SULAIMANI (ESTA) — The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has requested the Turkish government to put an end to deforestation in areas on the Kurdistan Region’s border, a spokesperson said on Monday, noting that it is not acceptable.
“The KRG is concerned and expresses dissatisfaction about deforestation and damaging the nature of the Kurdistan region, and it has formally requested Turkey to put an end to deforestation on the border areas, which is not acceptable,” KRG Spokesperson Jotiar Adil said in a statement.
Two members of the Kurdistan parliament said on Sunday that Turkey had cut down trees in areas on the Kurdistan Region’s border.
“[Turkey] wants to destroy all the forests in Zap, Avashin, Metina and Badlis and turn them to a military base,” lawmaker Ali Hama Salish said.
“This is not only invasion, but the destruction of Kurdistan nature,” Hama Salih added.
MP Hividar Ahmed, posted several photos on Facebook showing logs piled in several areas where he said the Turkish army had cut down trees.
“In evidence, the Turkish mercenaries have cut down and stolen trees in Sindya region in Zakho district,” said Ahmed.
The KRG spokesman further said that the presence of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) was a reason for Turkey to deploy its troops inside the Kurdistan Region and for clashes between both sides.
He also called on Turkey and the PKK to “respect sovereignty of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and no longer cause suffering, exile and destruction to residents of those areas.”
Turkish strikes and clashes between the Turkish military and the PKK have forced residents of three villages to evacuate their homes in Duhok province.
The Turkish army has also entered 40 kilometers deep into the Kurdistan Region, according to Kurdish officials, as part of its military campaign against the PKK.
