Iran accuses Israel, U.S. of backing Kurdish separatists in Iraq
Iranian FM says U.S., Israel 'behind some terrorist activities'; Turkish FM does not back claim.
By The Associated Press Tags: Turkey Iran USIran's foreign minister on Sunday accused the U.S. and Israel of supporting Kurdish separatists in northern Iraq, but his Turkish counterpart distanced himself from the claim, saying he didn't think Washington was behind the Iraq-based rebels but stressed that Ankara would do what was necessary to stop them.
Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki told reporters in Tehran at a news conference with Ali Babacan, Turkey's foreign minister, that terrorist activities have increased in northern Iraq since foreign forces arrived there.
"From our point of view, efforts by Israel and the U.S. are behind some terrorist activities. Most probably, some secret agreements have caused a lack of confrontation against terrorism," Mottaki said, referring to Iraq-based Kurdish rebels.
"We hope this part of the U.S. policy would be corrected," he said.
the official Iranian news agency, IRNA, quoted President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as saying, apparently in reference to the U.S.: "Occupiers [of Iraq] endanger the security of nations of the region. Enemies do not like the countries of Iran, Turkey and Iraq to be powerful, peaceful and safe."
But Babacan, who was in Iran to lobby for support for the Turkish side in its conflict with the rebel Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, expressed gratitude for Iran's cooperation but did not back Mottaki's accusations against the U.S. and Israel, which are allies of Ankara.
"I don't like to think that the U.S. supports a terrorist group," Babacan said.
The Turkish foreign minister instead stressed that Turkey would use whatever necessary to combat the PKK.
"Turkey is fighting against terrorism and will use and support all mechanisms," Babacan said. "International cooperation and solidarity is the only way to fight terrorism."
Mottaki offered vague support for Turkey against the PKK but did not elaborate on exactly what Iran would support.
"Iran insists on the necessity of using required activities for stopping such terrorist operations," Mottaki said.
Babacan's comments echoed those of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who on Saturday said Turkey will fight the Iraq-based Kurdish rebels when it is needed, regardless of international pressure. Erdogan said he would not be constrained by other nations - despite concerns from the United States, Iraq and other countries that an incursion would destabilize northern Iraq.
The conflict in southeastern Turkey between government forces and guerrilla fighters has claimed nearly 40,000 lives since 1984. PKK fighters have killed at least 42 people in the past month, including some 30 Turkish soldiers killed in ambushes.
In recent months, Turkey has demanded more action from the U.S. and Iraq in the fight against the PKK - which Washington and the European Union have labeled a terrorist group. The sharp escalation in the fighting has brought Turkey to the brink sending troops south across the border into Iraq.
Iran has its own problems with Kurdish opposition groups, particularly the Party of Free Life of Kurdistan, known by its Kurdish initials PEJAK.
An offshoot of the PKK, PEJACK is struggling for autonomy for Iran's Kurds due to alleged government discrimination, and the mountainous Iran-Iraq border region has been the scene of sporadic clashes between PEJAK and Iranian forces in recent years.
PEJAK and PKK bases in Iraq's Mount Qandil region, right on the border with Iran and Turkey, have long been a sore point in relations between the three countries.
Babacan also visited several Arab countries in recent weeks to gauge their support for a Turkish offensive into northern Iraq.
Both the Egypt and Jordan have cautioned Turkey against unleashing a troop offensive against the rebels and urged dialogue. Alone among Arab countries was Syria, an Iran ally which has come out in support of Turkey.
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by what right do iranian mullahs rule over the kurds (or even the iranians)? oust the paedaphile mullahs, seize the iranian kurdish region and return it to the oppressed kurds.
Some Iranian Jews not only support Kurdish separaties in Iran & Iraq but also help the Israelies,in Kurdish areas! Taking a trip to Soleimanieh will give you an evidence! There is a load of Israelies in Kurdish cities! The irony is one of this separtists said that Kurdish people are now very happy that Americans and Israelis are there, and enjoying their freedom!!!( alongside occupiers!!!) especially the youths who go to discos and night clubs!!! That's the sign of freedom! but at least good instrument to distract them important issues!
God gave David(pbuh) the power to bend iron,to mold it however he wished,he ordered the mountains to worship God along with David(pbuh) and the ability to communicate with animals,God gave Solomon(pbuh) the power of controling some devils,they used to work for him,in construction,,,he was also able to talk to animals,the story of sheeba if you remember,it seems we as muslims know much more about these beloved prophets then you do,we respect all of them,that's something you have in common with every palestinian but you have changed,you deviated from your own religion and your judgement is coming,look at your past if you dont believe me,how many times God showed you how wrong you were and he's showing you now,all the blood on your hands is not going to disappear,we all come from one family no matter what you choose to say,since you believe you're the chosen one,then explain why does God keep on cursing you?you will never have peace untill you change your ways,that was God's commendement
It's really unbelievable how all of you want to give something you dont have to the kurds,but the thing that you have,palestine that belongs the poeple you're killing every day you want to deny them that,you have been occupying the palestinian poeple since 48,you killed god knows how many thousands and made refugees of them in the millions but yet you claim the kurds who did not have a country like the palestinians should have parts of turkey iran and syria as a sovereign country,you guys are really unbelievable,but let me predict something,if you did'nt self destruct God almighty is going to destroy you like he did many times before and you'll still wonder why? Judaism is not what you believe in,because what the beloved prophet Moses(pbuh) brought to you was not racism,it was supposed to be a light in that dark world,if you follow the words of your own prophets you wont be acting like this,God gave David(pbuh) and Solomon(pbuh)powers unheard of to protect your ancesters,(continued)
I think you misrepesent the facts hoping that the person you're talking to does not know the truth,the facts are israel invaded lebanon more than once since 78,fact,israel killed thousands of lebanese civilians before hizbullah existed,fact,israel still occupy parts of lebanon today and hizballah vowed to keep fighting untill that land is freed,fact,hizballah aatack israeli soldiers in those occupied territories exclusively,the kidnapping of the 2 soldiers was also in that area,fact,hizballah is not a terrorist organisation even in europe they're called the lebanese resistence to the occupyer in lebanon,all of hizbullah attacks are over lebanese territories,i guess you dont want your soldiers killed get out of lebanon,and about destroying half of lebanon,i guess you did'nt hear what sayed Nasrallah said lately,this time all israel will be hit and that was a promise,so be careful what you wish for.
