Press Release Regarding The Demonstration Staged In Front Of The Consulate General Of The Republic Turkey In Basra , 19 May 2012 , 21.05.2012
No: 141, 19 May 2012
We have learned with sorrow that a group of nearly two hundred people staged a demonstration today (19 May) around 10.00 a.m. local time on the main street at the beginning of the road where the Consulate General of the Republic of Turkey in Basra is located.
We strongly and vehemently condemn the abhorrent act perpetrated against the Turkish flag during the demonstration which was obviously manipulated by some impertinent circles.
The necessary démarches regarding this issue have been made with the Ambassador of Iraq in Turkey; the Iraqi authorities have been given a strong warning and they have been reminded that ensuring the security of the diplomatic representations rests with the host country. H.E. Mr. Ahmet Davutoğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, has also underlined these issues in a telephone conversation with his Iraqi counterpart, H.E. Mr. Hoshyar Zebari.
The Iraqi Ambassador subsequently stated that today’s incidents are unacceptable and that they were the acts of an impertinent group. He also expressed that such behavior against the friendly and brotherly Turkey in particular was not acceptable in any way. Furthermore, the Ambassador conveyed to our side that the Iraqi government was deeply saddened and extended its official regrets about this incident. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iraq has also stated that this attack was strongly condemned and that necessary steps were taken in order to find its perpetrators.
Turkey will closely follow the measures to be taken by the host country about the treatment of our national symbols with due respect and ensuring the security of our diplomatic missions in Iraq.