regime against the Kurds in Northeast Syria and Northern Iraq since late hours of November 19.
The Turkish airstrikes also hit the city of Kobani. In the attacks, among numerous targets, civilian infrastructure was also hit. In the statement of the the HDP Foreign Affairs Co-spokespersons Feleknas Uca and Hişyar Özsoy dated 21.11.2022, the background of this war is explained.
On 23 November, the HDP tabled a parliamentary motion to establish a parliamentary commission to investigate the Taksim bombing. Pro-government parties AKP and MHP, who have the majority at the parliament, rejected this motion. Clearly, this is to prevent the public from learning the truth behind the attack. There is also news that three brothers of the woman who planted the bomb died fighting as ISIS members. Moreover, her elder brother is a commander of the Free Syrian Army, which is sponsored and supported by Turkey. The international community needs to focus on the darkness around the Taksim bombing, because if we can learn the truth behind this attack, we may be able to stop the efforts to poison the political climate before the elections. The government does not want anyone to know what really happened in Taksim and who really perpetrated the attack so that he can continue his anti- Kurdish war plan undisturbed. Turkish airstrikes and bombardments continue uninterrupted and, according to Erdoğan’s most recent speech, a ground offensive is also planned. Media reports from the region indicate that so far it is mainly service and infrastructure facilities in the region that are being attacked. Important civilian facilities such as schools, hospitals and oil regions have also been attacked. According to the Autonomous Administration of Northern and Eastern Syria (AANES), many civilians have died in the attacks so far.
There have been many statements and voices internationally against these attacks, some of which we have tried to publish. The statements are listed by date, country and person/party/organisation.
With statements/voices from Europe Parliament, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, South America, UK, USA and Asia…
+++ We will update the published statements/voices in English* at certain times +++
27.11.2022, SUNDAY
SOCIALIST INTERNATIONAL
The XXVI Socialist Internationalist Congress in Madrid (26-27 Nov) demanded in a motion an immediate stop to all military operations against Kurds: “The ongoing war against the Kurdish people in all parts of Kurdistan for decades, has recently entered a dangerous historical turning point that threatens the existence of the Kurdish people, and undermines security and stability in this part of the world.
The nation who was able to defeat the fiercest terrorist organization in human history (ISIS) in Iraqi Kurdistan and Rojava today is facing a war of initiation, aimed at destroying the Kurdish society with all its components, from the cultural and civilizational aspects, as well as destroying the infrastructure in addition to the settlements policy that leads to demographic change in the region, which it increases the suffering of the Kurdish people.
The Socialist International is the organization for peace and democracy in all parts of the world, so stand in solidarity with the Kurdish people in their struggle for their legitimate rights. We demand the cessation of all kinds of war against the Kurdish nation, military, cultural and economic, and we stress that there is no military solution to this issue. We demand an immediate stop to all military operations because it increases the opportunity for ISIS to regroup. The solution to this issue is possible only through political dialogue between all parties. Such a solution will bring security and stability to the region and this in turn will reflect positively on the whole world in general and Europe in particular.”
Source: ANF
BRAZIL
Partido Socialismo e Liberdade (PSOL) – Socialism and Freedom Party
Statement of the National Executive of PSOL: “Erdogan’s authoritarian government attacked several civilian villages in northeastern Syria, including Kobane and the entire Kurdish region, claiming reprisal for an attack in Istanbul at the weekend. Turkey on Wednesday (23) bombed Kurdish forces controlling the Al-Hol detention camp in northeastern Syria, where more than 50,000 people are being held. The PSOL historically supports the struggle of the Kurdish people, for their self-determination, and denounces the Turkish regime of Recip Erdogan as an anti-democratic and oppressive regime. We add our voice to the statements of the international left which has called “to avoid another humanitarian catastrophe in the region”. The PSOL condemns the bombings and calls on the Brazilian left to surround the Kurdish cause with solidarity.”
Source: https://psol50.org.br
25.11.2022, FRIDAY
FRANCE
Union syndicale Solidaires (SUD) – is a French group of trade unions
“The massacre of the Kurdish people by a desperate Turkish regime, which sees its re-election compromised by the major economic crisis affecting the country and seeks a diversion in an armed aggression, must stop.
The Union Syndicale Solidaires denounces the lack of concrete reaction from the United Nations and governments, notably the French government, to put an end to Erdogan’s actions, and the passivity, even complicity, of the United States and Russia. We reaffirm our support for the peoples of northern Syria in the face of the Turkish president’s war madness. We also support all the progressive forces in Turkey who oppose the war, trade unions, parties, associations, and who are also suffering repression from the authorities.”
Source: https://solidaires.org
GERMANY
“Frankfurt Appeal” – The association Städtefreundschaft (Town Friendship) Frankfurt-Kobanê and numerous signatories:
“We, who support the development of the health system, projects of the women’s movement and civil society in North and East Syria politically, financially and in terms of personnel, condemn the Turkish government’s illegal attack on North and East Syria and the autonomous region of Kurdistan-Iraq. We condemn the silence of NATO and the Federal Government of Germany. Germany’s Federal Minister of the Interior, Nancy Faeser, urged that the military strikes against the Kurds be moderate, which means nothing other than her agreement in principle to a war of aggression and a breach of international law. We therefore call on the German Federal Government to intervene immediately with Turkey, the UN and NATO in order to end the aggressive war and to grant access for humanitarian aid in North and East Syria. Just as the German government condemns Russia’s breach of international law in Ukraine, it must condemn Turkey’s war of aggression against the Kurdish people in Syria and northern Iraq.”
Source: https://frankfurt-kobane.org/ + ANF
NORWAY
Bjørnar Moxnes, MP, Party Chairman, Rødt:
Written question from Bjørnar Moxnes (R) to the Minister for Foreign Affairs: “Will the government condemn Turkey’s attacks against international law in Syria and Iraq and raise the issue in the UN Security Council, and will the foreign minister during the NATO meeting in Romania on 29 and 30 November demand that Turkey end the war in Syria and Iraq?”
Justification: “(…) Norway has a duty to do what we can to stop the Turkish war of aggression before even more civilians are killed and more are affected by ethnic cleansing. Norway can do this by raising the issue in the UN Security Council and at the upcoming meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Romania on 29-30. November. To remain silent when Norway’s NATO allies violate the UN Covenant’s prohibition against war of aggression undermines both international law and Norway’s credibility as a defender of international law.”
Source: https://www.stortinget.no
UNITED STATES of AMERICA
David L. Phillips, Director of the Program on Peacebuilding and Human Rights at Columbia University:
“Erdogan vows that air operations are “just the beginning” and promises a land invasion of northern Syria. Today Turkey is massing forces for an invasion of Kobani, which already withstood a brutal attack by ISIS. Erdogan is determined to “close down all of our southern borders (and establish) a security strip” in Syria. War also has a political motive. Erdogan seeks to galvanize nationalist Turks behind his policy to demonize and kill Kurds. Warring with the Kurds is good politics in Turkey. Putting Turkey on a war footing seeks to mobilize support for Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party in next year’s national election. When Turkey previously threatened Kurds in Syria, US officials worked behind the scenes to de-escalate tensions. The Biden administration is in a bind. It does not want to antagonize Turkey for fear of dissuading Erdogan “help” in Ukraine. In fact, the US gets little from Turkey, which refuses to impose sanctions on Russia and serves as a sanctuary for Russian oligarchs. Yet Washington is largely silent in the face of Turkey’s domestic human rights abuses and regional warmongering.”
