Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that Turkey is planning to establish a permanent military base in the Hakurk region of northern Iraq; and whether the government of Iraq is in agreement with any such plan.
We are aware of media reports stating that Turkey is planning to establish a permanent military base in the Hakurk region of northern Iraq. We cannot verify the accuracy of these reports, nor the consent of the Government of Iraq on this matter. We continue to urge dialogue between Iraq and Turkey, in order to ensure sustained co-operation in combatting terrorism in the region.