LOC21:38
18:38 GMT
ANKARA, Sept 28 (KUNA) -- Turkey and Iraq signed on Friday a security
anti-terrorism accord that did not include an article on Turkish military
operations against rebel Kurds in northern Iraq.
The agreement was signed by Iraqi Interior Minister Jawad Al-Bolani and
Turkish counterpart Besir Atalay.
Although grueling talks were held for three days, the two sides did not
agree on allowing Turkish troops to penetrate into northern Iraq to crack down
members of Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
During a joint press conference after signing the deal, Atalay said "It was
not possible to reach a deal on chasing Kurdish rebels. However, we hope this
issue will be solved in the future."
He noted, "We are expecting this cooperation against terrorism to be
broadened as much as possible."
The accord also included holding follow-up meetings every six months, as
well as forming a joint liaison bureau to monitor PKK activities, added Atalay.
Iraqi Kurds rejected adding another article stipulating handing over PKK
leaders to Turkish authorities.
Since 1984, Turkish forces and the PKK have been involved in a conflict
that killed over 37,000 persons.
For quite a while, the Turkish government has threatened to stage a
military incursion into northern Iraq to eradicate PKK bases there if US or
Iraqi forces failed to take proper action.
While increasing military presence along borders with northern Iraq, Ankara
said those bases included thousands of PKK rebels. (end)
tb.ayh
KUNA 282138 Sep 07NNNN