Action Quote by Jalal Talabani
“We are not denying that Turkey has a right to defend itself from extremists but some of its actions are not serving any democratic purpose in Turkey or in Iraq. This will not benefit the relations between the two countries.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public statement on Turkey‑Iraq relations, 2023
The speaker acknowledges Turkey’s right to self‑defence but criticises actions that undermine democracy, warning they harm bilateral ties.
In simple terms: Turkey can defend itself but must respect democracy; otherwise relations suffer.
Promote security that respects democratic values.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- government policy
- regional stability
- human rights
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can Turkey address security threats without compromising democracy?
- What steps can improve Turkey‑Iraq relations?
Balancing security with democratic principles is complex and politically sensitive.