Power struggle prompts kidnappings

ISTANBUL, Turkey, July 16 (UPI) -- Turkish security sources are pointing to an internal power struggle as the reason for the kidnapping of three German mountaineers in eastern Turkey.

The three are being held by the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party, which said it won't release them until Germany changes its policies toward the group, Today's Zaman reported Wednesday.

The Turkish daily says Turkish security sources said the kidnappings last week were ordered by PKK faction leader Fehman Hussein who has been fighting for control of the group.

Radio communications among PKK members indicate the PKK leadership headed by Murat Karayilan is furious with Hussein.

German authorities have declined to negotiate with the PKK, which is designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and the European Union.

Recently Germany arrested PKK members and imposed a ban on financial support for a Turkish television station that it called a mouthpiece for the PKK.