ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Feridun Sinirlioglu, Turkey’s Turkish Foreign Ministry Undersecretary, met with Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani on Wednesday, briefing him on Turkey’s agreement with the United States to step up its war against the Islamic State group (ISIS), the Kurdistan presidency’s website reported.
“Turkey’s goal is to defeat ISIS, the return of Syrian refugees to their homes, and delivering humanitarian assistance,” said Sinirlioglu. “Turkey values the Kurdistan region and considers it a factor for the stability and development of the region. We will continue developing our relations with Kurdistan region,” he added.
Turkey has launched air raids and artillery attacks on PKK military camps in the Iraqi Kurdistan region since Friday, simultaneously with a nationwide crackdown on suspected jihadis.
The attacks on the PKK threaten a two-year peace process between Ankara and the outlawed rebel group. Turkey spurred into action against the PKK after the rebels claimed responsibility for the killings of two Turkish policemen last week.
Sinirlioglu said that violence could not be part of dialogue. “Participation in the political process is open to everyone in Turkey, but that should be based on democratic principles and away from guns,” he said.
Barzani highlighted that ISIS is a global threat and that it is everyone’s duty to fight it.
He stressed that, apart from the military battles, the fight against ISIS must include ideological and economic warfare.
Barzani said he was pleased with Turkey’s decision to enter the war against ISIS, adding that the Turkish role will play a decisive role in ending the conflict.
Regarding the latest tensions between Turkey and the PKK, Barzani stressed that violence and war were inappropriate. He encouraged both sides to return to dialogue and to the principles of the peace process.
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