Anything related to PKK linked to terror: EU official

By Tugcenur Yilmaz

ESKISEHIR, Turkey (AA) - The head of EU Delegation to Turkey said Monday PKK remained on EU's list of terrorist groups, adding that anything related to the PKK was linked to terrorism.

Christian Berger was speaking at an event in the western Turkish province of Eskisehir during his visit to the city.

“My personal view is if you list terrorist organizations [...] anything that is seen in support of these organizations is linked to terror,” Berger said, adding that included flags of the terror group and rallies in support of it.

Berger’s remarks came as Turkey is conducting Operation Olive Branch to clear YPG/PKK-Daesh terrorists from Afrin, northwestern Syria.

According to the Turkish General Staff, the operation aims to establish security and stability along Turkey’s borders and the region as well as to protect Syrians from the oppression and cruelty of terrorists.

The operation is being carried out under the framework of Turkey's rights based on international law, UN Security Council resolutions, its self-defense rights under the UN charter, and respect for Syria's territorial integrity, it said.