US President Obama praises ongoing process for 'peaceful resolution of PKK violence'

WASHINGTON

U.S. President Barack Obama (R) escorts Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan after a joint news conference in the White House Rose Garden in Washington, May 16. REUTERS photo

U.S. President Barack Obama praised the ongoing Kurdish peace process in Turkey during his joint press conference with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the White House May 16. Obama said the United States was giving full support to the Turkish government's talks with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

"I want to take this opportunity to commend you and the Turkish people for your courage in seeking a historic and peaceful resolution of the PKK violence that has plagued Turkey for so long," Obama told reporters.

“And just as the United States has stood with you in your long search for security, we will support efforts in Turkey to uphold the rule of law and good governance and human rights for all," he added.

The talks with the jailed PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan entered a critical stage on May 8 with the start of PKK militants' withdrawal from Turkish soil.