US Can Become Country Supporting Terrorism - Turkish Foreign Minister

Local Editor

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Tuesday that the United States would become a terror-supporting country, referring to US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's remarks about arming Kurdish fighters whom Ankara considers as terrorists, media reported.

According to the Anadolu news agency, Cavusoglu stated that Clinton's statement is an indication of granting support to terrorist organizations.

In a recent presidential debate that was held on Sunday, Clinton said she would consider providing equipment to Kurdish fighters, which was seen by Turkey as a reference to the armed wing of the PYD [Democratic Union Party], the Syrian offshoot of the PKK [Kurdistan Workers' Party], listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the European Union.

Clinton named the Kurds US best partners in Syria, despite concerns from "some circles," referring to Turkey.

Meanwhile, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim also criticized on Tuesday US presidential candidate over her speech.

As reported by Anadolu, Yildirim, speaking at a Justice and Development [AK] Party meeting, claimed that Clinton was suggesting enlisting the help of one terrorist group to fight another.

Tensions between the Turkish government and the Kurds escalated in July 2015 after a ceasefire collapse due to a series of terrorist attacks, allegedly committed by the PKK members.

Ankara considers the PYD to be an affiliate of PKK, which is outlawed in Turkey, whereas the PKK denies having any ties to the PYD.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team