PYD rejects affiliation with PKK
16/08/2012 06:33
ERBIL, Aug. 15 (AKnews) – The Kurdish group that’s controlling several Kurdish towns and districts in Syria along the Turkish border has denied affiliation with the outlawed Kurdistan Party (PKK) that has been fighting the Turkish state since 1984.
Turkey has warned that a Kurdish region in Syria following the fall of Assad that is under the control of PKK or PKK-affiliated groups will not be tolerated.
Head of the Democratic Union of Kurdistan (PYD), Mohammed Saleh Muslim, said the PYD had no natural links with the PKK and said he would be ready to meet Turkey’s Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu to ensure that a Kurdish region in Syria controlled by the PYD will not pose any threats to Turkey.
"We are also always open to talk with Foreign Minister Davutoğlu ... because we are always in favor of dialogue," Today’s Zaman quoted Muslim as saying in an interview with the International Middle East Peace Research Center.
“We have been expecting Turkey to listen to us. The brotherhood between the two communities bring this necessity to the fore. But, to for this to happen, initially the old mindset needs to change. ” Muslim said referring to Turkey’s attitude towards the group.
Turkey has been accusing the PYD of affiliation with the PKK since the group took over administration of the Kurdish areas in northeastern Syria and has said a Kurdish region in Syria can pose a security threat to Turkey by opening another front for the PKK rebels to enter Turkey and attack its armed forces.
However, Muslim said: “Our point of view on this issue is clear. From our side, there is no gunfire. How I can express this better? I guarantee that there won't be any shooting from armed militia power towards Turkey.”
RY/AKnews
