Iraq and Syria motion passed by Parliament

The Presidential motion to extend the mandate to deploy troops to Iraq and Syria for another three years, effective October 30, 2025, was approved by the General Assembly of the Turkish Grand National Assembly. The motion emphasized the ongoing terrorist threat and ongoing risks to national security.

The motion, signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, stated that the terrorist threat persists in the regions adjacent to Turkey's southern land borders and that the failure to achieve lasting stability continues to pose a risk to national security. The text emphasized Turkey's commitment to preserving Iraq's territorial integrity and stability, noting that PKK and ISIS elements remain present in Iraq and that terrorist organizations, particularly the PKK/PYD-YPG and ISIS, continue to pose a threat to the country and civilians in Syria.

The motion stated that the PKK/PYD-YPG rejected steps aimed at integrating into the Syrian central government due to its separatist agenda, and that this situation hindered the process of establishing lasting stability in the country. It also emphasized the need to support international efforts such as developing counterterrorism capabilities, mine clearance, and the detection and destruction of chemical weapons, in line with the expectations and needs of the current Syrian administration.

The motion stated that the territorial integrity and independence of Iraq and Syria were affirmed in United Nations Security Council resolutions 2170, 2178, 2249, and 2254, and that it reminded member states of their responsibilities in the fight against ISIS and similar organizations. It also emphasized the importance of Türkiye's activities within the international coalition formed to combat ISIS and other terrorist organizations.

In this context, it was stated that it is vital for Türkiye to take the necessary measures within the framework of international law to protect its national security, to maintain its cross-border operation authority, and to pursue a dynamic policy against risks.

During the parliamentary debates, New Path Party Ankara MP İdris Şahin stated that stability could be achieved not only through arms, but also through dialogue and cooperation. Criticizing the three-year extension of the mandate, Şahin stated that annual renewals are a parliamentary tradition.

İYİ Party Muğla Deputy Metin Ergun stated that the presence of organizations such as the PKK, PYD, YPG and ISIS on the borders creates Türkiye's right to legitimate defense and announced that they will support the motion.

MHP Erzurum Deputy Kamil Aydın stated that they would support the motion and emphasized Türkiye's determination to ensure stability in both Iraq and Syria.

DEM Party Antalya Deputy Hakkı Saruhan Oluç said they were against the mandate and that peace could only come to the region through democratic and peaceful means.

CHP Istanbul Deputy Namık Tan reacted to the three-year extension of the mandate, which has been in effect for 18 years, and announced that they would vote against it. Tan highlighted the role of the commission established to achieve the goal of a "Terror-Free Türkiye."

Fuat Oktay, Chairman of the Turkish Grand National Assembly's Foreign Affairs Committee and AK Party Ankara Deputy, stated that Türkiye has become a key to world peace and acts with a sense of humanitarian responsibility in the fight against terrorism. Oktay said the PKK must put its disarmament process into practice. He also emphasized that the PYD, YPG, and SDF's control of one-third of Syria is a serious concern.

Oktay stated that Türkiye has a decisive stance in foreign policy and takes action to protect its national interests when necessary without seeking permission from anywhere.

The General Assembly also rejected CHP Çorum Deputy Mehmet Tahtasız's proposal to amend the Social Security and General Health Insurance Law.

Deputy Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Celal Adan, closed the session to reconvene at 14:00 on Wednesday, October 23.

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