French police probe PKK-linked attack on Turkish Consulate in Paris
THE TURKISH Consulate-General in Paris was attacked by sympathizers of the PKK terrorist group early Thursday, damaging the outer wall and windows of the building.
The attack was carried out by unidentified assailants using firework-type explosives around 2:30 a.m., Anadolu Agency (AA) reported.
French authorities launched an investigation into the incident, which was claimed by PKKlinked organizations.
Governor Laurent Hottiaux of Hauts-de-Seine province condemned the attack on the consulate building in the commune of Boulogne-Billancourt near the French capital.
Turkish diplomatic missions and officials face frequent attacks conducted by PKK sympathizers.
Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu on Friday called on France to take concrete steps about the attack.
“First of all, France needs to do what is necessary so that the perpetrators of this attack are immediately arrested, captured and held accountable before the judiciary,” he said.
Underlining that anti-Islam attacks have recently increased in Europe and the West, especially during Ramadan, Çavuşoğlu added: “On the other hand, we see that the attacks of PKK supporters have increased in different European countries.”
“In particular, necessary actions must be taken against PKK affiliates, as in the past, so that such attacks are not repeated. Assets must be frozen and legal action must be taken against those who openly support the PKK. In this sense, France has taken some steps in the past, but we also see that it is insufficient.”
Turkish diplomatic missions have made necessary contact with French authorities on the issue, he also said.
The PKK is classified as an “ethno-nationalist” and “separatist” terrorist organization by the EU’s law enforcement agency EUROPOL.
The PKK terror group continues using the European Union’s territory for propaganda, recruitment, fundraising and logistical support activities, according to a report by the EU’s law enforcement agency released last year.
Turkey has long called on European countries to take more serious measures against the PKK, which uses some countries as a platform for its recruitment, fundraising, and propaganda activities.
Despite its status as a designated international terrorist organization, the PKK has enjoyed relative freedom in European cities and has a particularly strong presence in Germany. PKK supporters have been allowed to hold rallies, recruit militants and collect funds in Germany, which is home to some 5 million people of Turkish origin, including Kurds.
Sympathizers of the PKK frequently attack Turkish mosques, community centers, cafes and other compounds.
In its more than 40-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and EU, has been responsible for the deaths of 40,000 people.