UPDATE WITH REMARKS BY TURKISH PRESIDENT ERDOGAN
By Esra Tekin
ISTANBUL (AA) – Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday that Türkiye has achieved progress with the Erbil administration in fighting terrorism, but despite warnings, the Sulaymaniyah administration persists in protecting the PKK/YPG terror group.
“We have achieved progress with the Erbil administration in fighting terrorism. However, despite numerous warnings, the Sulaymaniyah, namely the PUK administration (in northern Iraq), unfortunately, continues to embrace the PKK/YPG/PYD terrorist organization,” Erdogan said during his return flight from Egypt.
“No one should expect a different stance from us. We will provide the necessary response. We cannot overlook this matter. We are taking and will continue to take every possible step,” he said.
Erdogan noted that if the aim is to harbor hostility toward Türkiye, Ankara has responses to that as well, and has measures in place, adding that the country will not hesitate to take even more stringent actions if necessary.
“While we may tolerate various issues, when it comes to our dignity and national security, we close the doors to tolerance completely and take whatever actions are necessary,” he added.
A series of visits to Iraq by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defense Minister Yasar Guler, and the head of the National Intelligence Service Ibrahim Kalin “effectively softened the prevailing tensions caused by adverse developments in Iraq,” Erdogan said.
He added that positive developments have been observed in the relationship between Türkiye and Iraq regarding initiatives related to both the central government and northern Iraq.
“As long as we maintain honesty and integrity, and refrain from compromising, particularly by allowing the establishment of a terrorist enclave right at our borders, we are ready to take any necessary steps in this region in collaboration with our neighbors,” Erdogan said.
He also added that no one will show the level of respect for the territorial integrity of Iraq and Syria that Türkiye will demonstrate.
In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, UK, and EU – has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.
The YPG/PYD is the PKK’s Syrian offshoot.