EU reiterates position to keep PKK on terrorism list

The European Union reiterated its position that the Kurdish Workers’ Party (PKK) remains on its list of terrorist organizations following an attack in Turkey.

“The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by the European Union. It has clear implications and it also obliges other EU members to follow it,” said Maja Kocijancic, spokesperson for the European Commission.

Kocijancic made her remarks on Thursday in response to a question on whether the European Commission will ask EU Member States to arrest PKK leaders residing in their countries.

Kocijancic underlined the executive body’s “long-standing policy of condemning any terror attacks”.

When asked about the presence of television channels affiliated with terrorist organizations operating in Belgium, Kocijancic said she does not have information on the subject.

On Wednesday, 28 people were killed and at least 60 injured in a rush-hour car bombing targeting military personnel in the heart of the Turkish capital.

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says there is evidence to prove the Kurdish YPG militia based in Syria were behind Wednesday’s deadly bombing in Ankara.

Erdogan has said that they were supported by the outlawed PKK in Turkey. Both groups deny involvement.