Turkey calls on US to end all engagements with PYD/YPG

By Sibel Ugurlu

ANKARA

Turkey considers every support given to the PYD and YPG as a direct or indirect support to the terror group PKK, the country’s presidential aide said on Wednesday.

Speaking following a cabinet meeting at the Presidential Complex, Ibrahim Kalin said Turkey would never allow a terrorist group's structuring in the east of Euphrates River.

Commenting on the U.S. relations with the PYD/YPG, Kalin said: “Turkey's main expectation from the U.S., which is our NATO ally and strategic partner, is to end its all engagements with PYD/YPG, Syrian branch of PKK terror group."

"It is a futile effort from the U.S. to describe the PYD and YPG -- which they used to describe as the Syrian branch of the PKK-- as a legitimate group which has no links with terrorism and the PKK," Kalin said.

Kalin said Turkey makes no distinction between terrorist organizations and added: "Wherever it comes, inside or outside, Turkish Republic will resolutely continue fighting terrorist threats with all its institutions."

Kalin stressed that Turkey's fight against Daesh terrorist group was ongoing and said: "We can never accept the argument that the measures Turkey has been taking against PYD/YPG, that is PKK, is weakening its fight against Daesh."

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- has been responsible for the death of some 40,000 people, including those of women and children. The YPG is its Syrian branch.

Kalin also said schools linked to Fetullah terrorist organization (FETO) were closed in 21 countries since July 15, 2016 defeated coup, and called it as "a diplomatic success."

"Our comprehensive struggle against the Fetullah terrorist organization is continuing all over the world. It is not possible to make any concessions on this issue," presidential aide said.