Source: https://politurco.com
***
24.11.2022, THURSDAY
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT (EP) and EUROPE
European Parliament:
It was decided by the EP that a session titled “Turkish air strikes against Northern Syria and Iraqi Kurdistan Region” will be held in the Strasbourg session on 12th to15 December.
Source: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/
AUSTRALIA
Socialist Alliance
“(…) The Anthony Albanese Labor government of Australia should immediately condemn this brutal aggression with the same force as it condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Australia should also ban all arms trade and military cooperation with Turkey and call upon its allies and other governments to do the same. Australia should offer immediate emergency humanitarian support to the AANES and offer people fleeing from this war full protection and permanent resettlement. (…) More than a hundred civilians have been murdered in this genocidal attack. The Australian government must condemn this genocidal attack and offer permanent resettlement to the many refugees from Iran that have sought protection in Australia.”
Source: https://socialist-alliance.org
FINLAND
Henrik Jaakkola, political officer of the Left Alliance (Vasemmistoliitto):
“This is exactly what we mean when we talk about ‘Finlandisation’. Nordic foreign policy today is led from Ankara. “Finnish politicians duck questions about Turkish bombing in northern Syria and Iraq.
(…) When Turkey launched a large-scale invasion of Syria in 2019, ministers, MPs and the President condemned Turkey in no uncertain terms. Our foreign policy independence is dead.”
Source: Twitter
FRANCE
La France insoumise:
Communiqué of the parliamentary group La France insoumise-NUPES
(…) The Turkish government is using a pretext to continue its aggression against the democratic experiment of Rojava in northern Syria and its increased repression against the alternative carried by the HDP in Turkey. Turkey, a member of NATO, is thus weakening the fight against the still active cells of the Islamic State. The deputies of the LFI-NUPES group call on France and the international community to act against these flagrant violations of international and humanitarian law. These attacks against the Kurds, tireless fighters against Daesh, must stop immediately.”
Source: https://lafranceinsoumise.fr
DENMARK
Enhedslistens (The Unity List)
“Members of the parliamentary group of the Unity Party warn today against a Turkish invasion of Rojava. Such an invasion would only strengthen the reactionary and Islamist forces in the region. If Western leaders let this pass in silence, they will bear a heavy responsibility for Islamic State and other Islamists’ terrorist actions in the future.”
Source: https://www.facebook.com/SorenSondergaard.dk/
GERMANY
Jan van Aken, DIE LINKE Hamburg
“Why this silence everywhere? Are Ukrainian Ukrainian lives worth more than Kurdish ones? Are Russian war crimes worse than Turkish ones? Those who demand the heaviest possible weapons for Ukraine, but remain silent here, have gambled away all credibility.”
Source: Twitter
Gregor Gysi, Member of the Bundestag, Die LINKE (The LEFT), Foreign Policy Spokesperson of the Left Party:
“Nancy Faeser has asked the Turkish leadership in Ankara to remain ‘proportionate’ in the bombardment in northern Syria & ‘spare civilians’. She should have first established that the Turkish attacks on Syria & northern Iraq are clearly illegal under international law. Turkey has not been attacked by either Iraq or Syria, so is not fighting a defensive war. There is also no UN Security Council decision that allowed the invasion. A NATO member is therefore waging war in violation of international law. Only after this statement could the Federal Minister of the Interior have additionally declared that NATO member Turkey should at least remain proportionate & spare civilians in the war that is contrary to international law. In reality, there is not the slightest proportionality there, and civilians die every day.”
Source: Twitter
Georg Restle, Journalist
“The brutal war that the Turkish army is currently waging against Kurds in Syria and Iraq is not worth a headline to very few people right now. The West’s timid objections to the clear breach of international law by a NATO member included.”
Source: Twitter
Lamya Kaddor, MP, Green Party:
“Turkey’s attacks on Syria and Iraq in violation of international law are destabilising the region. The fact that IS fighters have now escaped from Camp Al-Hol in the course of trk. The fact that IS fighters managed to flee from Camp Al-Hol in the course of Trk. attacks against SDF forces in SYR shows again that Erdogan accepts further escalation of violence for his election victory.”
Source: Twitter
ITALY
Italian artists against Turkish aggression and for a peace solution for North and East Syria
(…) Ankara’s bombs fall amid general disinterest and with the complicit silence of almost all the mainstream media, as well as Italian and European politicians and institutions. Erdogan, thanks to the complicity of the USA and Russia, strikes at those on the border of the country he governs who coexist peacefully without differences of language, culture or religion being the excuse for violent and aggressive divisions. Democratic confederalism is a revolutionary form of government, a possible peace proposal for the entire Middle East. But Erdogan does not want to know about peace and coexistence, he wants to expand Turkey’s borders and crush, even militarily, those who claim the right to respect their own culture, language and traditions.
Source: http://uikionlus.org
PACIFIC ASIAN
Pacific Asian organizations: (Malaysia, Australia, Indonesia, Philippines, New Zealand, Pakistan)
“The Turkish military has launched intensive air strikes on north and east Syria and northern Iraq targeting Kurdish communities in the region. Meanwhile, the Iranian government is also intensifying the military crackdown on the Kurdish communities in western Iran and northern Iraq, as part of its violent suppression of protests for women’s rights following the state murder of Jina Amini. These military aggressions against the Kurds not only violate international laws but also are causing massive casualties and damage. Turkey and Iran must immediately cease their military aggression against the Kurds in the region; Stop the repression of pro-Kurdish political movements in Turkey and protests for women’s rights in Iran”
Source: ANF
SPAIN/BASQUE COUNTRY/CATALONIA
Meritxell Serret, Minister of Foreign Action and EU in the Catalan Parliament:
“The attack on the Kurdish people is unacceptable. All democrats should be grateful for the struggle of the Kurdish people against Islamist terrorism”.
Source: Twitter + Video
SWITZERLAND
Sina Deiss, Co-President of BastA! Basel’s strong alternative:
„The Turkish attacks and bombings of Rojava are violating humantarian and civilian rights! EU and Switzerland can not longer look away! Our Solidarity is with the people in Rojava.“
Source: Twitter
***
23.11.2022, WEDNESDAY
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT (EP) and EUROPE
The Kurdish Friendship Group at EP (23.11.2022, Strasbourg): Joint press conference with:
– Nikolaj Villumsen, MEP, GUE/NGL, Vice-chair GUE/NGL in EP.
– Katrin Langensiepen, MEP, Green/EFA
– Andreas Schieder, MEP, S&D
– François Alfonsi, MEP, Green/EFA
– Evin Incir, MEP, S&D
Source: Part 1 Twitter + Part 2 Twitter
Nikolaj Villumsen, MEP, GUE/NGL, Vice-chair GUE/NGL in EP:
“Erdogan must stop the bombings or he should face political and economic consequences from the EU. That was my message at today’s press briefing in The European Parliament on Turkey’s attacks on Northern Iraq and Northeastern Syria #TurkeyAttacksRojava”
Source: Twitter
Andreas Schieder, MEP, S&D:
“We MEPs condemned the attacks on Kurdish areas across all political groups today.”
Source: Twitter
François Alfonsi, MEP, Green/EFA:
“Kurdish Friendship condemns Turkey’s aggression on Rojava! An invasion is planned by Erdogan. The EU must react strongly to prevent it and not abdicate its responsibilities.”
Source: Twitter
Katrin Langensiepen, MEP, Green/EFA:
“We in the European Parliament strongly condemn Turkey’s attacks on Northern Syria. It is an attack against international law on civilians who are trying to build free, democratic structures in Rojava. Erdogan, pull out!”
Source: Twitter
FRANCE
Gauche Républicaine & Socialiste (Left Republicans & Socialists):
“GRS is terribly concerned about Turkish military preparations and bombing ordered by Erdogan in northern Syria against Kurdish forces. France must support the YPG, our allies, spearheading the fight against ISIS.
