Islamic State
(asked on 4th September 2015) - View Source
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the appropriateness of the Turkish government's response to ISIS; and if he will make a statement.
This question was answered on 11th September 2015
Turkey is a key security partner for the UK which has long played an important role in the Global Coalition’s efforts to defeat ISIL. It is a founding member of the Coalition, and a critical partner in restricting the flow of foreign fighters and finance to ISIL across its borders with Syria and Iraq. Its strong support to the Syrian moderate opposition, including through the US-led Train and Equip Programme, helps bolster this critical ground force in its struggle against ISIL. More recently, we welcome Turkey joining the Coalition airstrikes against ISIL in Syria, as well as the opening of Incirlik airbase to Coalition forces. This is having a real military impact, drastically reducing the flight times to reach targets in Syria. Furthermore, Turkey is playing a key role in the humanitarian effort. It hosts more than 2 million refugees fleeing from Syria and Iraq, and is facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid across the border.
Turkey is a key security partner for the UK which has long played an important role in the Global Coalition’s efforts to defeat ISIL. It is a founding member of the Coalition, and a critical partner in restricting the flow of foreign fighters and finance to ISIL across its borders with Syria and Iraq. Its strong support to the Syrian moderate opposition, including through the US-led Train and Equip Programme, helps bolster this critical ground force in its struggle against ISIL. More recently, we welcome Turkey joining the Coalition airstrikes against ISIL in Syria, as well as the opening of Incirlik airbase to Coalition forces. This is having a real military impact, drastically reducing the flight times to reach targets in Syria. Furthermore, Turkey is playing a key role in the humanitarian effort. It hosts more than 2 million refugees fleeing from Syria and Iraq, and is facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid across the border.