Ali Murat Alhas
25 October 2019•Update: 25 October 2019
ANKARA
Turkish foreign minister Friday criticized his country’s allies for dealing with a YPG/PKK ringleader sought with a red notice.
"Our allies' dialogue with a terrorist [YPG/PKK ringleader Ferhat Abdi Sahin, also known as Mazloum Kobani] wanted with a red notice is unacceptable," said Mevlut Cavusoglu.
Turkey views Sahin as a terrorist chieftain linked to the PKK group whose Syrian branch is the YPG.
Earlier this week, U.S. senators -- including Republican Lindsey Graham and Democrat Chris Van Hollen -- asked the U.S. State Department to issue a visa to Sahin so he could visit the country.
U.S. President Donald Trump, spoke highly of Sahin on Twitter and "thanked" him, adding: "I look forward to seeing you."
The attitude of the U.S. politicians was criticized by Turkish officials, who said Sahin is a terrorist wanted with red notice, and he should be treated accordingly in line with Ankara’s agreements with Washington.
On Friday, Fahrettin Altun, Turkish Director of Communications, criticized the U.S. politicians for viewing the YPG/PKK ringleader as if he was a legitimate political figure.
"He is wanted for multiple terror attacks targeting the Turkish security forces, a NATO army, as well as civilians,” Altun said.
Turkish Presidential Spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin, at a live CNN broadcast, slammed Trump's attitude towards the terrorist chieftain and said NATO ally Turkey cannot be viewed at the same level with YPG/PKK terror group that blackmails the West with Daesh -- also known as ISIS -- prisoners.
Following President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s instructions, Turkish Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul Friday said Turkey would get in touch with U.S. officials regarding the terrorist's extradition if he entered the U.S. soil.
In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the European Union -- has been responsible for deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.
