France sidesteps question on recognizing PKK as terrorist group
This picture taken on August 19, 2014 shows French flags next to the Eiffel tower, in Paris. (AFP Photo)
France declined to clarify whether it recognizes the PKK as a terrorist group, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Christophe Lemoine stating that “what is essential for us, in principle, is that the active groups currently in Syrian territory are included in the transition process.”
His remarks followed a question from an Anadolu Agency (AA) reporter.
Lemoine also echoed President Emmanuel Macron’s comments, emphasizing France’s “debt” to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and “freedom fighters like the Kurds,” who fought alongside France against terrorist groups during challenging years.
Ankara views the YPG, which leads the SDF, as the Syrian affiliate of the PKK, a group designated as a terrorist organization by both Türkiye and the United States.
“I will not comment on the nature of the PKK,” he added.
In its 40-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK—listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US and the European Union—has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children, infants and the elderly.
The YPG, the PKK’s Syrian branch, has long sought to build a ‘terrorist corridor’ in northern Syria next to the Turkish border, also oppressing local populations.
Türkiye has deployed troops and worked with local allies to defeat that plot.
