Dirioz: Issue Of Terrorism Is Carefully Taken Up In Northern Iraq

ANKARA - Foreign Ministry Spokesman Huseyin Dirioz said on Monday that the issue of terrorism in Northern Iraq was carefully taken up.
Dirioz responded to the questions of reporters.
When asked whether or not the United States fought against terrorism in the region, Dirioz said, ''we are carefully covering the issue. Activities of the terrorist organization are being closely covered in the region. We continuously discuss this issue with the United States. The United States also considers and accepts PKK-KADEK as a terrorist organization.''
Responding to a question whether or not the United States asked for Turkey to issue a new repentance law, Dirioz said, ''no. Turkey had earlier issued such a law. No such suggestion came from the United States.''
When asked if the United States have direct or indirect dialogue with the terrorist organization elements in the region, Dirioz said they did not have such an information.
When reminded news reports that various groups in the region were marching toward Mousul and Kirkuk cities, Dirioz said, ''the United States insistently stated that Kurdish groups or any other local group could not dare to seize Kirkuk or Mousul with armed or civilian elements. The principles pertaining to the issue were essentially included in the final statement of the opposition meeting held in Ankara on March 19.''
(AY-AÖ) 31.03.2003