Davutoğlu: There ara no diplomatic obstacles to a possible Turkish cross-border operation against terrorist PKK camps in N.Iraq

In a televised interview yesterday, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said the local northern Iraqi regional administration has no negative or obstructive stance on a possible cross-border operation by Turkey against terrorist PKK bases in northern Iraq. "There is no diplomatic obstacle to Turkey conducting a cross-border operation against the terrorist PKK camps in the Kandil Mountains in northern Iraq," Davutoglu said. Commenting on recent developments in Turkish-US relations, Davutoglu said the language and strategic priorities adopted by US President Barack Obama overlap with Turkey's general stance on international issues. Davutoglu said the way Obama gives messages on Iran is also adopted by Turkey. Asked about charges that his foreign policy gives insufficient due to retired ambassadors and Turkish diplomatic traditions, and that Ankara is parting ways with the West, Davutoglu dismissed those claims, saying, "Turkey has a deep-rooted tradition of diplomacy, and this is our biggest strength. But no diplomatic tradition can be static. If it does, it won't be able to adjust itself to the march of history and will fall. We must handle this tradition and renew it." Davutoglu also said Parliament recently approved a bill introducing major changes to the organizational structure of the Foreign Ministry, which will enable it to meet the demands of the new multidimensional, multifaceted and more active Turkish foreign policy in line with changing international conditions. Under the bill, Foreign Ministry staffing would be boosted significantly.