STATEMENTS BY U.S. OFFICIALS

Daily Press Briefing
Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman

Washington, DC, April 3, 2006

The United States condemns bombings by the Kurdistan Workers Party that killed four people in Istanbul over the weekend. We also regret the loss of life as a result of violent protests by Kurdistan Workers Party sympathizers in southeast Turkey and Istanbul over the last week or so.

Turkey is a valued ally and close friend. We call on all parties to exercise restraint and we reiterate our strong condemnation of all terrorist groups, including the PKK. It's important to condemn this violence and stand against terrorists and their supporters.