PKK statement from the Swedish Prime Minister

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said his country will fulfill its responsibilities towards Turkey in the fight against terrorism with the new bill due to be voted on in parliament on March 9.

Kristersson spoke with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at their joint press conference after meeting in Stockholm, the Swedish capital. Noting that Turkey has been greatly affected by the activities of terrorist organizations, especially the PKK, Kristersson said:

“The Swedish authorities are taking tougher action against PKK members who raise money for terrorism. Previously, we did not take the financial activities of terrorist organizations in Sweden seriously enough. Now we take this seriously. We know that people who raise money for the PKK use various criminal methods and that they finance terrorism. The government’s focus on fighting organized crime will complicate the work of the PKK.”

Noting that a new criminal law on terrorism will be voted on in the Swedish parliament on March 9, Kristersson said: “With this law, joining and financing terrorist organizations will be prohibited. The law will be implemented from June 1,” he said.

Expressing that his country needs this law to fight international terrorism, Kristersson said: “The Triple Memorandum between Sweden, Finland and Turkey calls for fighting together with terrorist organizations. This law also covers it. With this law, we believe that we have met our responsibilities towards NATO.” (AA)