NATO, EU express different views on Turkey´s incursion

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Source: CCTV.com | 10-25-2007 14:41

Jaap De Hoop Scheffer(left) & Olli Rehn(right)(File photo)

NATO and the EU have expressed different views on Turkey's handling of attacks by Kurdish rebels. NATO's top diplomat says Turkey is showing "remarkable restraint," while the EU is repeating its call for Turkey to resolve the issue in cooperation with Iraq.

Jaap De Hoop Scheffer, NATO Secretary General, said, "Understanding and knowing fully well that in any of the nations you represent or any minister represents, the fact that civilians and military are killed by terrorists almost every day is a reason for great tensions in society. And if I look at the Turkish government as it has acted up until now, I think the Turkish government is showing restraint, remarkable restraint under present circumstances."

Olli Rehn, EU Comm. for Enlargement, said, "The European Union condemns all terrorist attacks and understands Turkey's need to protect its citizens. The EU and Turkey are both committed to the independence, overeignty, unity and territorial integrity of Iraq. We continue to urge Turkey and Iraq to tackle this problem through cooperation between the relevant authorities and by respecting international law."