It is time for the international community to stop this new imperialist expansionism, which is carried, from the Caucasus to the Euphrates, by the Turkish Islamist regime. We must give ourselves the means to put an end to Erdogan’s provocations and geopolitical blackmail. ”
Source: Twitter
Parti de Gauche (PG) -Left Party-:
“Turkish bombing of Kobane in Rojava is unacceptable, especially as the Kurds drove out Daesh in 2015. Erdogan and the Mullahs are jointly attacking the Kurds. The Left Party calls for a political solution for Kurdistan and the Middle East.”
Source: Twitter
Sénateurs CRCE (Communist Republican Citizen and Ecologist group in the Senate)
“In the face of Turkey’s war against the Kurds, the CRCE senators are demonstrating their solidarity today in the heart of the Senate. Stop the bombing! #StopErdogan”
Source: Twitter
Europe Ecologie Les Verts (Europe Ecology – The Greens):
On 20 November, Turkey attacked Kurdish Rojava, an autonomous region in Syria and Iraqi Kurdistan. Bombings hit the Shebba region where the inhabitants of Afrin (occupied by the Turkish army), Kobane (of sad memory), Dérik Dahir al-Arab and the Qandil and Asos mountains in Northern Iraq are refugees. (…) EElV condemns the Taksim bombing and calls for an impartial investigation to find the perpetrators. (…) EELV hypothesises that the increase in violence in Turkey against the Kurds is linked to the dramatic economic, social and environmental situation that the population is undergoing. Forbidden by the constitution to stand for re-election in 2023, accused of corruption, having lost part of his electorate, the President is trying, like many autocrats, to recover it by stirring up the threat of a terrorist “enemy from within”. (…) EELV calls on the EU and the international community to condemn all these attacks, those of Turkey as well as Iran, and to commit to the protection of the Kurdish people in Syria, Iraq, Iran and Turkey.
Source: http://www.eelv.fr/
Le MRAP, Mouvement contre le Racisme et pour l’Amitié entre les Peuples (Movement against Racism and for Friendship between Peoples):
“(…) MRAP condemns this new attack by the Turkish government against the Kurdish people to whom it expresses its full solidarity.It recalls that it was the Kurdish fighters of Kobane who were the first to inflict a defeat on Daesh. They have paid a heavy price in this fight against terrorism: 11,000 of them have been killed in this war against the Islamic State, more than 22,000 others have been injured. Kobane was called “the Kurdish Stalingrad”. (…)
MRAP asks the French government to intervene urgently, especially with the Security Council and the Turkish government to stop this new aggression of Erdogan.”
Source: https://mrap.fr
Philippe Rio, Mayor of Grigny:
“10 years after the triple assassination of Kurdish activists Sakine, Fidan and Leyla in Paris, 7 years after the glorious victory of the Kurds against ISIS in Kobanê, will we remain silent on the bombing of Rojava without saying any word? We must ask the state to act quickly and diplomatically. Let’s continue to promote dialogue from local to global, and never neglect the importance of collective construction and peaceful municipalism. Let’s support the Kurdish people and other folks who have been victims of war for so many years,”
Source: ANF
Reporters Without Borders (RSF):
“Following the death of ANHA correspondent Isam Abdullah in Dêrik, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) calls for the protection of journalists, stating that “news reporting is essential in times of armed conflict and journalists should not be targeted”. RSF also draws attention to journalist Mihemed Ceradê from the Kurdish broadcaster Stêrk TV, who was injured in an airstrike on Miştenûr Hill near Kobanê the same day.”
Source: https://rsf.org/en
GERMANY
Lamya Kaddor, MP, Green Party:
“The illegal attacks by Turkey on targets to Syria and Iraq must be stopped immediately. We must now do everything to prevent the announced ground offensive and the occupation of other Kurdish areas in Syria by Turkish troops and their proxies.”
Source: Twitter
SWEDEN
Håkan Svenneling, MP, Vansterpartiet (Left Party), Spokesperson for foreign affairs:
“The collusion between Turkey and IS has been discussed for a long time. Tonight, the collaboration became a reality. Giving support to Turkey is an indirect support for the return of ISIS”
Source: Twitter
SWITZERLAND
Franziska Stier, Party Secretary of BastA, Canton of Basel:
“All major military powers knew in advance of the Erdogan government’s war plans. The war takes place with the acquiescence of USA and Russia, supported by the western world. How else could Nancy Faeser diplomatic talks about refugee deals three days after the illegal invasion. #JinJiyanAzadi #TurkeyAttacksRojava”
Source: Twitter
UNITED STATES of AMERICA
Bob Menendez, U.S. Senator from New Jersey, Member of Senate Foreign Relations Committee:
“Turkey’s airstrikes in Iraq & Syria, including against US partner forces in the SDF, have already killed civilians & destroyed critical civilian infrastructure while threatening to undermine the fight against ISIS. These are not the actions of an ally.”
Source: Twitter
Committee to Protect Journalists:
CPJ calls on Turkish authorities to investigate airstrikes that killed Hawar News Agency reporter: “Turkish authorities must immediately conduct a full and transparent investigation on whether Hawar News Agency (ANHA) reporter Essam Abdullah and other journalists were targeted during Turkish airstrikes in the region. Journalists are civilians and should be protected while doing their jobs.”
Source: https://cpj.org
LATIN AMERICAN and AFRICAN organisations:
Journalists, political parties and leftist movements from Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Venezuela, Haiti and Kenya issued the following joint statement in solidarity with Rojava.
“Turkey not only bombs the Kurdish people, but also resorts to chemical weapons, violating all the norms designated by international humanitarian laws. The international community is embarrassingly silent as it is dominated by imperialist powers and some of the countries remain subordinated to them because of ideological and political weakness. “We know that the goal of this genocidal war against the Kurdish people and the press is to deepen the criminalisation of the Kurdish people’s rightful struggle and their dignity, thus silencing the brave, democratic people and their free press. We demand an end to the attacks, the immediate and unconditional release of Kurdish political prisoners, and the way to be paved for the Kurdish people to obtain their own free lives.”
Source: ANF
22.11.2022, TUESDAY
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT (EP) and EUROPE
GUE/NGL – The Left in the European Parliament:
“Air strikes have targeted civilian infrastructure such as hospitals, killing dozens, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Erdoğan regime called the attacks “revenge” for the appalling bombing in Taksim, Istanbul. However, this justification is yet another pretext to attack the Kurdish regions again. Seeking to distract from deepening economic troubles, the Turkish government has turned to warmongering. We stress that international law and the principle of sovereignty should apply whether or not the aggressor is a NATO member. The EU must end its double-standards and use all means to put an end to the aggression of Erdoğan’s government. The EU cannot turn a blind eye while innocent Kurdish lives become an instrument of propaganda, in an attempt to gain votes and secure an election victory for a rotten regime.”
Source: https://left.eu/
Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament:
“(…) on my statement yesterday I was clear. I consult with different communities different group leaders that what kind of statement we give at opening of every plenary. They are not random, they are not accidentally, they are extremely focused in order to deliver the strongest messages before not only the plenary but on what we would consider unacceptable. Where we see strikes such as this, where we see particularly women being targeted, where we see also at the moment big geopolitical situations need to be address. Then we can take them back also to discuss with our security affairs and defense committees. Also, in my discussions with European council and different members of it, it’s something that I put on regularly on the agenda. This is something we always put human rights first and it’s something we will continue to do so.”
