Cicek: "Our army won't stay in N.Iraq forever"

In an interview with Iraqi television, Deputy Prime Minister and Government spokesperson Cemil Cicek yesterday tried to dispel concerns over Turkey's land operation in northern Iraq against the terrorist PKK. Stressing that Turkey is exercising its legal right to defend itself, he said that after the destruction of the terrorist PKK bases in northern Iraq, Turkish troops will return home. "Turkey places great importance on Iraq's territorial integrity, and the Turkish Army is taking necessary measures not to harm civilians," Cicek added. "The Iraqi government also views the PKK as a terrorist group and enemy."