ANKARA - Patriotic Union of Iraqi Kurdistan (PUK) leader Jalal Talabani on Thursday called for a general amnesty for the members of the terrorist PKK organization.
Speaking to private NTV channel, Talabani said terrorist PKK organization was divided into three and stated that one pacifist group, is acting with Osman Ocalan supporting political struggle.
Talabani said another group supported violence calling for so-called military struggle, noting they were minority. Talabani said a group from the Syrian Kurds did not want violence, they favored a peaceful solution.
Talabani said he though policies pursued against PKK should be reviewed, stating that, ``I think general amnesty would be the best. The previous one was not an amnesty. Most of the PKK members would like to return to their houses in case general amnesty is declared and a realistic policy is followed.``
Talabani said he did not think that U.S. would launch an operation against terrorist PKK organization, and noted that Iraqi interim government should take a decision for such an operation. Talabani said they would not ask for mediation unless a written statement comes from Turkey.
Talabani reiterated their call for Turkey to send a delegation regarding the allegations for north of Iraq.
(AY-AÖ) 24.06.2004