Turkey’s Erdogan says Iraqi appeal to Security Council ‘not honest’

Militiamen in fatigues, supporters and onlookers gathered in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square, chanting, “No to occupation, no to Turkey”.

Baghdad addressed the UN Security Council demanding an unconditional and immediate withdrawal of Turkish troops from the Iraqi territory to put an end to the “aggressive act” and “flagrant violation” of worldwide legislation. AP reported that Turkey has since stopped the deployment of more troops, but has not removed its forces from Iraq yet.

The demonstration Saturday, called for by the umbrella group of Shiite militias in Iraq whose power rivals that of the Iraqi army, was attended by militia leaders and some Shiite politicians.

Trying to unite the country behind him over the issue, Abadi also went on television late Friday to reiterate his warning that Iraq would use “any means” to protect its sovereignty. “It is out of the question, for now, to pull them out”, he said.

Shiite militia members and supporters carry a banner representing the Iraqi flag during a demonstrat …

Turkish ambassador to Iraq was summoned to demand that Turkey immediately withdraw hundreds of troops deployed in recent days.

“Even if they had the understanding of the Kurdish (regional authorities), that does not count. It’s a violation”, he said.

He added: “Assistance with military training and advanced technology and weapons to fight the IS terrorist entity must be based upon bilateral and multilateral agreements and in full respect of the national sovereignty and Iraqi constitution, and in coordination with the Iraqi armed forces”.

He said Iraq has tried to solve the dispute with Turkey peacefully and diplomatically.

“For Maliki and his allies in the Shia paramilitary groups, this was an opportunity to consolidate their Shia constituency”, he said.

It was likewise an opportunity to reveal that Abadi and his friends “cannot fit their strong reaction to the Turkish intervention”.

Highlighting the importance of Iraq’s territorial integrity, Davutoglu said: “I hope relations of friendship between Turkey and Iraq will continue strongly from now on”.

Ankara has refused, saying the troops were part of an worldwide mission to train and equip Iraqi forces to fight IS militant group, which still controls a large part of the country.

In Baghdad, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi instructed his foreign ministry to lodge a formal complaint at the U.N. Security Council over the presence of the Turkish forces.

This was the very first time he’s felt compelled to return.