Iraq's decision to limit use of Turkmen language in Kirkuk 'violates fundamental rights': Türkiye

By Merve Aydogan

ANKARA (AA) – Türkiye denounced on Wednesday Iraq's Council of Ministers' recent decision to limit the use of Turkmen language in the northern Kirkuk province.

In a statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said the decision is "a violation of the fundamental rights of the Turkmens, who are one of the foundation and essential elements of Iraq."

The decision is also contradictory to the provisions of the Iraqi Constitution, Ankara said, as it called on Iraqi authorities to review their decision immediately.

The Kirkuk province has a sizeable ethic Turkmen population, dating back to the Ottoman centuries, and Iraq's neighbor Türkiye has taken a firm stance against attempts to manipulate its ethnic makeup.