Erdogan calls on PKK to lay down arms

Speaking at a press conference before his departure from Ankara Esenboga Airport for Austria, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday renewed his call on the terrorist PKK to lay down its arms. "As I previously noted, our main principles are quite straightforward and clear. We explained what we could do over this issue without allowing any doubt to emerge over our conduct. No one should expect any move that could harm our national unity, nor should they expect any sacrifice from us," Erdogan said, adding that anyone who had not engaged in any violent act will be allowed to reunite with their family as part of the government policy to end the conflict. "If they lay down their arms and leave Turkey, there are many places and countries to go. They can go to a neighboring country or another country. That is up to them," Erdogan added. Following his speech, Erdogan departed for Austria along with a crowded delegation.