Source: Twitter
The European Free Alliance (EFA) in the European Parliament:
“This Sunday, Turkey started an attack on Kurdistan, launching airstrikes that killed over 30 people in the Kurdish regions in Iraq and Syria. Turkey has been launching waves of attacks since 2011, and in May this year, Erdogan threatened to launch a new military operation in northern Syria. From the European Free Alliance, we view this attack as an intimidation tactic from the Erdogan Regime, and we demand international aid to the people of Kurdistan”
Source: https://www.greens-efa.eu/
Martin Schirdewan, MEP, Co-President GUE/NGL:
“As loud as the aeroplanes shake the air, as loud as the detonating bombs shake the earth, as loud is the silence of the European institutions regarding these wars of aggression that are contrary to international law, neither the Foreign Affairs Commissioner Borrell nor the President of the Commission have yet spoken out and clearly condemned these attacks. They are clearly attacks on the Kurds who successfully fought the IS in Syria, and I would like to remind you of this. At that time, they were in everyone’s hearts and everyone supported them. And today they are forgotten and simply sold and betrayed. Turkey’s attacks have become possible because Russia has opened Syrian airspace. Autocrats obviously get along well at this point and Turkey is a so-called NATO partner, the second largest conventional NATO army. I think it’s absurd that an autocrat like Erdogan belongs to this so-called alliance of values. This is pure hypocrisy, this is the absolute double standard. And I expect Borrell and also the Commission President U. von der Leeyen to take a clear stand on this. And clearly declare that the attacks must be stopped immediately. But this also applies to more far-reaching measures. I believe that we must immediately impose an arms embargo on Turkey so that it becomes clear that military cooperation with Erdogan at this point is simply an absolute no-go.”
Source: Twitter
Dietmar Köster, MEP, S&D:
“The Turkish government proves time and again that international law does not apply to it. It is demonstrating this once again with the air strikes on 19 November against Kurdish areas in northern Syria and northern Iraq. At least 13 people were killed and civilian infrastructure, including a hospital and a grain silo, was destroyed. The Turkish Ministry of Defence referred to the right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter. However, the right to self-defence is not a right to retaliate. Attacks by a NATO partner in violation of international law must not be tolerated by NATO members and must be condemned.”
Source: https://www.facebook.com/dietmarkoester.mep
Costas Mavrides, MEP, S&D:
“Turkey new aerial assault against Kurds in N.E.Syria & N.Iraq is another violation of international law & sovereign rights & threatens the whole region. We cannot remain silent. EU & international community need to take immediate action to stop Turkey’s brutal deadly attacks.”
Source: Twitter
François Alfonsi, MEP, Greens/EFA, Co-Chair of the Kurdish Friendship Group in the EP:
“Turkey’s aggression in northern Syria and northern Iraq is a violation of international law. Erdogan is a danger to the stability of the Middle East.”
Source: https://www.greens-efa.eu/
Özlem Demirel, MEP, GUE/NGL:
“Erdogan’s latest statements about a possible ground offensive show that the regime is willing to expand its bellicose actions in time and space. Therefore, a strong and decisive condemnation of the recent bombardments is of utmost importance.”
Source: https://left.eu/
Jordi Solé, MEP, Greens/EFA, EFA Group President:
“We denounce the well-known intentions of the Erdogan government to control this strip of territory. And the continuous military operations being carried out throughout the region, with worrying evidence of the use of chemical weapons, in what is a clear violation of international law.”
Source: https://www.greens-efa.eu/
Katrin Langensiepen, MEP, Greens/EFA:
“Currently the Turkish military is bombing North Syria. In the shadow of the World Cup Erdogan’s justification: the attack in Istanbul Not proven that it was the PKK. These attacks are illegal under international law. Full stop! Even as a Nato member you have to abide by rules”
Source: Twitter
AUSTRALIA
Jordon Steele-John, Senator for WA, Australian Greens:
“The Greens strongly condemn Turkey’s recent aggression against the Kurds, including the horrific bombing of hospitals and schools. Greens recognize the ongoing injustices perpetrated against Kurdish people and will always advocate for those injustices to be rectified”
Source: Twitter
David Shoebridge, Senator for NSW, Australian Greens:
“The Greens strongly condemn Turkey’s recent aggression against the Kurds, including the horrific bombing of hospitals and schools. Greens recognize the ongoing injustices perpetrated against Kurdish people and will always advocate for those injustices to be rectified”
Source: Twitter
BELGIUM
Samuel Cogolati, Member of Parliament, Ecolo
“I am shocked by the indifference to this unilateral and brutal Turkish offensive against the Kurds. The bombing of civilians and clinics must stop as a matter of urgency. I will call on Hadja Lahbib (Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs) in the Parliament. #StopBombingCivilians #Kobane”
Source: Twitter
Samuel Cogolati, Member of Parliament, Ecolo
“We at Ecolo-Groen call for an urgent investigation into the circumstances of the Taskim attack and whether or not the PKK was involved in potential “acts of terrorism”. The fight against terrorism cannot justify serious human rights violations and war crimes. The principles of inviolability of borders and sovereignty of neighbouring countries are universal. They apply to ALL, not just Russia. We must act urgently and in concert and call for de-escalation at international, European and national level. We reaffirm our solidarity with the Kurdish people who are committed to the essential values of democracy, equality and women’s rights. For Ecolo-Green, civilians must never pay the price of hostilities! Belgium must now take a clear position to condemn the air raids on civilians and civilian structures and put an end to the Turkish army’s attacks in the Kurdish provinces of Syria and Iraq.”
Source: https://samuelcogolati.be/
FRANCE:
Julien Dray, Member of the Ile-de-France Regional Council. BN of the Socialist Party.
“Who is going to stop Erdogan’s bloodthirsty hand… the scenario is always the same… First he has an attack committed, he blames it on the Pkk and then he has the pretext to hit the Kurds…”
Source: Twitter
C Blandiot-Faride, mayor of mitry-mory:
“Solidarity with the Kurdish people, unjustly bombed in Rojava. The international community must condemn these exactions and obtain from Turkey that they cease as soon as possible! #KurdistanUnderAttack”
Source: Twitter
Core in Fronte, Political Movement in Corsica
“Support for the Kurdish people under attack by Turkey and Iran. Once again Kurdistan, an unrecognised nation, is the hostage and victim of imperialist logics. We recall, at the international level, that the right of peoples to self-determination is inalienable.”
Source: Twitter
Nouveau Parti Anticapitaliste (NPA) – New Anti-Capitalist Party
Turkish President Erdogan had announced it: the attack on the Autonomous Administration of Northern and Eastern Syria (AANES) was imminent. Embroiled in an economic crisis with official inflation at more than 85%, a rising unemployment rate and a Turkish lira that lost half its value in 2021, the June 2023 elections were far from being won by Erdogan, his AKP party, and his far-right ally the MHP. He therefore chose to play on the nationalist fibre by attacking Iraqi Kurdistan, where he has suffered serious setbacks, despite the massive use of chemical weapons banned by international conventions, and now Rojava. The Istanbul bombing of 13 November provides the pretext for launching this operation, although the PKK and the PYD, the main party of the AANES, immediately denied any involvement in this event. So far the international coalition, and mainly the US, had managed to hold back the launching of the Turkish operation. Under the “right to retaliation”, the green light was finally given, which raises the question: who benefits from the crime?
Source: https://nouveaupartianticapitaliste.org/
GERMANY
IPPNW Germany
“The Turkish attacks on Iraq and Syria are illegal under international law! According to the Syrian Democratic Forces, 27 people were killed in Syria, including eleven civilians. Nine civilians died in Derik in Iraq.”
