Erdogan slams US’s claim that Turkey targets Kurds

By Muhammet Emin Avundukluoglu</p> <p>ANKARA (AA) – Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday slammed a U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton's recent claim that Turkey “targets Kurds” in Syria.</p> <p>&quot;It is impossible to accept the message given by Mr. Bolton in Israel,&quot; Erdogan told ruling Justice and Development [AK] Party's parliamentary group.</p> <p>&quot;Claims that Turkey targets Kurds in Syria is dishonorable, ugly, vulgar and defaming,&quot; Erdogan said.</p> <p>On Sunday, Bolton had said the U.S. will not withdraw troops from northeastern Syria until the Turkish government guarantees it won’t attack “Kurdish fighters,” referring to YPG/PKK terrorist group.</p> <p>In its 30-year terrorist campaign, the PKK has taken some 40,000 lives. The PKK/YPG is its Syrian branch.</p> <p>Turkey has said it is planning a counter-terrorist operation into Syria targeting the PKK/YPG, following two successful operations since 2016.</p> <p>Also rebuffing Bolton's remarks, Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin on Sunday dubbed Bolton’s claims as “irrational,” as the country is fighting Daesh and PKK/PYD/YPG terrorists.</p> <p>Erdogan said Turkey is determined to eliminate &quot;terror corridor&quot; in northern Syria, adding that Turkey made no distinction between terrorist groups.</p> <p>&quot;For Turkey, there is no difference between PKK, YPG, PYD or Daesh,&quot; the president said.</p> <p>He said Turkey's preparations to eradicate Daesh in Syria's north &quot;together with other terrorist organizations are underway.&quot;</p> <p>&quot;Very soon we will act to neutralize terrorist groups in Syria. And we will take out other terror groups that might try to prevent us from doing this,&quot; Erdogan added.</p> <p>He said Turkey has always respected his allies, adding that his country expects the same attitude from its allies.