[GOC]: Statement on the Kurdish Situation

[Nathan]

Global Affairs Canada
Statement on the Turkish Crisis 2009

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Elliot Rosseau takes to the state at the Lester B Pearson building, headquarters of Global Affairs Canada. Minister Rosseau had been foreign affairs chief since the election of the government. The background of his announcement is draped in Canadian flags and Global Affairs branding. National press would be in attendance, with access also given to international press. International press would be escorted throughout their time on site, and requires to go through X-ray security;

"Good evening everybody. I would like to begin this statement by affirming Canada's strong condemnation of PKK and Kurdish terror attacks on the nation of Türkiye. On behalf of the Canadian people, we condemn attacks on innocent civilians and civilian infrastructure. The government, will move to proscribe the PKK and other affiliated terror groups and will make it a criminal offence for those in Canada to express support, or join these groups. The Attorney General will have more information on this in the coming days.

That said, Canada is growing increasingly alarmed by the attacks on Iraq and Kurdish populations centres. Recent media is reporting up to 200 civilians have been killed in retaliatory attacks by Türkiye. Growing evidence suggests a build up is taking place that could see Turkish troops entering Northern Iraq.

Canada continues to support the current territorial boarders of Iraq, and neighbouring states within the Middle East. Such a invasion goes against the international norms and customs set forth by the Global Assembly and it's charter.

I wish to make it clear to the Turkish government, any violation of the Iraq territories is unacceptable and violates the memories of the victims. We believe this is against International law and good order.

I call on both sides to explore dialogue and a ceasefire, Canada is willing to work with both sides as a mediator to maintain peace in the region.

I open the floor to questions."

Jay

 

[Jay]

Amberin Zaman raised her hand. "Minister Rosseau, you began by announcing that Canada will move to outlaw the PKK and affiliated organizations, something Türkiye has long requested from many of its international partners. However, moments later you strongly criticized Türkiye's military response and warned against any potential cross-border operation into northern Iraq.

The Turkish government maintains that these operations are conducted in self-defence under the principles of the inherent right of self-defense against terrorist organizations operating from Iraqi territory when Baghdad has been unable to remove them.

Does Canada acknowledge Türkiye's right to self-defence against the PKK? If so, where does your government believe the line exists between a legitimate counterterrorism operation and what you have described as an unacceptable violation of Iraqi sovereignty?"

After Zaman asked her question Fatih Altaylı raised his hand and asked his question. "Minister, Canada has condemned both the PKK attacks and the reports of civilian casualties resulting from Turkish military operations. Human rights organizations have repeatedly raised concerns about the humanitarian impact of escalating conflict in Kurdish-majority regions.

Will Canada support an independent international investigation into allegations of civilian deaths caused by Turkish military actions? And if such an investigation concludes that international humanitarian law has been violated, would your government consider sanctions or restrictions on military exports to Türkiye? What measures will Canada be taking to stop the clearly planned invasion of Iraq?

Nathan

 

[Owen]

Barbara Miller, one of ABC News' North American Correspondents based in Washington D.C. would be temporarily stationed in Ottawa and would be at the press conference. Her British accent would resemble something more of a journalist from the BBC, which was her former employer afterall, but has been working with ABC News in Australia for 10 years now.

She would raise her hand to ask a question.

"What role does Canada envision itself playing as a mediator given it has not had a great deal of involvement in the past with this conflict? Mark Carney, the Governor of the Bank of Canada, was noted as saying that "lecturing countries from afar is a satisfying yet ineffective strategy." How does Canada plan on moving from being 'afar' to 'near' when it comes to this conflict?"

Nathan