60 Iraqi MPs urge parliament to address tree cutting in Duhok by Turkey 

Iraqi MP Ghalib Mohammed announced that 60 lawmakers had signed an official memorandum addressed to the speaker of the Iraqi parliament, calling for the issue of tree cutting in border areas of Duhok province to be included on the agenda of the parliament’s next session. The memorandum states that Turkish forces are cutting down trees in the area.

In a post on his official Facebook page, Mohammed said the memorandum, bearing the signatures of 60 MPs, aims to open a discussion in parliament over tree-cutting operations in natural forests located in the border areas of the Badinan region of Duhok province.

Mohammed added that the lawmakers who signed the memorandum seek to raise the issue during the next parliamentary session, noting that efforts will continue in the coming period to have the issue formally included on the parliament’s agenda and discussed on the parliamentary floor.

The parliamentary move comes amid growing public discontent over tree cutting in natural forests in Duhok’s border areas, which has sparked widespread reactions from residents, activists and environmental advocates.

Critics of the operations are calling for an end to what they consider damage to the forests and natural environment in the Kurdistan Region by the Turkish state, warning that continued logging could have consequences for vegetation and the ecological balance in mountainous and border areas.

The border areas of Duhok province are rich in natural forests and green spaces. They have, however, witnessed years of tree-cutting operations by the Turkish military stationed in the area, posing a significant threat to the environment and also contributing to demographic changes.

The collection of 60 lawmakers’ signatures on the memorandum is part of an effort to bring the issue before Iraq’s legislative institution, particularly as local calls continue for the protection of forests and natural resources in the border areas.

If the issue is placed on the parliamentary agenda, the discussion is expected to focus on the impact of tree-cutting operations, the protection of forested areas, as well as government responsibilities and possible measures to address violations or environmental damage reported in the area.

A-H

ANHA