Interview: EU supports Turkey against PKK ‘terrorists’

In an interview with EURACTIV, EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn gave his support to Turkish military operations against PKK guerrillas on the Iraqi border, saying Brussels understands the government’s need to protect its citizens from “continual cross-border terrorist attacks”.

Commissioner Rehn’s words come as a clear signal that Brussels is ready to side with Turkey, an EU candidate country, in a crisis which has left at least twelve Turkish soldiers dead since the violence broke out last week.

In the interview with EURACTIV, Rehn said: “Turkey faces continual cross-border terrorist attacks from the PKK, which is on the EU list of terrorist organisations. The Commission understands Turkey’s need to protect its citizens.”

“We continue to urge Turkey and Iraq to tackle this problem through cooperation between the relevant authorities…In this context, the recent bilateral agreement between Turkey and Iraq on the fight against terrorism is a welcome step.”

The show of support comes amid signs that a peaceful solution could soon be found. On Tuesday (23 October), the Iraqi president, Jalal Talabani, said PKK militia in northern Iraq were about to announce a ceasefire. 

Meanwhile, the Turkish military intensified its presence at the Iraqi border amid growing pressure from the Turkish public to launch a full-scale military operation against PKK guerrillas in northern Iraq. On Friday (19 October), the Turkish parliament gave the green light to a motion allowing for troops to be deployed there.

The tensions come as EU-Turkey relations are coming to the forefront of the political stage with the Commission due to publish its regular report on Turkey’s progress in EU membership talks on 7 November.

While declining to comment on the details of the report until it is adopted by the full College of Commissioners, Rehn told EURACTIV that the report will be “objective and fair, as in previous years.”

“The new [Turkish] government has put the EU accession process and the constitutional reform at the top of its agenda, with a view to improving democracy and expanding fundamental freedoms. The reforms should now be re-launched in full and without delay.”

The European Parliament is due to vote a resolution on EU-Turkey relations on 24 October with Commissionner Rehn and the EU Council due to make statements as well.

To read the full interview with Olli Rehn, please click here.

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