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Syria supports Turkey on PKK

ANKARA, Turkey, Oct. 18 (UPI) -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad Thursday defended Turkey's right to use military force against Kurdish separatists.

At a news conference with Turkish President Abdullah Gul, following a meeting between the two leaders in Ankara, Turkey, the two said they had discussed a range of issues of interest to both countries, including the Kurdish Workers Party or PKK, Sana reported.

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"I don’t believe the Turkish government seeks war," Assad said. "We condemn any act done by this organization against Turkish civilians and soldiers who defend their borders … . Turkey has no ambitions in Iraq, it seeks self-defense and which is a right."

The Turkish parliament has authorized cross-border military action to go after PKK bases in northern Iraq. Kurds also live in Syria and Iran.

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