Source: Twitter
Pascal Meiser, Member of the German Bundestag, Die Linke..,
“Since 3 days: Bombardment of the self-administered autonomous areas of north-east Syria by Turkey.
Until today: No statement from A. Baerbock or the Federal Chancellor, let alone a condemnation of Turkey. Is this what human rights-based foreign policy looks like?”
Source: Twitter
Berîvan Aymaz, Greens, Member of the NRW Federal State Parliament, Vice-President of the NRW Federal State Parliament:
“In view of the many unanswered questions surrounding the terrible attack in Istanbul and the military operation of Turkey in Northern Syria/Rojava as well as in Kurdistan-Iraq, which is contrary to international law, this visit was and remains a fatal mistake, @NancyFaeser”
Source: Twitter
GREECE
The International Committee of the NAR (The New Left Current):
“Announcement of the International NAR Committee on the Turkish incursions into Syria and Iraq: The Kurdish people in Syria and Iraq have our undivided support and solidarity. The people of Iraq, Syria and Turkey have an interest in resisting war trumpets and the cultivation of chauvinism, weakening their governments and throwing out all foreign powers from their lands. It thus proves that the imperialist powers do not hesitate for a moment to change alliances to secure their interests. The anti-war movement in Greece and internationally must condemn Turkey’s attack and the new division of the region and the world into spheres of influence. Opposite, to the war campaigns, we must oppose the struggle for the social question and the international solidarity of the peoples. Solidarity to the people of Kurdistan!”
Source: https://narnet.gr/
ITALY
Power to the People:
Starting on the evening of 19 November, a series of Turkish airstrikes hit several Kurdish cities in northern Syria and Iraq, including Kobane, a symbol of the heroic resistance against ISIS in 2014 with the sacrifice of thousands of young lives. (…) Even during the recent G20 summit in Bali, the new Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, in a bilateral meeting she had with the President of the Turkish Republic, confirmed the conniving and servile orientation of the previous government. (…) We once again strongly denounce the connivance of Italy and the EU with the Turkish regime and demand that our government condemn the current military escalation, first of all by blocking military cooperation with Turkey and the sale of weapons. We will never be accomplices of criminal regimes, and we will always support the peoples in struggle. Long live the Kurdish resistance!
Source: https://poterealpopolo.org/
SPAIN/BASQUE COUNTRY/CATALONIA
PODEMOS:
“Far from de-escalating, Erdogan continues to threaten to escalate his offensive against the Kurdish people, this time on the ground. The EU and the international community must put all their efforts into containing this unjust and illegal attack, which will only lead to disaster.”
Source: Twitter
Esquerra Republicana
“We denounce the manifest intention of the Erdoğan government to gain control of this strip of land and the ceaseless military operations carried out throughout the region, with worrying evidence of the use of chemical weapons in what is a clear violation of international law. (…) Finally, we criticize the efforts in recent years by the Spanish government to strengthen relations with the Turkish government. These relations are exemplified in the bilateral summit between Spain and Turkey in November 2021, the military cooperation agreements between both countries, which include trading in arms, and the Spanish government’s support for Turkey’s entry into the European Union, all coincide in a context of manifest political repression of the opposition, especially of the HDP, with thousands of political prisoners.”
Source: https://internacional.esquerrarepublicana.cat/
Candidatura d’Unitat Popular (CUP), Popular Unity Candidacy
“Since Saturday night, the Turkish state is bombing Rojava and Bashur (Iraqi Kurdistan). Today we participated in the rally in Barcelona to reject the aggression and in defense of the Kurdish people.”
Source: Twitter
SWITZERLAND
Stefanie Prezioso, Conseillère nationale-MP, Ensemble à Gauche:
“The current Turkish air force launched on November 20 series of air raids stricking 89 targets across northeastern Syria and northern Iraq in a new operation dubbed “Claw-Sword. A military invasion could lead to further human rights violations and forced displacement of population. Ankara’s latest invasion of AANES controlled areas occurred in October 2019 against Afrin, which led to the forceful displacement of more than 200,000 civilians and to extensive allegations of war crimes against local populations by Turkey and its local armed proxies. We reiterate our solidarity with the population of North East Syria and Kurdish populations in Syria, Iraq and Turkey against the continuous attacks and violation of human rights of the Turkish state, a NATO member.”
Source: Twitter
***
21.11.2022, MONDAY
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT (EP) and EUROPE
Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament:
“The Turkish air strikes we have seen in northern Syria and Iraq following the bombing in Istanbul are taking more lives and causing more bloodshed. I call on the Turkish authorities to show restraint and respect international law and standards.”
Source: Twitter
S&D Group, The Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament:
“The European Parliament President accepted our request to condemn the Turkish aggression in North-East Syria & the Kurdistan region of Iraq. It is unacceptable to violate international law. Our deepest condolences to the Kurdish and Turkish population, victims of the latest escalation.”
Source: Twitter
Özlem Alev Demirel, MEP, GUE/NGL, Vice-Chair of the Turkey Delegation:
“For two days now, the Turkish military has once again been bombing Kurdish areas in northern Syria and northern Iraq. Civilian infrastructure, such as hospitals, are also targets of these attacks. The number of dead and injured increases with each attack. The bombings take place in the areas where Russia and the USA control the airspace. So both countries must have given the green light for this aggression. So it must not have been a coincidence that Erdoğan gave the order for this attack on the return flight of his Asia trip, where he met US President Biden among others.”
Source: www.oezlem-alev-demirel.de
Nacho Sánchez Amor, MEP, S&D, and the EP’s Standing Rapporteur on Turkey:
“No Turkish domestic security concern -legitimate as it might be- justifies a night air raid on a foreign city. In Ukraine we fight to defend a rules-based intl’ order, including inviolability of borders & respect for neighbors’ sovereignty. This applies to all, not just Russia”
Source: Twitter
Demetris Papadakis, MEP, S&D:
“Turkey bombs Kurdish militants and Kobani which defeated ISIS in 2014. This is how international community expresses its gratitude to the liberators of Kobani from ISIS? It should not remain silent towards such violations of international law. Act Now! #DefendKobani + @HDP_Europe”
Source: Twitter
Nikolaj Villumsen, MEP, Vice-chair GUE/NGL:
“Not only is Erdogan violating international law, killing civilians and undermining the fight against terror. He is doing it together with Putin. Now is the time to act firmly for EU. The attacks must be stopped immediately!”
Source: Twitter
GUE/EUL – Unified European Left Group – at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
“President Erdoğan and his nationalist allies are in tremendous difficulty due to economic crisis and many other structural issues plaguing the country. Mobilizing people around another attack on the Kurds in Syria may help Erdoğan to consolidate his nationalist base in the run up to the upcoming elections, and maybe even increase his votes, but these attacks are further destroying the already fragile stability in Syria and the broader region, also providing the ISIS with fresh air. They are also making peace prospects in the context of the Kurdish issue in Turkey or elsewhere even more difficult to achieve by political means. The people of Kobane defeated the ISIS in 2014 with the sacrifice of thousands of human lives. Many of those who died in the battle of Kobanê were women, who revolutionized their society with the motto of Jin, Jiyan, Azadi! We understand that Turkey wishes to complete the mission that the ISIS failed to accomplish then. This is utterly unacceptable and should be opposed by the whole of international community. We were with the people of Kobanê in 2014 and we are fully with them now. We will support them in any way we can in their struggle for the values that we also share: freedom, justice, democracy, and dignity.”
