Turkey ready to co-operate with Iraq to fight Kurds

“We stress the importance that we attach to the protection of Iraq's political unity and territorial integrity and also express our readiness for any kind of co-operation with the Iraqi government for ending the PKK presence in Iraqi territories”, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a written statement on October 16th, reports “Hurriyet Daily Nea”, Periscopi broadcast.

Ankara's statement came after the Iraqi government launched a military offensive against KRGCE's positions in the district of Kirkuk, a oil-rich town whose status has not yet been decided. The start of the offensive led to the withdrawal of KRG powers Pesmerga from a number of key countries.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry said it was closely following Iraqi government movements for “the establishment of constitutional order at Kirkuk”, which has a large Turkish population.

“We welcome the Iraqi government's statement that no tolerance will be shown to PKK members in Kirkuk and that the mobilization of these groups will be considered an act of war”, the statement said.

He also asked the KRG “not to make another mistake” allowing PKK presence in the region, pledging that KR “will be responsible if it allows the PKK to find refuge”.

“Turkey will stay with the Iraqi government in steps aimed at creating lasting peace and stability in the country,” she added./Periscopi/