Turkish laws already facilitate amnesty for PKK terrorists - FM

"Our existing laws already include articles that leave the door open for those with true intentions," Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan was quoted by Anatolian Agency as telling at a joint press conference with his Philippine counterpart Alberto Romulo. Â

 

Iraqi President Jalal Talabani said Tuesday a general amnesty for the members of the PKK could be a solution to end the violence created by the terror organization.Â

 

"The fight against terror is a very comprehensive one with multi-dimensional efforts," Babacan told the conference.

 

"There is a need to use many instruments at the same time in the fight against terror. Military, economic, socio-cultural, dialogue and diplomacy are all crucial instruments," he added.

 

"Since the end of 2007, Turkey has entered a new period in counter terrorism. Turkey began implementing diplomacy aside from cross border military operations in the fight against terror," he also said.

 

The PKK, which launches cross-border attacks on Turkey from bases in northern Iraq, is listed as a terrorist group by Turkey and much of the international community, including the EU and the United States.Â

 

Babacan also said there are no current plans for a visit by the leader of the regional government in north of Iraq Massoud Barzani to Turkey. "However, there is no reason as to why Barzani can not visit Turkey," he added.

 

LAYING DOWN ARMS

The terror organization PKK is expected to heed a forthcoming appeal to lay down their arms, Talabani also said in remarks published Wednesday.

 

Kurdish political groups from Iran, Iraq, Syria, Turkey and Europe will make a joint appeal to the PKK to end its armed activities in a conference expected to be held in April or May in the northern Iraqi city of Arbil.

 

"I believe the PKK will accept the wishes of all Kurdish parties; laying down arms and bringing an end to the violence," Talabani, himself a Kurd, told the Sabah daily.

 

"It will be an important step. I hope Turkey would later take measures to persuade them to return from the mountains," he said.

 

The terrorists, however, are not expected to disband the PKK, Talabani told the daily. "I do not think they are ready for that at present," he said.

 

Talabani, who attended the 5th World Water Forum in Istanbul, discussed cooperation and security issues with Turkish President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan.

 

The two neighboring countries had intensified relations which have been hit by the security concerns.

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