Source: https://gue-uel.org/
Heinz Bierbaum, President of the Eurepean Left (EL):
“The coordinated airstrikes by Turkish jets on multiple civilian villages in NE Syria, including Kobanê, are extremely unsafe and deserve prompt international attention. The international community should not remain silent in the face of such heinous acts, which are flagrant violations of humanitarian and international law. The Party of European Left declares its unwavering commitment to maintaining world peace and stability and exhorts all parties to take action to prevent yet another humanitarian catastrophe in the region. We strongly condemn Turkey’s aggression against Syrian Kurds and civilians and support democratic movements in Turkey and abroad.”
Source: www.european-left.org
Kurdish Solidarity Collective:
Kurdish solidarity collective condemns Turkish bombardments of Kobane: “The Kurdish movements have explicitly denied any involvement in the Istanbul attack. It is clear the latest military onslaught is part of Erdogen’s cynical attempt to divert attention from his failed policies and the collapse of the Turkish economy. With his popularity at its lowest, Erdogan’s AKP and his MHP allies have resorted to their usual dirty tricks campaigns to falsely accuse without evidence. (…) We call upon the UN, EU and all international allies of the Kurdish people to denounce the ongoing attacks on the Kurdish people.”
Source: https://kurdishsolidaritycollective.org/
EUTCC – EU Turkey Civic Commission:
“The catastrophic political situation in Turkey and the upcoming elections in 2023 add up to this. The so-called opposition is silent on the military offensive; in its anti-Kurdish actions, it agrees with the government.
To date, silence has also been on the agenda of the international community, above all the European Union and the Council of Europe. International law does not seem to apply when it comes to Turkey – a member of NATO and the Council of Europe and a candidate for EU membership. Turkey’s war crimes must not remain without consequences. Toughest sanctions and an immediate no-fly zone are essential. The international community is now called upon to act and especially the United Nations, the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, the European Union and the United States to force their partner to comply with its legal obligations. There must be no hesitation.”
Source: http://eutcc.net/
FRANCE
The French Communist Party (PCF):
PCF released a statement denouncing the invading Turkish state’s attacks on Rojava. “The Turkish government has long been seeking to launch an attack against the Syrian Kurds before the presidential elections which seem to be challenging for the Republic of Turkey. Having brought his country to the verge of bankruptcy, Erdoğan blamed the PKK and the PYD, which condemned this terrorist act, for the heinous attack in Istanbul. Ankara had acted in a similar way when it ordered the murder of three Kurdish activists in Paris. This regime resorts to barbaric actions to achieve its criminal goals,” the statement said.
Source: PRESS
Danielle Simonnet, Members of the Constituent Assembly in France, Parti de gauche (PG):
“Emergency! Yesterday Erdogan’s Turkey bombed hospitals, schools and other civilian targets in the border area of northern Syria and northern Iraq. The UN, the anti-EI coalition, the EU and France must demand an end to Turkish military aggression against the Kurdish people!”
Source: Twitter
GERMANY
Ricarda Lang, Member of the German Bundestag, Green Party Chairperson:
Speaking to the press, she said she had the impression that the attack was being used by the Turkish president “as an excuse for the current bombardments of the Kurdish areas in Syria and northern Iraq. We cannot accept that a NATO state reacts to a terrible crime with military attacks that violate international law. These attacks “also seem to be motivated primarily by domestic politics”, said Lang.
Source: Twitter
Janine Wissler, Chairperson of DIE LINKE and Member of the German Bundestag:
“Erdogan is allowing the Kurdish areas to be bombed. Hediye Abdullah was a loud voice for Rojava and against Turkish drone attacks on the Kurdish areas. Hediye Abdullah was killed in the attacks over the weekend. The German government must not look away, but must clearly condemn these criminal attacks by NATO partner Turkey and stop arms exports.”
Janine Wissler message is also available under video
Source: Twitter
Frank Schwabe, Member of the German Bundestag, SPD, SPD Parliamentary Group Leader:
“Turkey must immediately cease its attacks on Kurds in Syria, which are contrary to international law. An attack, even if the authorship had been clarified, must in no case be used as a pretext for such a brutal military action.”
Source: Twitter
Gökay Akbulut, Member of the German Bundestag, Die LINKE.:
“Turkey’s attacks on Kurdish positions must be stopped immediately! Turkey’s military actions are to be considered an illegal war of aggression. The Erdogan regime is repeatedly violating international law. These attacks are not in self-defence or to settle accounts for the bombing in Istanbul. This is because all the accused Kurdish organisations have independently condemned the attack and denied responsibility. Rather, it looks like the Turkish government is using the attack as a welcome opportunity to legitimise and expand its attacks against Kurdish positions in northern Syria and northern Iraq. (…)
Source: www.goekay-akbulut.de
Sevim Dagdelen, MP, DIE LINKE.:
Erdogan’s war of aggression against Kurds in Syria, who helped defeat IS, needs a clear edge in response instead of cooperation with the AKP-MHP regime. During her visit to Turkey, Federal Minister of the Interior Faeser must clearly press for an end to the NATO partner’s attacks, which violate international law.
Source: Twitter
NORWAY
The Red Party in Norway:
“The Norwegian government follow the parliamentary majority and take active measures to stop Turkey’s war of aggression. The government must condemn the Turkish invasion, raise the matter in the UN Security Council, and confront the Erdogan regime at the NATO meeting in Romania next week. Norway can help stop the Turkish war of aggression before even more civilians are killed and more are affected by ethnic cleansing. If we remain silent when our NATO ally breaks the UN’s ban on war of aggression, both international law and Norway’s credibility as a defender of international law are undermined.”
Source: Press
SPAIN/BASQUE COUNTRY/CATALONIA
PODEMOS:
Excerpts from the long statement: “The destabilising potential of the Turkish military campaign is enormous and could have very serious consequences for the Kurdish people and for the peoples of Europe. We therefore call on the international community, including the EU and its Member States, to denounce these events and to take the necessary political and diplomatic measures to ensure the cessation of the operation by Turkey, as well as an independent investigation of the facts and accountability for possible war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The EU and Member States must prioritise in their relations with Turkey, as in all their foreign policy, the defence of peace, democracy and human rights.”
Source: https://podemos.info/
Eulàlia Reguant Cura, Member of the Parliament of Catalonia, CUP:
“Turkey uses the resort of violence against the Kurds before an election: in 2015 after the AKP lost its majority and before the repeat election, in 2017 before the presidential referendum, in 2018 before the presidential, in 2019 before the municipal…”
Source: Twitter
Ima Garrastatxu, the mayor of Durango and Julián Ríos the deputy mayor of Durango:
The Basque municipality of Durango twinned with Kobane in 2017. Since then, there has been an intense and meaningful exchange between the two cities. On 21 Nov., the mayor of Durango, Ima Garrastatxu, and the deputy mayor, Julián Ríos, met online with Rewsan Khalil Abdi, co-mayor of Kobane and Roisin Mahmud, responsible for all the municipalities of the canton of Kobane, to convey the solidarity of the Durango people in the face of the Turkish attacks.
Source: Youtube
SWITZERLAND
Fabian Molina, National Councillor SP Switzerland:
“President Erdogan has wrecked Turkey economically. Now he is trying to deflect. The criminal attacks on Rojava and other Kurdish areas must have consequences. Freedom and the international legal order must be protected – always!”
Source: Twitter
UNITED KINGDOM
Feryal Clark, MP, Labour
“A very important statement by HDP party in Turkey -condemnation of heinous attack that took place in Istanbul, w/t no evidence / links to Kurds in Syria & calls on Turkey not to use this attack as a pretext to attack Kurds in Syrian”
Source: Twitter
***
20.11.2022, SUNDAY
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT (EP) and EUROPE
Andreas Schieder, MEP, SPÖ Head of Delegation in the European Parliament S&D:
“So sad and dangerous: Tonight Turkish attacks started, not only on Kobanê, but also in other cities in Rojava and Iraq. This Turkish bombing of the “safe” areas of northern Syria threatens the whole region. We call for an immediate stop of this hostilities.”
