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Turkish peace monitoring force completes its mission in Iraq

Sep-24-2004 » Filed Under: Iraq News

(TFO Press Release)

MOSUL, IRAQ (September 24, 2004) – The Turkish peace monitoring force, which was formed in 1997 to monitor a cease-fire between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), will be dissolved in early October. A ceremony will be held to formally recognize the contributions of the Turkish government and the successful efforts of the force to contribute to northern Iraq’s security.

The conflict between the KDP and PUK intensified in 1996, drawing the attention of the global community. During a meeting in Ankara, Turkey, a cease-fire agreement was established by representatives of the two parties and representatives from the United States, Britain and Turkey. The cease-fire, known as the Ankara Peace Process, called for a Turkish force to enforce the cease-fire and monitor relations between the two parties.

The peace monitoring force is made up of approximately 400 local Iraqis, trained and led by members of the Turkish Armed Forces and stationed in northern Iraq.

The force has successfully completed its mission in Iraq, ensuring the security of northern Iraq for the past seven years. Violence has subsided between the two rivaling Kurdish factions in recent years and a force of peacekeepers is no longer required to maintain security.

The trained Iraqi peacekeepers will be able to continue their service to their country by using their experiences in the Iraqi Border Patrol and Iraqi National Guard.

The sovereign government of Iraq is determined to ensure the safety and security of this country and to move forward, united, as Iraq prepares for free elections next spring.


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