WASHINGTON D.C. - "As the PKK is a terrorist group, it is something that requires the work of all parts of our governments not only from the political or diplomatic side, but also from the side of coordination among our security forces," said, Tom Casey, spokesman for the U.S. State Department on Tuesday.
Speaking at the daily press briefing, Casey said, "we obviously condemn the PKK-sponsored attacks that have occurred in Turkey over the last couple of days. This has resulted in numerous injuries and several deaths. Clearly this in an unacceptable practice. The PKK needs to stop all hostile actions against the Turkish people, and we strongly stand with our friends and allies in Turkey in saying no not only to PKK acts of violence, but all forms of terrorism."
When asked why the U.S. government appointed a military person and not a political or diplomatic one to carry out the coordination in fight against PKK, Casey said, "Gen. Ralston is an individual with unique qualifications. He has served extensively in Europe, including again as Supreme Allied Commander for NATO, as well as the head of the United States European Command. He is very familiar with these issues."
"As the PKK is a terrorist group, it is something that requires the work of all parts of our governments not only from the political or diplomatic side, but also from the side of coordination among our security forces. And I think Gen. Ralston is very well qualified both to work the political aspects of this as well also to certainly understand the security dimensions of the problem," he said.
Casey said that Gen. Ralston would be coming to the U.S. State Department shortly in the next few days to meet with officials.
"My understanding is his primary chain of responsibility will be through here. That of course involves conversations with officials like Assistant Secretary Welch who handles Middle Eastern issues, Assistant Secretary Fried who deals with European concerns as well as certainly Under Secretary Burns, who has been actively involved in this issue as well," he said.
"I do not have any specific travel plans for Gen. Ralston to share with you," Casey added.
Upon another question, Casey said, "the discussions and what the envoy will be doing is talking with the Turkish government and the Iraqi government. We are not engaged in conversations with the PKK or with any other terrorist organization. Gen. Ralston will be talking with Turkish and Iraqi officials on how they and we can all work together to coordinate actions to assure that the PKK cannot conduct terrorist activities."