Source: Twitter
Françoiş Alfonsi, MEP, Greens/European Free Alliance:
Turkey bombs Kobanî in Syrian Kurdistan in “retaliation” for the Istanbul bombing without any credible information to establish Kurdish responsibility. In fact, it was a set-up to justify the invasion of Syrian Kurdistan and Northern Iraq with the use of chemical weapons.
Source: Twitter
Nikolaj Villumsen, MEP, Vice-chair GUE/NGL:
“Right now, the Turkish military is bombing Kurdish areas in Syria. #Erdogan must not get away with this blatant violation of international law that will weaken the fight against IS and terrorism. Denmark, NATO and the EU must speak out! #SaveKobane #TurkeyAttacksRojava #dkpol #eudk”
Source: Twitter
Martin Schirdewan, MEP, Co-President GUE/NGL:
“Turkey has bombed Rojava massively tonight. Erdoğan is attacking those who are fighting ISIS. Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser wants to talk about “terrorism” in Ankara tomorrow. This visit must be cancelled! There is also a limit to hypocrisy.”
Source: Twitter
Sergey Lagodinsky, MEP, Greens/EFA, Chair of the Delegation to the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee:
“I am extremely worried about this development. As I recently said during the hearing in the European Parliament, no security concerns justify human rights and international law violations. I hope for restraint and adherence to international law.”
Source: Twitter
Ana Miranda, MEP, Greens/EFA Group:
“If the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS is against this illegal war, then its members must immediately take strong steps through economic, political, diplomatic, and legal measures to force Turkey to comply with international law.”
Source: Twitter
Miguel Urbán Crespo, MEP, GUE/NGL
“Turkey bombs again Kobane under unfounded accusations. We denounce Erdogan’s state terrorism against Kurdistan. The EU must stop being complicit in Turkey’s repression against the Kurdish people and the other peoples of northern and eastern Syria!”
Source: Twitter
Katrin Langensiepen, MEP, Greens/EFA:
“I was in the Rojava region about 14 days ago. The local people are living in poverty, but they are also trying to build democratic structures. The development and stabilisation of the region is being destroyed by such attacks by Turkey.”
Source: Twitter
Massimiliano Smeriglio, MEP, S&D:
“Right now the Turkish army is bombing Kobane in Syrian Kurdistan. Let’s stop a new massacre. In all international fora we call on Erdogan to stop now.”
Source: Twitter
European Free Alliance (EFA):
“EFA strongly condemns Turkey’s continued attacks against Kurdistan including the latest attacks on Kobani. These attacks in North East Syria threaten stability across the entire region and weakens the fight against ISIS. Europe must act.”
Source: Twitter
AUSTRIA
Ewa Ernst-Dziedzic, MP, Greens, Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs:
Massive attacks by Turkish air force on city centre of Kobane & some already thought President Erdogan is a peacemaker lately. We can’t let Turkey get away with this, it’s not a fight against terror, it’s Kurds:
Source: Twitter
FRANCE
Pierre Laurent, Senator of Paris, Vice-President of the Senate, President of the National Council of the PCF:
Last night, #Erdogan bombed several civilian infrastructures in northern Syria #Rojava and in #KurdistanIraq. The international community must condemn these acts of violence and demand that #Turkey stop them as soon as possible! #KurdistanUnderAttack
Source: Twitter
Laurence Cohen, member of the French Senate since 2011 for PCF:
“Turkish army attack against Kurds in Rojava, in Kobane. Our Kurdish friends have been and are a bulwark against obscurantism. They are at the origin of the slogan taken up by the Iranian people #WomenLifeFreedom. Let’s condemn this new offensive @RTErdogan”
Source: Twitter
Laurence Patrice, Deputy Mayor of Paris:
“Full support to our Kurdish friends who are again targeted by Turkish attacks in Rojava. The international community must react urgently!”
Source: Twitter
GERMANY
Max Lucks, MP, Greens Group Turkey Policy Spokesperson:
“There is no justification for breaches of international law. That is why there is no justification for Turkey’s new bombardments in Syria and Iraq. The destabilisation of an entire region by a NATO partner is completely unacceptable.”
Source: Twitter
Dietmar Bartsch, MP, Die Linke., Chairman of the Left parliamentary group:
“While the world looks at Qatar, NATO partner Turkey bombs Rojava. Shameless! The German government must take a clear stand immediately! #istandwithrojava”
Source: Twitter
Ulrich Lechte, MP, Foreign Affairs Spokesman of the FDP parliamentary group:
“#Erdogan attacks Kurdish areas in 🇸🇾 & 🇮🇶 in violation of international law, at the same time 🇮🇷 marches into the Kurdish city of #Mahabad. In both cases, high numbers of civilian casualties are to be expected. I condemn this indiscreet action: We must finally look and act.”
Source: Twitter
Berîvan Aymaz, Greens, Member of the NRW Federal State Parliament, Vice-President of the NRW Federal State Parliament:
“Clear words also from FDP against the violence in Iran and from Turkey against Kurds. Dear SPD do you have another statement? Will the interior minister’s Nancy Faeser meeting with her Turkish counterpart take place despite these devastating developments?”
Source: Twitter
Bodo Ramelow, Prime Minister of the Free State of Thuringia:
“NATO partner Turkey is attacking two states militarily and the NATO countries are deafeningly silent. Iran, Iraq, Syria – Kurdish people are obviously fair game. The international community is silent. I find this outrageous.”
Source: Twitter
Jürgen Trittin, MP, Greens:
“Election campaign against with attacks on other countries against international law – autocrats like #Erdogan and #putin following the same recipe. #Kurdistan”
Source: Twitter
Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, MP, FDP, Chair of the Defence Committee in the Bundestag:
“It is unbearable that Turkey is currently attacking the Kurdish autonomous regions again in an uncontrolled manner, without justification and without any evidence. This is inhumane and unacceptable. We cannot let a NATO partner show us up like this.
Source: Twitter
Bernd Riexinger, MP, DIE LINKE., 2012 to 2021 Party Chair:
“Turkey carried out massive bombardments against Kurds in #Rojava in northern Syria last night. I condemn these attacks, which violate international law, in the strongest possible terms. The German government must not remain silent.”
Source: Twitter
Cem Özdemir, MP, Greens, Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture:
“The bombing in Istanbul must be investigated independently. Erdogan’s bombs on Kurds who successfully fought IS terrorists are meant to distract from the economic disaster in Turkey.”
Source: Twitter
Berîvan Aymaz, Greens, Member of the NRW Federal State Parliament, Vice-President of the NRW Federal State Parliament:
“Hello world public, currently the people who brought the feminist call for freedom #JinJiyanAzadi into the world will defy autocrats, v. #Iran & der #Türkei attacked simultaneously, with a green light from Russia. Solidarity with the Kurdish people!”
Source: Twitter
Die LINKE., meeting of representatives of all regional associations:
“Unanimous decision of the federal committee Die Linke, meeting of representatives of all regional associations with the heading “Solidarity with the Kurds under attack!
Source: Twitter
GREEN YOUTH (GRÜNE JUGEND):
“Today is a black day: We strongly condemn the attacks of the Islamist Iranian regime on the people of Mahabad and the attacks of Turkey on the Kurds in Rojava! BIJÎ BERXWEDANA KURDISTANÊ!”
