UPDATE - PKK/YPG terror group poses threat to Iraq's stability, combatting terrorism crucial for Baghdad's future: Turkish president

UPDATE WITH MORE REMARKS BY PRESIDENT; CHANGES DECK, LEDE

By Esra Tekin, Seda Sevencan and Dilara Hamit​​​​​​​

ISTANBUL/ANKARA (AA) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday that the PKK/PYD/YPG terror group poses a threat to Iraq's stability, adding that eliminating this threat also serves Iraq’s interest.

Speaking to reporters on the plane after his pivotal one-day visit to Iraq, Erdogan said he believes the Iraqi administration also acknowledges this reality and will now demonstrate the will to eliminate this obstacle.

“It is essential for Iraq's development vision and the security of international investments to demolish these terrorist pits and build predictable tomorrows for Iraq."

- Anti-terrorism fight to continue with same determination

Erdogan emphasized that in both Iraq and Syria, ‘the terrorism quagmire’ will be resolved not just by Türkiye’s efforts but with the joint efforts of both countries' administrations.

He said Türkiye continues its "relentless fight" against all terrorist organizations indiscriminately, particularly against the PKK/PYD/YPG nestled in Iraq and Syria.

“It will continue with the same determination. Whether domestically or just beyond our borders, within the framework of international law and respecting the territorial integrity of our neighbors, this struggle will continue.

"We would like our neighbors to take the necessary stance against threats coming from their territories towards us,” he said.

- Common interests to be considered on water issue

Erdogan said the two countries need to develop new programs suitable for the changing climatic conditions and ensuring sustainable water use.

“It should not be forgotten that we also have water issues at least as much as they do. Türkiye is not water-rich and falls into the category of countries experiencing water stress.

"Therefore, if we cannot implement our plans soon, we may also face problems in water supply.

"Through evaluations made in this direction, it may be possible to find common ground. Water is not a tool of conflict, but an area of cooperation that will serve our common interests,” Erdogan said.

- Efforts to conceal genocide by killing journalists

On the killing of 140 journalists who were covering the Gaza conflict, Erdogan said Israel wants to hide the facts that point to genocide.

"Individuals advocating for democracy, human rights, and freedoms must scrutinize this situation diligently.

"Whatever they do, we have placed all evidence of Israel's crimes before the International Court of Justice, and we will continue to do so. We will continue to reveal the truth and speak out against Israel's murders.

"Know that Netanyahu, the Hitler of our time, and his accomplices will not escape accountability. No matter how much they run, we will pursue them. One day, justice will be served. If not, then history will hold them accountable," he added.

- Gaza to open door to other occupations

He further said that considering Hamas's Oct. 7 attack as a standalone incident without taking into picture Israeli atrocities in the region would be a mistake.

“We need to be much more sensitive. Israel's unprecedented massacres and its move to destroy Gaza require a change in approach.

"If Gaza falls into Israeli hands, it opens the door to other occupations. We cannot allow this," Erdogan said.

He stressed the need for Muslim nations to take a joint stance against Israel.

"Gaza is where the Islamic world needs to focus, engage in reasoning for a solution, and formulate realistic and effective policies,” he said.

The president also said that Türkiye will continue to discuss these issues with both Hamas and leaders of other nations.

- Türkiye continues sending aid to Gaza

Emphasizing that Türkiye has sent about 45,000 tons of aid to Gaza so far, Erdogan said this aid is still ongoing and will continue.

We are also treating the wounded in hospitals in Ankara and Istanbul, he said.

- Hamas leaders in Gaza

Erdogan said that what is important is not the whereabouts of Hamas leaders, but the situation in Gaza.

“I have not heard anything that the Emir of Qatar, Mr. Sheikh Tamim, will take a step to ignore their position in Qatar. I don't think he will take such a step. His sincerity towards them, his attitude towards them has always been like a member of the family. I do not think that this attitude towards them will change,” he said.

- New era with Armenia

Asked about Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's description of the events of 1915 as the "great catastrophe" rather than genocide, Erdogan said: "Acting in accordance with the realities of the time is always better than acting based on fabricated historical narratives. Pashinyan seems to understand this now."