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Turkish force completes its mission in Iraq

Oct- 4-2004 » Filed Under: Iraq News

(TFO Press Release)

MOSUL, IRAQ (October 4, 2004) – A ceremony was held October 3 to formally dissolve the Turkish peace monitoring force, marking the end of its seven-year mission to contribute to the security of northern Iraq. The PMF was formed in 1997 to monitor a cease-fire between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). Members of the Iraqi government were present at the ceremony to recognize the contributions of the Turkish government.

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 representatives established a force of approximately 400 local Iraqis, trained and led by members of the Turkish Armed Forces and stationed in northern Iraq. These local Iraqis have maintained the peace in this region for the past seven years. Violence has subsided between the two rival Kurdish factions in recent years and a force of peacekeepers is no longer required to maintain security. The trained Iraqi peacekeepers will continue their service to their country by using their experiences in the Iraqi Regular Army, the Iraqi Border Patrol, the Iraqi National Guard and other public services.

Col. Mehmet Aslan, the commander of the PMF, offered words of encouragement for the new Iraqi government during the ceremony. “We wish for continued peace in the region and prosperity for the people of Iraq.”

Representatives from the U.S. and British governments, as well as leaders from the PUK and KDP were present at the ceremony.

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 in January.


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