Turkish PM slams US, Europe calling for Kurdish state

By Merve Yildizalp

HAKKARI, Turkey (AA) - Americans and Europeans are calling for a "state for the Kurdish people" despite the fact that Kurds already have a state, which is Turkey, according to the prime minister on Tuesday.

Speaking at an election rally in southeastern Hakkari province, Yildirim said: "We have been in this land for a thousand years. We have lived the most difficult days together in the west, in the north and in the south."

He said the PKK terrorist group did not have a "Kurd problem", but the Kurdish people have a "PKK problem".

"Let's put it right. These [PKK terror group members] are trouble for the Kurds, Turks and all innocent people," Yildirim said.

The PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- waged a terror campaign against Turkey for more than 30 years and has been responsible for the deaths of nearly 40,000 people, including women and children.

More than 1,200 Turkish security personnel and civilians have been killed since July 2015 alone when the group resumed its armed campaign against the country.