PKK Terrorists

Your article (Oct. 15) reveals a lack of understanding of the fundamental nature of the PKK terrorist organization. It is indeed unfortunate you chose to describe PKK (Kurdistan Workers Party) activities, including killing and kidnaping of innocent people, as “insurgency” and “rebellion.” The PKK is an international terrorist group, recognized as such by all Western countries, including the U.S.

The PKK is based, trained and financed abroad and its headquarters is located in Lebanon’s Bekka Valley. It is not a coincidence that PKK terrorism started with the beginning of the Southeastern Anatolian Project (GAP), one of the world’s major regional water and land resources development plan. PKK initiated its terror activities in the early 1980s when two neighboring countries began expressing their concerns about GAP, which is designed to utilize the waters of the Euphrates and Tigris rivers for the benefit of people living in southeastern Turkey. From the start, PKK activities have targeted the lives and well-being of local people and aimed to prevent the Turkish government’s efforts to promote social and economic development in this region.

The Turkish government makes a clear distinction between the fight against terror and the socioeconomic problems of southeastern Turkey. To further the democratization and development process in the region, the Turkish government is determined to stop PKK terror and ensure the security of all its citizens.

OGUZ CELIKKOL

Consul General of Turkey

Los Angeles