Recent Situation on Attacks by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party

(Statement by Japanese Foreign Ministry’s Press Secretary ）

Embassy of Japan

October 22, 2007

On October 22, Japanese Foreign Ministry’s Press Secretary issued the following statement concerning the recent situation arising from attacks by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).

1. The Government of Japan is concerned over the recent security situation in the Republic of Turkey where a number of people, including civilians, have been victimized by the terrorist attacks of the PKK.

2. Terrorism cannot be justified for any reason. The Government of Japan emphatically condemns the latest series of violence by the PKK.

3. The Government of Japan calls upon the Government of Iraq to take appropriate measures to stop the terrorist activities of PKK members hiding in northern Iraq, and the Government of Turkey to exercise utmost self-restraint. Japan hopes that the situation will swiftly calm down with the cooperation of the countries concerned.

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[Related links]

Overview of Japan 's International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation (October 2007)

http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/terrorism/coop0710.html

Overview of Japan 's Counter-Terrorism Assistance (2004-2007) (October 2007)

http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/terrorism/assist0710.html

Japan-Turkey Relations (Ministry of Foreign Affairs website)

http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/middle_e/turkey/index.html

Japan-Iraq Relations (Ministry of Foreign Affairs website)

http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/middle_e/iraq/index.html