US'Jeffrey calls PKK ”major factor” in region's instability

If the PKK fails to heed calls to lay down its arms, the United States will pursue alternative measures, said US Ambassador to Turkey James Jeffrey yesterday. Speaking to Sabah daily, Jeffrey said the US is in constant contact with Turkey, Iraq, and the Kurdish regional administration, adding, "The most important issue in relations between them is the PKK, which a major factor in the region's instability." In related news, Deputy Assistant US Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Matthew J. Bryza said that the winner of yesterday's Turkish local elections is democracy. In a statement issued after the elections, Bryza praised the polls as free and fair. "We see that democracy in Turkey is gaining strength," he added. "The political future of Turkey is determined by the will of the voters."