‘With us or against us’ in PKK fight, Davutoğlu tells neighbors

ANKARA – Hürriyet Daily News

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu. REUTERS photo

Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu has urged Iraqi Kurds and regional countries to choose their side in the struggle against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).

“Everybody should clarify their position. One cannot be neutral in the struggle against terrorism,” Davutoğlu said in a TV interview on Oct. 29.

“The regional administration in the north of Iraq should either prevent the terrorist structure or cooperate with us, or we will enter and stop them by ourselves. That’s a right stemming from international law,” he said.

Turkey cannot tolerate the presence of an organization that poses a clear and direct threat to itself just over its border, he said, adding that they would take every measure to prevent the PKK from taking shelter in northern Iraq.

Davutoğlu said they had informed the Kurdistan Regional Government about the options and added that the administration had stated its support for Turkey’s attitude.

Turkey’s recent air operation has been effective, Davutoğlu said, adding that the pressure would be increased.

 “Nobody can restrict the scope or timing of Turkey’s fight against terrorism as long as the terror threat continues,” Davutoğlu said.

He also said Iraqi Kurds were increasing collaboration with Turkey in its fight against the PKK.

He said Masoud Barzani, the head of the regional administration in northern Iraq, would visit Turkey in the near future.

Meanwhile, Davutoğlu also spoke with Rached Ghannouchi, the leader of Tunisia’s Ennahda party, the winner of Tunisian elections, on Oct.29.