Turkish army expects all support to PKK in northern Iraq to end

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Iraqi President Jalal Talabani announced that Kurdish political groups based in Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Syria and Europe are expected to make a call to the PKK to lay down its arms in April at a conference to be held the northern Iraq city of Arbil, in remarks published in the Turkish press Wednesday.Â

The Turkish military said Friday its stance toward the issue is known by related state organs.

"We expect the activities of the separatist terror organization PKK to be blocked and prevention of access to logistic support, and for the continuity of such efficient and concrete steps," army spokesman Metin Gurak told a weekly press briefing in Ankara when asked about Talabani's remarks.

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

 

Talabani, who attended the 5th World Water Forum in Istanbul earlier this week, discussed cooperation and security issues, including the struggle with the PKK, 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. 

 

TURKEY WELCOMES DISCUSSION

Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said later on Friday that Turkey would not be opposed to the Kurdish conference planned to take place in Arbil as long as it focused on predetermined goals.

 

Talks have been underway for the conference for 3-4 months, Babacan told at a joint press conference with his Serbian counterpart Vuk Jeremic.

 

"We have assessed the matter with the Iraqi party. This is a conference that will be organized by Iraq. They will decide the timing, agenda and guests to participate. Turkey supports all steps to be taken to strengthen unity and integrity within Iraq and moves to bring about an end to the presence of the terrorist organization that poisons relations between Turkey and Iraq," Babacan was quoted by Anatolian Agency as saying.

 

Asked if Turkey would participate, Babacan said, "I don't think there is or would be any such invitation because this is something Iraq does within itself. However, Turkey would consider any invitation to participate as an observer or special guest."