Statements by U.S. Officials
Ambassador David Satterfield’s Comments to Asharq al-Aswat Newspaper
March 13, 2008
Q: I just want to ask you about another neighbour, Turkey. There was a huge escalation, there was the incursion and now that’s lied down. What’s the next step in terms of working with Turkey regarding PKK?
Amb Satterfield: We understand very much the concern of the Turkish government for the safety and security of its citizens who have been subject, now, for years to the attacks of this terrorist organization, PKK or KGK. We’ve been working with the Turkish government and with the Turkish military to ensure that the campaign against the PKK is conducted in as focused a manner as possible against terrorist targets rather than civilian or infrastructure targets in the north.
We believe, though, that the issue of the PKK requires a comprehensive approach and a comprehensive solution by which we mean a solution that incorporates not just military or security steps or actions, but also social, economic and political measures as well, including the concept of an amnesty whether by that name or something else. Now the response of the Turkish government and the Turkish military leadership – public and private – has been acceptance of this principle of a comprehensive approach. A comprehensive approach does not mean an end to military actions. It means that in addition to military actions, these other tracks must be moved upon. That is with respect to our dialogue with the Turkish government.
We’ve certainly had a dialogue with the Kurdish regional government leadership as well as with the Iraqi government. And it’s very important that the Kurdish regional government leadership takes appropriate steps in its territory to constrain the ability of the PKK to act, to be re-supplied, to facilitate its operations. Let’s remember that the KDP and PUK have lost thousands to PKK violence, to the struggle with the PKK. They’re a threat to Kurds, first and foremost, not just Turks. And it must be dealt with.
Q: So they have said they’ve taken steps so they’ve been adequate?
Amb Satterfield: The steps taken need to be consistent, they need to be more thorough.
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