The Presidency of the EU is following with great concern the operation of the Turkish Army in the territory of Iraq, undertaken on 21 February 2008. While recognizing Turkey's need to protect its population from terrorism, the Presidency calls on Turkey to refrain from taking any disproportionate military action and to respect Iraq's territorial integrity, human rights and the rule of law. It also calls on Turkey to limit its military activities to those which are absolutely necessary for achieving its main purpose - the protection of the Turkish population from terrorism.
The Presidency encourages the Turkish authorities to pursue dialogue with its international partners, particularly with the Government of Iraq.
The Presidency reiterates its call on the Iraqi Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government to take appropriate measures and ensure that the Iraqi territory is not used for violent action against Iraq's neighbours.
