EU Calls on Turkey to Preserve Cease-fire with PKK

• 07.26.2015, 23:15
•  Europe,  Region

High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini called Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlüt Chavushoghlu on Sunday and encouraged the Turkish government to pursue the continuation of the settlement process with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

During the phone conversation, Mogherini offered condolences on behalf of the EU to the Turkish government and the families of the victims of last Monday's bombing in Suruch, in addition to condolences for last week's attacks against Turkish police and members of the military. She reaffirmed Europe's support of Turkey's efforts to step up the battle against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and to the fight against any form of terrorism.

At the same time, Mogherini underlined the fundamental importance of keeping the settlement process with Turkey's Kurdish population alive and on track. The EU representative affirmed that terrorist groups must not be allowed to spoil the process and that the cease-fire must be preserved. She continued by saying that any action taken should avoid the risk of endangering the cease-fire and the Kurdish peace process.

Mogherini announced on Twitter later on Sunday that she also called pro-Kurdish People’s Democratic Party (HDP) Co-chair Selahattin Demirtash.

“Just called @hdpdemirtas, condemning PKK terrorist acts: keep working for the peace process,” she said in a tweet she mentioned Demirtaş’s official account.

At the same time Chancellor Angela Merkel told interim Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu in a phone call on Sunday, that Germany will support Ankara in its fight against extremists, but she also urged the NATO partner to keep measures appropriate.

Davutoghlu informed Merkel by phone about the actions of the Turkish government in the "fight against terrorism" following the attacks in Suruch and other attacks against Turkish security forces, a German government spokesman said.

Merkel assured Davutoghlu of Germany's solidarity and support, the spokesman said, adding, "In this context she recalled the principle of proportionality in the implementation of necessary measures.”

"The chancellor also appealed that the peace process with the Kurds should not be given up, but continued despite all the difficulties," the spokesman added.