Turkish envoy to Iraq warns of PKK provocation

By Haydar Karaalp

BAGHDAD (AA) - Following Saturday's attack on Turkish military post in northern Iraq, Turkey’s ambassador in Baghdad on Sunday warned of PKK terror group's provocative efforts, which he said, should be barred.

Envoy Fatih Yildiz said that the attack in the northern city of Duhok occurred due to the PKK provocations and the provocateurs shouldn't be allowed to do further damage.

Yildiz said Turkey expects the friendly and brotherly Iraqi government and people to take action against the PKK threat targeting Turkey, adding that it is a necessity for the security of both Baghdad and Ankara.

On Sunday, the Iraqi Foreign Ministry summoned Yildiz to discuss Turkish airstrikes on terrorist PKK posts in Iraqi territory, according to unnamed diplomatic sources.

The move came a day after the attack, which resulted in partial damage to vehicles and equipment.

"In situations where Iraq doesn't fulfill its responsibility of fighting the PKK, Turkey will continue to do its best to combat the PKK presence in Iraq," he said.

Yildiz reminded that Turkey's airstrikes on PKK in northern Iraq are in line with its rights of self-defense codified under the UN Charter Article 51.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- recognized as a terrorist group by Turkey, the U.S., and the EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of some 40,000 people.