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Key discussions on Kurdish crisis Turks 'losing patience' with PKK
(about 7 hours later)
A high-level Iraqi delegation is expected in Ankara for key talks aimed at stopping attacks by Kurdish fighters based in northern Iraq. Turkey's president says his country is "running out of patience" over Kurdish rebel activity, as Turkey hosts Iraqi delegates for key talks.
In unusually blunt comments, the Turkish foreign minister has said the Iraqis must come up with concrete proposals for ending the crisis. Officials are meeting in the Turkish capital of Ankara to discuss ways to stop attacks by Kurdish fighters based in northern Iraq.
The Turkish foreign minister has said the Iraqis must come up with concrete proposals for ending the crisis.
The talks come amid intense diplomatic pressure for Ankara to show restraint.The talks come amid intense diplomatic pressure for Ankara to show restraint.
The Turkish military has already been carrying out attacks against Kurdish rebels near its border with Iraq.The Turkish military has already been carrying out attacks against Kurdish rebels near its border with Iraq.
We need more than words Ali BabacanTurkish Foreign MinisterWe need more than words Ali BabacanTurkish Foreign Minister
It has threatened to mount a ground offensive across the border to flush out fighters from the banned PKK group if diplomatic efforts fail.It has threatened to mount a ground offensive across the border to flush out fighters from the banned PKK group if diplomatic efforts fail.
Turkish officials have said Thursday's talks could be the last chance. 'Determined'
In unusually blunt comments, Turkish officials have said Thursday's talks could be the last chance to avert more serious military action.
"Although we respect the territorial integrity and unity of Iraq, Turkey is running out of patience and will not tolerate the use of Iraqi soil for the purpose of terrorist activities," Turkish President Abdullah Gul said.
"We are totally determined to take all necessary steps to end this threat."
The visiting delegation is led by the Iraqi defence minister.
Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said Turkey was "expecting them to come with concrete proposals and otherwise the visit will have no meaning".Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said Turkey was "expecting them to come with concrete proposals and otherwise the visit will have no meaning".
"We need more than words," Mr Babacan said."We need more than words," Mr Babacan said.
"We said that preventing the PKK from using Iraqi soil, an end to logistical support and all PKK activities inside Iraq and closing of its camps are needed."We said that preventing the PKK from using Iraqi soil, an end to logistical support and all PKK activities inside Iraq and closing of its camps are needed.
"We also said its leaders need to be arrested and extradited to Turkey.""We also said its leaders need to be arrested and extradited to Turkey."
Turkish military and civilian leaders have also recommended economic measures against northern Iraq, which relies heavily on Turkey for food and electricity.
RaidsRaids
THE PKK Formed in late 1970sLaunched armed struggle in 1984Dropped independence demands in 1990sWants greater autonomy for Turkey's KurdsLeader Abdullah Ocalan arrested in 1999Ended five-year ceasefire in 2004THE PKK Formed in late 1970sLaunched armed struggle in 1984Dropped independence demands in 1990sWants greater autonomy for Turkey's KurdsLeader Abdullah Ocalan arrested in 1999Ended five-year ceasefire in 2004
In recent days, Turkey has been building up its military presence on the border with Iraq, while PKK rebels have stepped up their attacks against Turkish troops.In recent days, Turkey has been building up its military presence on the border with Iraq, while PKK rebels have stepped up their attacks against Turkish troops.
On Wednesday, Turkey's semi-official Anatolia news agency said Turkish jets had bombed PKK rebel positions.On Wednesday, Turkey's semi-official Anatolia news agency said Turkish jets had bombed PKK rebel positions.
The raids followed an attack by PKK rebels on Sunday in which 12 Turkish soldiers were killed.The raids followed an attack by PKK rebels on Sunday in which 12 Turkish soldiers were killed.
The Turkish military also says eight soldiers are missing.The Turkish military also says eight soldiers are missing.
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki said on Tuesday he would work to limit the PKK's activities, and that the group's offices in Iraq would be closed. The US has been pushing Turkey to hold back from an offensive in northern Iraq.
But Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan said during a visit to Romania on Thursday that it was Ankara, not the US, that would make any decision on whether or not to launch cross-border operations.
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki said earlier in the week he would work to limit the PKK's activities in Iraq.
There are thought to be about 3,000 PKK rebels based in Iraq. They have been blamed for a number of cross-border raids.There are thought to be about 3,000 PKK rebels based in Iraq. They have been blamed for a number of cross-border raids.
Turkey, the US, and the EU describe the PKK as a terrorist organisation.Turkey, the US, and the EU describe the PKK as a terrorist organisation.
Turkish leaders have come under intense pressure from the public and the media to use force.Turkish leaders have come under intense pressure from the public and the media to use force.