Erdogan: U.S. Should Choose Between Turkey, Syrian Kurds

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed anger over a U.S. official's visit to a northern Syrian town that is under the control of Kurdish forces.

In comments published on February 7, Erdogan said Washington should choose between Turkey and the Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD), as its partner.

"How can we trust you?” Erdogan asked. “Is it me that is your partner or is it the terrorists in Kobani?"

The comments come after senior U.S. diplomat Brett McGurk met members of the PYD in the city last week.

The PYD's military wing, aided by the U.S.-led coalition fighting the Islamic State (IS) group in Syria and Iraq, drove back IS militants from Kobani a year ago.

Ankara considers the PYD and YPG to be affiliates of Turkey's outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).
 [Based on reporting by AP and AFP]
  [rferl.org]
7/2/16