Rice in Turkey to discuss PKK, Iraq

ANKARA, Turkey, Nov. 2 (UPI) -- U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, in Turkey Friday for talks on Kurdish rebels, is offering measures to dissuade Turkey from cross-border operations.

State Department officials told CNN that Rice is telling Turkey that the United States will work with Iraq to prevent the Kurdistan Workers Party, known by the Kurdish language abbreviation of PKK, from using Iraqi Kurdistan as a base. These measures would include blocking the flow of supplies and oil and arresting PKK members believed to be responsible for attacks on Turkish troops.

Rice arrived in Turkey Friday. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki heads the Iraqi delegation.

The visit by Rice and Turkish officials is part of a series of meetings between Iraq, its regional neighbors and international organizations.

Turkey’s parliament authorized a use of force against the PKK. However, Rice, who calls the PKK, which is listed as terrorist organization by the State Department, a “common enemy,” expressed concern that an invasion of northern Iraq wouldn't be in step with regional interests.

Turkey imposed limited economic sanctions against Iraqi Kurdistan and recently placed some 100,000 troops along its southern border with Iraq.