As a direct result of the latest exoneration by the EU of the terror that has been executed against the Kurdish people, the Turkish state’s policy of denial and annihilation of the Kurdish people has been re-enforced and, as though waiting for this opportunity, it has mobilised its military might against them. The EU countries, ignoring the fact that the Kurdish side had unilaterally ceased its military struggle 4 years ago and had declared to the world that the Kurds wished to see the Kurdish question resolved by peaceful and democratic means has, by placing the PKK on its terrorist list, opened the path to a period in which violence and atrocities will be be legitimised. 

Despite all warnings by the Kurdish people and their friends the EU countries, for purely economic and political reasons, placed the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) on its terrorism list on the 3rd of May. On the same day the Turkish military began an operation that encompassed the regions of Cudi, Besler, Beytussebap and Uludere south and east of Sirnak. In addition at 11:00 yesterday, Turkish soldiers were dispatched in Sikorsky helicopters to the region of Haftani, northeast of the city of Zaxo in South Kurdistan (Northern Iraq). This operation which was initiated against the People’s Defence Forces (HPG) continues in all its intensity. 

From the information we have received to date, the Turkish army’s moving into a region that it had mined on a previous military incursion, has resulted in the death of two unnamed village guards in the village of Osyan in Berwari. 

Additional news from civil organisation in the region have indicated that further large-scale military deployment in Sirnak and Silopi is taking place. This indicates that preparations are in progress for a large-scale military incursion into South Kurdistan. 

We call on the EU countries to abandon the decision to place the PKK on the terrorism list which has provided the excuse for the operations of the Turkish military which will result in much civilian loss of life and the destruction of homes. We also call on the EU and the international public to demand an end to these attacks which threaten any possibility for the recognition of the legitimate demands of the Kurdish people and a peaceful resolution to the Kurdish question. 

Comité du Kurdistan 
Rue Jean Stas 41,1060 – Bruxelles 
Tel. 0473 49 36 81 
Fax. 0253 42 511 
e-mail: kurdistancomite@hotmail.com