Chancellor Angela Merkel has told German lawmakers that arming Kurdish fighters battling self-proclaimed Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) extremists in Iraq wasn't an easy decision but is in her country's interest.
The government decided Sunday to deliver rifles, tank-busting weapons and armored vehicles to forces fighting the ISIS group, breaking with Germany's previous reluctance to send weapons into conflicts.
Lawmakers were to hold a nonbinding vote Monday in a special session of parliament, which was recalled from its summer break.
Merkel said the decision was "very carefully weighed." She said officials faced a choice between "taking no risks, not delivering (weapons) and ultimately accepting the expansion of terror" or supporting those fighting the extremists.
Merkel said: "The immense suffering of many people cries out, and our own security interests are threatened."
Keep up to date with what’s happening in Turkey,
it’s region and the world.
You can unsubscribe at any time. By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.