Clinton reaffirms US support for Turkey's fşght against terrorist PKK

During a phone conversation this week with her Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reiterated that Washington will continue to assist Turkey's fight against the terrorist PKK, calling the terrorist group the enemy of both Turkey and the US. Speaking to reporters yesterday, State Department spokesman Philip Crowley said that during the call Clinton had repeated the US commitment to help Turkey in the fight against the PKK, which the US has long recognized as a terrorist group. Crowley said Clinton told Davutoglu that the PKK remains a threat to Turkey, Iraq, and the US, and endangers regional stability. During their conversation, Clinton and Davutoglu also discussed strained relations between Turkey and Israel due to a May Israeli raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla as well as diplomatic steps to be taken on the Iranian nuclear issue. While Davutoglu reiterated the importance Turkey places on establishing an international commission to probe the attack, Clinton encouraged Turkey to continue what she called important dialogue with Israel, saying that this carries vital importance for the future of the region.