21 Oct 2021; MEMO: The Turkish presidency yesterday submitted a memorandum requesting parliament extend the authority granted to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to carry out military operations in Syria and Iraq for another two years, starting from 30 October, Anadolu Agency reported.
The agency said the memorandum explained that the risks and threats to national security caused by the developments and the ongoing conflict in areas adjacent to Turkey's southern borders, are constantly escalating.
Turkey attaches great importance to maintaining stability, national unity and the territorial integrity of neighbouring Iraq but warned that the continued presence of the outlawed PKK and Daesh elements in Iraq constitute a direct threat to regional peace, stability and Turkey's security, the request explained.
"Terrorist organisations, especially PKK/PYD-YPG and ISIS [Daesh], which have a presence in areas close to our border with Syria, continue their activities against our country, our national security and civilians," it said.
"Taking the necessary measures is of utmost importance, in line with our rights arising from international law," it continued.
