'Extradition request a test for Czech Republic'

By Muhammet Emin Avundukluoglu

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey’s prime minister on Monday called on the Czech Republic to extradite Salih Muslim, former co-leader of the terrorist group PYD/PKK.

"Today is exam day for our NATO ally the Czech Republic," Binali Yildirim told his ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party parliamentary group meeting on Tuesday.

"I hope the Czech Republic sees the sense in fighting terrorism, and extradites this terrorist in solidarity with us," he added.

Yildirim said Turkey has taken the necessary steps for the terrorist’s extradition.

After Czech security forces arrested Muslim on Sunday, Turkish justice and security officials began drawing up the extradition request.

Muslim is being sought on charges of disrupting the unity and territorial integrity of the state, homicide, attempted homicide, damaging public property, and transporting a hazardous substance.

Turkish officials have complained that EU member states and other countries often fail to honor its extradition requests.

The Turkish-led Operation Olive Branch is currently working to clear Afrin, northwestern Syria -- just across the Turkish border -- of YPG/PKK and Daesh terrorists.