ISTANBUL: Turkiye will continue its military operations in northern Iraq and Syria against Kurdish PKK rebels so as to “eliminate” their threat, President Recep Tayip Erdogan promised on Tuesday.
“We are preventing the terrorists who live on our borders from breathing,” said Erdogan.
“Until the establishment of a country and a region without terror, we will continue this combat in several dimensions,” the president insisted as he cited the ongoing operations.
The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) claimed it was behind last week’s attack on the headquarters of Turkiye’s state-owned defense firm in Ankara, which killed five people and wounded 22.
“Where we detect a threat to our country, both within and outside our borders, nobody can prevent us from eliminating it,” Erdogan continued in an address to mark the 101st anniversary of the Turkish republic, saying he would stop at nothing to do so and “end terrorism.”
The PKK, which has waged an on-off insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984, is designated as a terror group by Turkiye and its Western allies.
Turkiye has been accused of targeting Kurdish civilians in cross-border strikes, a charge the army denies.
Erdogan dubbed last Wednesday’s attack as “the last efforts” of the separatist organization.
“We are now able to develop the weapons we need in the fight against terror and we do not require anyone’s permission,” Erdogan added.
The head of state said that Turkiye was in the process of equipping itself with “an iron dome” anti-aircraft defense system similar to one which Israel has, “but made of steel.”
He added that Turkiye had also become “the world’s largest manufacturer of drones” and that “since 2018, 65 percent of the sales of armed drones in the world have been made by Turkish companies.”
Turkiye to pursue campaign against Kurdish group in Iraq, Syria
https://arab.news/vqzg6
Turkiye to pursue campaign against Kurdish group in Iraq, Syria
- Recep Tayip Erdogan: ‘We are preventing the terrorists who live on our borders from breathing’
- Erdogan dubbed last Wednesday’s attack as 'the last efforts' of the separatist organization
GCC’s secretary-general condemns Iranian officials’ statements regarding member states
- Al-Budaiwi affirms GCC’s commitment to peace, coexistence, pursuing dialogue, diplomatic solutions
RIYADH: Jasem Al-Budaiwi, the secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, has condemned media statements made by Iranian officials regarding member states of the organization.
The statements infringe upon the sovereignty of the Durra oil field, owned by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait; the sovereignty of Bahrain; and the rights of the UAE regarding three islands — Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa — which Iran occupies.
The GCC states have consistently reaffirmed the importance of adhering to the foundations and principles enshrined in the UN Charter and international law, including the principles of good neighborliness
Jasem Al-Budaiwi, Secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council
Al-Budaiwi said: “These statements contained fallacies, false claims, and rejected allegations that contradict the principles of non-interference in internal affairs and good neighborliness — principles which Iran violated through its aggression against the sovereignty and independence of Qatar.”
The official said that the statements were in opposition to the GCC states’ continuous efforts to enhance relations with Iran at all levels.
He added: “The GCC states have consistently reaffirmed the importance of adhering to the foundations and principles enshrined in the UN Charter and international law, including the principles of good neighborliness, respect for state sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, the peaceful resolution of disputes, and refraining from the use or threat of force.”
He added that the GCC states had consistently demonstrated goodwill toward Iran, stressing their support for Tehran’s security and stability to preserve the interests of the Iranian people and to avoid tension in the region.
Al-Budaiwi said: “This commitment was underlined during the joint meetings between the GCC foreign ministers and Iranian Foreign Minister Dr. Seyyed Abbas Araghchi. The council member states have also underscored the significance of continuing bilateral communication between the GCC and Iran to enhance shared interests and maintain regional security and stability.”
He affirmed the GCC’s commitment to peace, coexistence, and pursuing dialogue and diplomatic solutions in international relations. He called on Iran to cease spreading false claims that served to undermine trust and hinder communication and understanding, at a time when the countries of the region needed rapprochement and cooperation to safeguard their interests and achieve their aspirations for security, stability, growth, and prosperity.
