IV 112th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 772 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES August 2, 2012 Mr. Whitfield (for himself and Mr. Hastings of Florida) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs RESOLUTION Condemning the Kurdistan Workers’ Party and supporting a peaceful dialogue with Turkey.

Whereas since 1984, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has waged a campaign of violence and terrorism against the people and Government of Turkey; Whereas it is estimated that at least 30,000 people have been killed in PKK-associated violence since 1984; Whereas the United States Government designated the PKK as a foreign terrorist organization in 1997, as a specially designated global terrorist in 2001, and a significant foreign narcotics trafficker in 2008; Whereas in 2004, the Council of the European Union added the PKK to its list of terrorist organizations; Whereas in October 2007, President George W. Bush characterized the PKK as a common enemy of the United States and Turkey, saying, [the PKK] is an enemy to Turkey, it's an enemy to Iraq, it's an enemy to people who want to live in peace.; Whereas in April 2009, President Barack Obama stated that, Iraq, Turkey, and the United States face a common threat from terrorism … That includes the PKK; Whereas, on April 20, 2012, Prime Minister Erdogan stated, The stance of the Turkish state is clear—once [the PKK] lay down their arms, it is [our stance] to completely stop military operations; Whereas in 1952, Turkey became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO); Whereas the armed forces of Turkey and the United States have served together as allies during the Korean War, in Kosovo, in Afghanistan, and in the 2011 NATO intervention in Libya, commonly known as Operation Unified Protector; Whereas President George W. Bush stated, [Turkey's] success is vital to a future of progress and peace in Europe and in the broader Middle East—and the Republic of Turkey can depend on the support and friendship of the United States; and Whereas President Barack Obama said, Turkey is a critical ally. Turkey is an important part of Europe. And Turkey and the United States must stand together, and work together, to overcome the challenges of our time: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1)condemns the continued campaign of terrorism by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and expresses solidarity with the victims of PKK violence; (2)reaffirms that the PKK is a common enemy of the United States and Turkey; (3)urges the PKK to lay down its arms and renounce violence; and (4)encourages ongoing cooperation between the United States Government and the Government of Turkey to eliminate or apprehend violent elements of the PKK.