Correcting error, Japan affirms PKK as terrorist group

TOKYO

Japan has reaffirmed its designation of the PKK as a terrorist organization, clarifying a recent omission from an official report.

In Tokyo, a Public Security Intelligence Agency (PSIA) spokesperson, who asked not to be named, told Anadolu Monday that the initial absence of the terrorist PKK in the International Terrorism Outlook 2023 report was a mistake and it has already been corrected.

“We identified the parts that caused the misunderstanding, deleted them, and removed them," the spokesperson added.

In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, and EU – has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.

‘We condemn the PKK and its actions’

Underscoring that there has been no change in Japan's policy towards recognizing the PKK as a terrorist organization, the official said: "We hope for understanding that Japan's policy in this regard continues in the same manner, and there has been no change, no matter how minor, in this regard. We condemn the PKK and its actions; we have condemned them so far, and will continue to do so in the future, I would like to emphasize this."

By speaking to Anadolu, they aim to announce Japan's position on this matter to the international public, he said, adding that more details can be seen on the report on the PSIA website.

Stressing the historical ties between Türkiye and Japan, the official voiced anticipation for next year’s centennial of diplomatic ties in 2024.

The PKK had not been on the newest official list of major international terrorist groups, including groups such as Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, Al-Shabaab, ISIS/Daesh, the Japanese Red Army, and Aum Shinrikyo.

The omission of the PKK from the list was highlighted in the Turkish press in November, sparking a backlash from the Turkish public.

On Dec. 6, the Japanese Embassy in Ankara said the PKK had been restored to the list.

* Writing by Seda Sevencan in Istanbul