Source: Twitter
medico international, aid organisation:
“Turkey is bombing the north-east of Syria, including the town centre of Kobane, the town that stands more than any other for the liberation of the region from Islamic State – liberated by the very people who are now being bombed by Turkey. Despicable!”
Source: Twitter
ITALY
Amedeo Ciaccheri, President of Rome Municipality VIII.:
“Turkish bombs against Kobane. Erdogan besieges the capital of global resistance to ISIS fundamentalism. There is a criminal operation going on in Rojava and if it doesn’t stop, we will pay dearly. European diplomacy is needed. #TurkeyAttacksRojava #DefendKobani #defendRojava”
Source: Twitter
Nicola Fratoianni, National Secretary of Sinistra Italiana:
“A violent aggression in the silence of the international community that pretends not to see the atrocities of #Erdogan. Italy, the EU and the US must have a jolt of dignity, with the same attention with which they are following Putin’s aggression against Ukraine”
Source: Twitter
Maurizio Acerbo, national secretary of Rifondazione Comunista – European Left:
“We call on the Italian government and the European Union to condemn the Turkish aggression and demand the immediate cessation of the Turkish attacks. (…) NATO’s second army unleashed a bombing and military offensive against the city which pushed back Isis and Rojava’s Autonomous Administration. The bombings hit the civilian population, schools, hospitals. Eleven thousand Kurdish fighters fell to stop Isis and Al Qaeda who had the support of Turkey and Qatar. Now Erdogan is using the massacre in Istanbul, probably the work of the Turkish secret services themselves, as a justification for bombing the free territories of Rojava and erasing an experience of self-government and coexistence among peoples which is an example for the peoples of the whole area.”
Source: http://www.rifondazione.it
Giuliano Granato, spokesman for Potere al Popolo:
“Turkey is bombing Kobane, a city symbolic of the fight against ISIS. This is how Erdogan starts his election campaign, killing and destroying. And our governments keep quiet. After all, Turkey is a NATO country and blocks migrants, who cares about the Kurds.”
Source: Twitter
Giorgio Marasà, Head of Foreign Affairs Sinistra Italiana (Italian Left):
“Kobane, the symbolic city of the ISIS fight, is under attack along with the cities of Rojava. This too is war and once again the victim is the Kurdish people. The aggressor is Erdogan’s Turkey. Any silence and any underestimation is complicit, unacceptable and shameful.”
Source: Twitter
Sinistra Civica Ecologista Roma (Ecologist Civic Left Rome):
Today the Turkish army dropped bombs on Kobani in Syrian Kurdistan. No more bombs! Always on the side of the Kurdish people our brothers, our sisters.
Source: Twitter
Zerocalcare (stage name of Michele Rech), Cartoonist:
“As expected, the attack on Kobane and various cities in Rojava started tonight (in the next few days I may retweet a little more than usual)”
Source: Twitter
SPAIN/BASQUE COUNTRY/CATALONIA
Lorena López de Lacalle, President of the European Free Alliance (EFA):
“@EFAparty is with @HDP_Europe & the Kurdish people in our common unrelentless commitment to Peace and Justice. We firmly condemn Erdogan’s regime and its military attacks in third countries, occupation, imprisonment, torture, assassinations.”
Source: Twitter
Gorka Elejabarrieta Diaz, Basque Senator in Madrid, Director of International Relations Department EH Bildu:
“We firmly reject the new attacks launched by Turkey against Rojava and North Iraq. Turkey is once again targeting the Kurdish people and in particular the city of Kobane, which defeated the Islamic State in 2015. These attacks are in violation of international and humanitarian law and we therefore ask Turkey to stop targeting civilians. The international community and, in particular, the European Union as well as the Spanish state, should firmly condemn these attacks. Tomorrow, Monday, we will bring the issue to the Senate. Likewise, EH Bildu will organize initiatives to denounce the attacks in the institutions of the Basque Country.”
Source: Twitter and Press
Antón Gómez-Reino, Vice-president of Foreign Affairs Committee in Spanish Congress, PODEMOS
“The new aggression suffered by the Kurdish people and in particular the city and region of Kobane and Rojava at the hands of Turkey is absolutely unacceptable. From the Congress and Foreign Affairs Committee of the Spanish government we are following with worry and also indignation the bombing carried out by Turkey. Bombings that violate international laws and therefore should be firmly condemned by the international community and in particular the European Union as well as the Spanish state. Tomorrow, Monday, we will present initiatives so that the Congress clearly condemn the new aggression carried out by the regime of President Erdogan and the Turkish state against the Kurdish people and, ultimately, against human rights and international law.”
Source: Twitter and Press
Eulàlia Reguant Cura, Member of the Parliament of Catalonia, CUP:
“At midnight on November 20, Turkish warplanes began bombing hospitals, schools and other civilian targets in and around Kobanê . Turkish warplanes have also attacked wheat storage in nearby regions. Once again, the Turkish state is launching an offensive against the Kurds to distract attention from the problems of two decades of uncontrolled regime by Erdogan and the AKP. Turkey is the second power of NATO, therefore, it acts with the connivance of the international community. The Kurdish movement makes a call to mobilize and denounce once again Erdogan’s violence against the Kurdish people and specifically, against the Rojava revolution, and the administration of North and East Syria. Today more than ever with the Kurdish people. #TurkeyAttacksRojava + #NoFlyZone4Rojava”
Source: Twitter
Eva Miguel Gascón, Tarragona City Council of the CUP:
“Erdogan bombs Kobani thus starting what will be an electoral campaign stained with Kurdish blood. Maximum solidarity!”
Source: Twitter
SWEDEN
Håkan Svenneling, MP, Left Party, Spokesperson for foreign affairs:
“Turkey is now attacking Kobane and other Kurdish-dominated cities in northeastern Syria and Sinjar in northern Iraq. A clear violation of international law and the sovereignty of neighboring countries, a violation that puts millions of peoples homes at risk. (…) Sweden has now clearly ended up on the wrong side of history. Instead of praising and supporting those who fight for democracy and people’s freedom, we now militarily support the aggressor Turkey with weapons. When the Swedish government lets them down, they end up groveling for Erdoğan. They betray those who protected us and adapt Swedish foreign policy to try and satisfy an authoritarian despot. (…) Through the Swedish government’s actions and renunciation they are legitimizing Erdoğan’s attacks. He now knows he can push the Swedish government around in ways he otherwise couldn’t have. It’s not a question of symbolism – it’s about human lives.”
Source: Press
Daniel Riazat, Member of the Swedish Parliament. Vänsterpartiet (Left Party) Daniel Riazat:
“The YPG liberated Kobanê after a long and painful struggle against IS/Daesh. There, a new feminist and intercultural people’s government was launched. Now Turkey has launched heavy aerial bombardments of Kobanê against the YPG. This is so incredibly disgusting!”
Source: Twitter
Håkan Svenneling, MP, Left Party, Spokesperson for foreign affairs:
“Erdoğan logic: Create an external enemy to fool the people that he will lead Turkey despite its flawed governance.”
Source: Twitter
SWITZERLAND
Cédric Wermuth, National Councillor, Co-President of the SP Switzerland:
“The attack of the NATO state Turkey against the Kurds is despicable and must be condemned without any ifs and buts. We expect a clear reaction from all governments of the EU, NATO and Switzerland. For freedom and democracy always, but please be consistent! #Kurdistan”
Source: Twitter
USA
Chris Van Hollen, U.S. Senator for Maryland:
“Here we go again. Erdogan has been saying for months that Turkey would attack our Syrian Kurdish allies who led the fight against ISIS (see below). No one should be fooled now that he is doing so. Biden Admin should speak out forcefully.”
Source: Twitter
* some explanations were translated by online translation services