Talabani makes PKK promises in Ankara

ANKARA, Turkey, March 8 (UPI) -- Iraqi President Jalal Talabani promised his Turkish counterpart Saturday that his government will deny PKK rebels a base in Iraq.

Talabani, a Kurd, arrived in Ankara Friday, the Financial Times reported. He is making his first visit to Turkey.

The BBC said the PKK has continued to operate in Iraqi Kurdistan despite Talabani's earlier promises.

President Abdullah Gul invited Talabani to Turkey. The visit was not treated as an official one, the Financial Times said, but as an opportunity to engage in serious diplomacy.

Turkey, which has crossed the border to go after the PKK, appears to be trying to work with the Iraqi government, the newspaper said.