Condemns the terrorism capaign by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and expresses solidarity with the victims of its violence.
Reaffirms that the PKK is a common enemy of the United States and Turkey, and encourages ongoing cooperation between the United States and Turkey to eliminate or apprehend violent PKK elements.
Urges the PKK to renounce violence.
[Congressional Bills 112th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 772 Introduced in House (IH)]
112th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 772
Condemning the Kurdistan Workers' Party and supporting a peaceful
dialogue with Turkey.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
August 2, 2012
Mr. Whitfield (for himself and Mr. Hastings of Florida) submitted the
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign
Affairs
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Condemning the Kurdistan Workers' Party and supporting a peaceful
dialogue with Turkey.
Whereas since 1984, the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) has waged a campaign of
violence and terrorism against the people and Government of Turkey;
Whereas it is estimated that at least 30,000 people have been killed in PKK-
associated violence since 1984;
Whereas the United States Government designated the PKK as a foreign terrorist
organization in 1997, as a specially designated global terrorist in
2001, and a significant foreign narcotics trafficker in 2008;
Whereas in 2004, the Council of the European Union added the PKK to its list of
terrorist organizations;
Whereas in October 2007, President George W. Bush characterized the PKK as a
``common enemy'' of the United States and Turkey, saying, ``[the PKK] is
an enemy to Turkey, it's an enemy to Iraq, it's an enemy to people who
want to live in peace.'';
Whereas in April 2009, President Barack Obama stated that, ``Iraq, Turkey, and
the United States face a common threat from terrorism . . . That
includes the PKK'';
Whereas, on April 20, 2012, Prime Minister Erdogan stated, ``The stance of the
Turkish state is clear--once [the PKK] lay down their arms, it is [our
stance] to completely stop military operations'';
Whereas in 1952, Turkey became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty
Organization (NATO);
Whereas the armed forces of Turkey and the United States have served together as
allies during the Korean War, in Kosovo, in Afghanistan, and in the 2011
NATO intervention in Libya, commonly known as Operation Unified
Protector;
Whereas President George W. Bush stated, ``[Turkey's] success is vital to a
future of progress and peace in Europe and in the broader Middle East--
and the Republic of Turkey can depend on the support and friendship of
the United States''; and
Whereas President Barack Obama said, ``Turkey is a critical ally. Turkey is an
important part of Europe. And Turkey and the United States must stand
together, and work together, to overcome the challenges of our time'':
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) condemns the continued campaign of terrorism by the
Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and expresses solidarity with
the victims of PKK violence;
(2) reaffirms that the PKK is a common enemy of the United
States and Turkey;
(3) urges the PKK to lay down its arms and renounce
violence; and
(4) encourages ongoing cooperation between the United
States Government and the Government of Turkey to eliminate or
apprehend violent elements of the PKK.
<all>
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
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