Türkiye condemns PKK attacks on Turkish nationals in Belgium, calls for action
The Foreign Affairs Ministry and Akif Cagatay Kilic, chief advisor to President Erdogan, strongly condemned the recent terrorist attacks targeting Turkish citizens in Belgium and France
Türkiye has once again emphasized the threat posed by the PKK terrorist group in Western Europe following recent attacks on Turkish citizens in Belgium, as stated on Tuesday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The ministry reported that members of the PKK terrorist organization gathered in Leuven City on Sunday and launched attacks on Turkish nationals residing in Heusden-Zolder and Hauthalen cities. While no lives were lost, some citizens sustained injuries during the incidents, according to the ministry's statement.
Prompt action was taken, with the statement mentioning immediate contact made with Belgian authorities in Brussels and Ankara in response to the events.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan engaged in a phone call with his Belgian counterpart Hadja Lahbib on the same night to address the matter. Türkiye's diplomatic representatives in Belgium also met with their citizens in the affected cities, providing support.
The statement commended the sensible response of Türkiye's citizens in Belgium and the effective intervention by Belgian security authorities, which prevented further escalation of the incidents.
Authorities are actively investigating the perpetrators behind these attacks.
EU urged to act against PKK
Akif Cagatay Kilic, a chief advisor to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, strongly condemned the recent terrorist attacks targeting Turkish citizens in Belgium and France.
In his statement, Kilic emphasized that EU member countries must no longer hide behind democratic rhetoric. He criticized the tolerance shown towards PKK terrorist activities in Europe, stating that such actions were never acceptable.
Kilic highlighted the disturbing behavior of individuals "waving pictures of terrorist leaders and organization flags, attacking innocent civilians, and resorting to violence like organized crime syndicates."
He asserted Türkiye's commitment to pursuing PKK supporters within the legal frameworks of the countries where they reside, ensuring full accountability.
Additionally, Kilic stressed the necessity of collective global efforts to combat racism and terrorism.
The PKK has waged a terror campaign against Türkiye for over 35 years, resulting in the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants. The organization is recognized as a terrorist group by Türkiye, the U.S., and the European Union.
Türkiye has consistently raised concerns regarding the tolerance extended to the PKK and its supporters across Europe.
Source: Newsroom
