PKK/KADEK Congress

Through its recent actions, the Kurdistan Workers Party/Kurdistan Freedom and Democracy Congress (PKK/KADEK) appears to be making an effort to evade responsibility for its terrorist acts by changing its name. The PKK/KADEK, under any alias, is a terrorist organization, and no name change or press release can alter that fact. A recent clash between PKK/KADEK forces and the Iraqi Border Police and U.S. forces, as well as the group's recent attacks in Turkey, demonstrate its terrorist nature.

The Coalition in Iraq will treat the PKK/KADEK or the Kurdistan People's Congress as terrorists; its leaders are subject to arrest. President Bush has committed to prevent the use of Iraq as a terrorist haven, and we will meet that commitment. All legitimate Iraqi parties have condemned terrorism and emphasize that Iraq can no longer provide a base for terrorism. There is no place for terrorism or terrorist organizations in the new Iraq.

2003/1169