Erdogan rules out negotiation with PKK terrorists

By Baris Gundogan

DIYARBAKIR, Turkey

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday ruled out peace talks with PKK terrorist group.

Speaking at an address in southeastern Diyarbakir province, Erdogan said there would be no peace as long as the group holds arms.

"Those PKK supporters say ‘peace, peace, peace’. Will there be a peace with fine words? Will there be a peace with those roaming with guns in their hand," Erdogan told the crowd.

"We are the guardian of peace, we are the guardian of freedoms," Erdogan said.

More than 1,200 people, including security force personnel and civilians, have lost their lives since the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and EU -- resumed its decades-old armed campaign in July 2015. The civilian casualties include many women and children.

In his remarks, the president said the government was ready to meet those who will contribute to the peace in the region.

"We have one condition; no one will be armed, [and] no one will attempt to divide this country and partition this nation," said Erdogan.

Describing the PKK terror organization as Turkey's "chief enemy", Erdogan said: "We are determined to save our country and our Kurdish brothers from the network of these hired killers [PKK terrorists]."

Turning to referendum on constitutional amendment in April, the president asked the crowd: "Who will determine the president with the new system."

"People," Erdogan said. “In this way, the era of those who want to turn ballot boxes into bullets boxes will be terminated.”

On April 16 referendum, Turkey will decide whether to shift the government system to an executive presidency, among other changes.