Syria Supports Turkey on PKK

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad Thursday defended Turkey’s right to use military force against Kurdish separatists.

At a news conference with Turkish President Abdullah Gul, following a meeting between the two leaders in Ankara, Turkey, the two said they had discussed a range of issues of interest to both countries, including the Kurdish Workers Party or PKK, Sana reported.

I don’t believe the Turkish government seeks war, Assad said. We condemn any act done by this organization against Turkish civilians and soldiers who defend their borders Â… . Turkey has no ambitions in Iraq, it seeks self-defense and which is a right.

The Turkish parliament has authorized cross-border military action to go after PKK bases in northern Iraq. Kurds also live in Syria and Iran.