Turkish govt seeks parliament nod for Kurdish operation

The Turkish government has decided to send a motion to Parliament seeking approval for a military operation against Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq, a government spokesman said yesterday.

Cemil Cicek said he hoped Parliament would vote on the motion this week but indicated that the government would still prefer a solution to the conflict that does not involve a cross-border offensive. Local news stations said the vote would be held tomorrow.

"Our hope is that there will be no need to use this motion," Cicek said.