Turkish general reasserts right to cross border to chase rebels in north Iraq

Above: PKK fighters. Many Turks, including the Prime Minister are frustrated with U.S. inaction towards the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).

ANKARA, Turkey: A top Turkish general said Saturday up to 3,800 Kurdish rebels were positioned in northern Iraq near the Turkish border and he reasserted his country's right to cross the border to hunt separatist Kurds who launch attacks from bases in Iraq.

"When military needs necessitate it ... Turkey can always take the appropriate measures against the separatist terrorist organization in northern Iraq," Land Forces Commander Gen. Ilter Basbug told reporters during a visit to Turkey's predominantly Kurdish city of Diyarbakir.

Basbug said, however, that the issue of possible Turkish military operations should "not feature more than it is necessary in the public agenda" — a sign that the military did not want the issue to stir tension with Iraq.

Read the rest at the International Herald Tribune

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