Anti-PKK bill comes before US Congress

The resolution was put forward by Ed Whitfield (R-KY), a member of the house and co-president of the Congressional Caucus on Turkey and Turkish Americans, and was sponsored by Congressman Alcee L. Hastings. It expresses solidarity with Turkey, while condemning PKK terrorism.

A similar text was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations at the US Senate on June 7 by Arizona Sen. John McCain, the Republican presidential nominee in the 2008 elections, independent Sen. Joe Lieberman, the Democratic deputy presidential nominee in 2000, New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio. It noted that the PKK is an enemy of Turkey, the US and all others "that want to live in peace," and called on the terrorist organization to lay down its weapons, renounce violence and engage in peaceful dialogue with the Turkish government.

In addition, criticisms were directed against countries such as Sweden, Denmark and Norway for allowing PKK-affiliated TV stations to operate, while European countries were called on to take urgent measures against the PKK.

Listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US and the EU, the PKK has been waging a bloody campaign in Turkey's Southeast since 1984, claiming the lives of more than 40,000 people.