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Turkey's top security body discusses Syria, counterterrorism efforts
The statement noted that the terrorist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) still poses a serious threat to national unity and security.
The council reviewed counterterrorism measures that are being taken currently as part of efforts to contain the armed activities of the terrorist organization. The PKK stepped up its activities over the past two years and 2012 saw the bloodiest clashes between security forces and the terrorist organization since the capture of Abdullah Öcalan, the PKK's jailed leader, in 1999.
In the meantime, the council, which was chaired by President Abdullah Gül, expressed concern over the ongoing crisis in Syria, underlining that efforts by Turkey and the international community should continue to find a peaceful solution to the problem.
The Syrian conflict has raised concerns of a regional conflagration as regional countries are at odds with each other over how to handle the festering crisis in war-torn Syria.
The number of refugees who fled Syria has exceeded half a million, and over 140,000 are in Turkey.
The council emphasized the humanitarian dimension of the Syrian crisis, saying that it had discussed bolstering Turkey's efforts to meet the needs of nearly 150,000 Syrians who had taken shelter in refugee camps in Turkey.
Turkey recently announced that it will deliver 37,000 tons of flour to Syria, which faces a shortage of bread and flour. The bread crisis has already hit battered Aleppo, where residents struggle to maintain their lives under constant air strikes and a shortage of essential elements such as flour, oil and heat.
Backed by the government, several foundations and nongovernmental organizations have launched a fresh campaign, titled “Bread and Blankets for Syrian Refugees,” and called on Turks to join the campaign in a bid to improve the conditions in which refugees have to live on the Syrian side of the border as winter approaches.
In addition, the council discussed improving relations between Turkey and Egypt, stressing that the progress Egypt achieved towards stability and democracy is of great importance for the region.
The council also discussed the latest developments in Iraq, expressing concern over rising tensions between rival groups in the country.
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