'PKK’s state on Turkish-Syrian border out of question'

By Fatih Hafiz Mehmet

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish presidential spokesman on Thursday said the possibility of formation of a PKK state on Turkish- Syrian border is out of question.

"Thanks to skillful leadership of our president, a PKK state, which was tried to be established on Turkish-Syrian border, is out of question now," Ibrahim Kalin said after a Cabinet meeting in capital Ankara.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of nearly 40,000 people, including women and children. The PYD/YPG is its Syrian branch, and also works under the label of the SDF.

Speaking about the U.S. acting defense secretary’s letter to Turkey's defense chief, Kalin said the letter is "against the spirit of alliance" and an "appropriate" response will be given.

The presidential spokesman said he has discussed the letter with U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton.

The letter sent last week said that Washington was cutting short a F-35 fighter jet training program for Turkish pilots over "safety concerns."

Kalin said the U.S.’s attitude on Ankara’s purchase of Russian S-400 air missile system “would permanently harm bilateral relations” and expressed hope that the U.S. would give up this attitude.

Tensions between the U.S. and Turkey have simmered over Ankara’s purchase of Russian S-400 defense systems.

Washington claims the purchase will jeopardize Turkey's role in the F-35 fighter jet program and has threatened sanctions.

Turkey has said there is no conflict between the S-400 and the F-35 and has called for a working group to clarify the issue.