21.10.2014 - 08:56 [ U.S. Außenministerium ]

Marie Harf, Deputy Spokesperson, Daily Press Briefing, Washington, DC October 20, 2014:

QUESTION: Just one more question. I know Secretary Kerry said that the PYD – the political party in Kobani and other Kurdish cities in Syria is an offshoot of the PKK, which is designated —

MS. HARF: That’s not what he said.

QUESTION: He said it.

MS. HARF: That’s not what he said. I have his transcript —

QUESTION: He said it’s one and the same.

MS. HARF: I have his transcript in front of me. The PYD is a different group than the PKK legally, under United States law.

QUESTION: But he said that he saw them as one and the same.

MS. HARF: He said he’s aware of the history and the sensitivities.

QUESTION: Actually —

MS. HARF: Do you have a question. Sorry.

QUESTION: Yeah. I mean, I’m not sure if I – I think I saw that saying —

MS. HARF: I can check on – I have his transcript in front of me —

QUESTION: Okay.

MS. HARF: — and I can check on the specifics, but what’s your question?

QUESTION: So you believe the PYD is not the same as the PKK?

MS. HARF: They are not the same under United States law. No.

QUESTION: Okay.

MS. HARF: That’s a fact. (…)

QUESTION: I needed just a clarification about this Kobani thing. Sorry for going back to Kobani, but you – the CENTCOM press release also didn’t name any group in the press release on these airdrops.

MS. HARF: Right. This isn’t about any one group. This is about a group of Kurdish fighters and a small number of non-Kurdish fighters pushing back on ISIL in and around Kobani.

QUESTION: But you didn’t coordinate these airdrops with anyone on the ground, any groups on the ground?

MS. HARF: I don’t have more details for you on the logistics of the airdrops. I’m sure the Pentagon would be happy to answer your questions.

QUESTION: And (inaudible) – I mean, the quote of the Secretary, actually, that no one mentioned, there are – they are a offshoot group of the folks that our friends, the Turks, oppose. This exact quote what Secretary said about —

MS. HARF: Yes, and he said we are – also said we are aware of the history, we’re aware of the sensitivities. Yes.

QUESTION: Do you believe PYD is the offshoot of PKK?

MS. HARF: We’re aware that they have had ties. We’re aware of the history and some of the linkages. Yes.

QUESTION: But they are not designated?

MS. HARF: PYD is not a designated terrorist organization. That is correct.