PKK terrorist organization, which has been perpetrating attacks to our country for years from its hideouts in Iraq, also challenges the sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and stability of Iraq.

First and foremost, it is Iraq's responsibility to take necessary measures against PKK elements on its territory. Our country stands ready to cooperate with Iraq in this cause. However, as long as PKK's presence in Iraq continues to be tolerated, Turkey, as now, is determined to take necessary measures to safeguard its borders wherever and whenever need arises.

We invite Iraq to take necessary steps in this direction, while we call on those other countries and regional organizations to assume a principled stance against terrorism and to give up their double standards encouraging terrorists, rather than making unfounded allegations against our country.