By NNN-KUNA
Washington : US officials are encouraged by continued diplomatic discussions between the governments of Iraq and Turkey, and that they continue to try to strengthen their ties as well as work together to beat back the PKK (Kurdistan Workers Party), White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said.
Iraq President Jalal Talabani will travel to Turkey on Friday for a two-day visit amid hostilities between Turkish troops and PKK militants in northern Iraq. Talabani will go to Ankara for an official, previously scheduled working visit, and will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including a number of Cabinet ministers, his office announced.
During a regular White House briefing Thursday, Perino said US officials “continue to watch the situation in northern Iraq.” The Turkish military for months has been conducting cross-border air strikes and firing artillery into northern Iraq against PKK militants who have launched attacks against Turkey from bases in northern Iraq.
“As we have said before, the PKK is a common enemy,” Perino said. “We have been strongly supporting Turkey in its efforts to combat the PKK. We have encouraged dialogue and coordination between the United States, Turkey and Iraq, but we have not and we will not negotiate or hold talks with the PKK, nor do we expect Turkey to do so.”