Turkish FM Fidan warns Talabani's PUK in Iraq to distance itself from PKK
Hakan Fidan's visit coincided with news that Iraq's National Security Council had officially designated the PKK as an outlawed group.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (2nd L), Turkish Minister of National Defence Yasar Guler (L) and Turkish Intelligence Organization Director Ibrahim Kalin (2nd R) attend the security meeting at the ministerial level in Baghdad, Iraq on March 14, 2024. Photo by Anadolu Images.
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n a stern message directed at the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) led by Jalal Talabani’s son, Bafal Talabani, in northwestern Iraq, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan issued a warning to the Suleymaniyah-based faction, urging them to sever ties with the PKK terrorists.
Speaking during a live broadcast on Monday March 18, Fidan emphasized the importance of correcting the alleged mistake and restoring friendship between Turkey and the PUK in Suleymaniyah. He stressed Ankara’s expectation for the PUK to refrain from supporting the PKK, emphasizing Turkey’s commitment to eliminating the terrorist organization.
“We do not want to become enemies with our allies as we eliminate the PKK,” Fidan stated, expressing Ankara’s hope for the PUK to distance itself from the terrorist group. He criticized the local administration in Suleymaniyah for allegedly supporting both PKK and YPG terrorists and providing logistical support to them.
Enduring friendship
Turkish officials have previously criticized the PUK for allowing Suleymaniyah to serve as a refuge for PKK terrorists.
Highlighting the enduring friendship between Turkey and the people of Sulaymaniyah, Fidan underscored the seriousness of the threat posed by the PUK leadership’s cooperation with the PKK, describing it as a national security issue for Turkey.
During his visit to Iraq last week, accompanied by Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalın and Deputy Interior Minister Münir Karaloğlu, Fidan reiterated Turkey’s commitment to combating terrorism. His visit coincided with news that Iraq’s National Security Council had officially designated the PKK as an outlawed group.
In its more than 40-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants. The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union.
Source: Daily Sabah
