EU concern at Turkish air strikes

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The European Union has voiced concern at Turkish air strikes on Kurdish areas of northern Iraq, urging restraint and respect for territorial integrity.

Ankara should "refrain from taking any military action that could undermine regional peace and stability", the EU's Portuguese presidency said.

Turkey says its attacks are aimed at Kurdish PKK rebels sheltering in Iraq.

Iraqi officials said the bombs hit 10 villages near the border, killing one woman. The PKK reported seven deaths.

Turkey is seeking EU membership and calls by Brussels to grant Turkish Kurds minority rights have dogged negotiations in the past.

In its statement on Monday, the EU presidency called for better dialogue between the governments of Turkey and Iraq "in order to ensure that the Iraqi territory is not used for any terrorist actions against Turkey".

Iraq's government earlier summoned the Turkish ambassador and demanded a halt to the strikes, saying they were unacceptable and could seriously harm relations between the two countries.

The US, a strong Turkish ally, has denied giving permission for Turkish aircraft to enter Iraqi airspace but confirmed it had been informed of the strikes in advance.

'Fifty planes'

The Turkish military said its air strikes on PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party) bases deep inside northern Iraq were launched at 0200 on Sunday (2300 GMT Saturday).

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During an operation lasting three hours, targets were hit in Zap, Hakurk and Avasin, as well as areas in the Kandil mountains.

Turkish media reports say up to 50 planes were involved in the operation.

The Turkish military said only "terrorist" targets were hit, but the PKK reported that two civilians had been killed along with five of its fighters.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan hailed the raids as a "success" and said his government was determined to use all political and military means, both inside and outside Turkey, against the PKK.

The US has urged Turkey to step back from a major operation against the PKK in northern Iraq because it fears military action could destabilise what has become one the most peaceful and prosperous regions of the country.