Turkish opposition seeks inquiry on ISIL

ANKARA - Anadolu Agency

Main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) has submitted a motion calling for a parliamentary inquiry to investigate the relationship between Turkey and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

CHP deputy leader Sezgin Tanrıkulu said in the motion national and international media reports had claimed ISIL had received support from Turkey.

“The government has not given any satisfactory answer regarding the claims,” he said.

Pointing to the abduction of 49 Turkish nationals by ISIL militants in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul, Tanrıkulu claimed the fact the government had not taken any action against ISIL indicated the two sides may have an “indirect relationship” with each other.

ISIL fighters seized 49 Turkish consulate staff, including the consul-general and family members, in the Iraqi city of Mosul on June 11. Iraq has seen a marked escalation in tension as a coalition of armed groups led by ISIL has taken control of large swathes of Iraq’s predominantly Sunni provinces.