So Iran says it will fght to the end to end the Israeli occupation of the palestinians (though their shia allies in Irak are slaughtering local palestinians), but the occupation of Kurdistan is OK.
The fate of the Kurds is one lasting injustice in this world. A people occupied and oppressed by Iran, Syria, Turkey and Iran. Although I do not support the PKK or its methods, I would be in favor of establishing an independant Kurdistan in Irak, and of course it does not mean that the other parts of Kurdistan would join. The Kurds in Irak are the only ones likely to set up a secular democracy and be our (the west) natural allies (not to mention that they have a lot of oil, which would make them likely to succeed in development). Of course it is part of what I see as a solution to Irak's crisis: the split into 3 entities, as it is obvious that they will not live in peace together without a bloody dictator. This logic also applies to Israel's attitude toward the kurds.
Before the Turks was invited the Hamas, Israel support a kurdish Terror Organisation in Iraq! I think that was the reason for Turks go to distance with Israel. Israelian People should no follow to the Line of their Goverment. Many Countries, specially Arabian and European Nations don`t like Israel, but Turkey was often objectively. It would not be clever to lose Turkey in this region.
As to perspective: "The fighting quickly escalated into 33 days of "open war" and ultimately led to the death of 1,191 Lebanese civilians and 44 Israeli civilians . During this war, Israel destroyed much of Lebanon's infrustructure including bridges, Rafik Hariri Beirut International airport, factories, roads, Beirut Port and whole blocks in the Southern Suburbs of Beirut as well as whole villages in the South of Lebanon". You might want to dispute these facts, but that would mean you are not a rational person.
Iran grasp this issue in perspective as Kurds are small children and all other adults. Kurds deserve some homeland not virtual Kurdistan split into 4 countries which hold it so because of oil and mines. If we accepted that Moldavia is State, Kosovo is reaching almost full autonomy, Kuwait is independent etc. why Kurdistan is problem than? Is it solving Kurdish issue just shipping them to EU with one-way ticket called travel document on which they have full right wherever they come?
Let me fill you in as to what happened since Israel withdrew from Lebanon in full accordance with UN resolution in 2000: Hezbo killed 20 Israeli civilians Hezbo killed 15 Israeli soldiers Hezbo kidnapped and killed 7 Israelis Hezbo maimed hundreds of Israeli soldiers and civilians Hezbo fired Katyushas across the border hundreds of times (before the war) Hezbo ATTEMPTED to kill/kidnap/maimed Israelis hundreds of times (eg IEDs inside Israel territory). ALL of these attacks where without provocation and on the Israeli side of the border on Israelis minding their own business inside their own country. Now, that should give you more perspective on the Israeli response, which was by the way very measured. Next time we WILL destroy half of Lebanon or more. Welcome back to Earth Heron!
Israel's destructive support for the terrorists. He only said he did not agree the US was involved. Pejak is a fringe group that has no support in the vast Kurdestan areas of Iran where millions of Kurds live in peace and prosperity. Israel is welcome to support the losers. They are not the Hezbollah, believe me.
Israels support for Kurds is nothing new and was already theorized and promoted by Ben Gourion. But unlike what Iranian leaders suggest, it is certainly not a support for the PKK, this would endangers Israel's friendly relation to Turkey. Israel is maybe the only one country in the Midddle East that would welcome and aknowledge a Kurdish independant state.
German & British journalists can easily find PKK camps in Iraq and do long interviews with their leaders ,American generals in charge don't know PKK camps position !! bull shit,this double standard will destabilize Iraqi Kurdish zone for sure,Just wait & see the result of the American obsolete policy , Turkiye will & must defend the soil and the citizen anytime from now on .
It is long over due that Kurdistan has no country.My husbands parents are from Kurdistan (moved to Israel) and they spoke very highly of the Kurds as a wonderful group of neighbors. Besides Turkey Iraq, Syria and Iran have no use for the mountainous region called "KURDISTAN". I agree, let the PKK grow stron for an independent KURDISTAN. Turkey, made enough damage with the "ARMENIAN GENOCIDE"...which they have no regrets for.
I agree with you,why shouldnt they have their own country ?Arabs want Palastine,isnt it nearly the same???
Hezbollah kidnaps 8 Israeli soldiers; the US allows Israel to destroy half of Lebanon and kill hundreds of innocent people. The PKK kills dozens of Turkish soldiers; the US demands of Turkey to show restraint. Clearly this is hypocritical US logic: kidnapping a few Israeli soldier is much worse than killing many Turkish soldiers.
Anything Iran says is suspect and is at best a propaganda-conspiracy theory so frequently used by totalitarians. Fact: the PKK is on the US list of terrorist organizations right along side Al Qaeda and Hamas. Fact: Iran is also on the list and are scared shitless that even if Democrats get elected they will pay a heavy price Fact: Iran is killing US troops in Iraq and fomenting violence in Gaza Fact: Iran must be stopped
Fomenting unrest among Iranian Kurds will keep the Iranians occupied. In any case, the Kurds of Iraq, Iran, Syria and Turkey should all unite together and have a state of their own.