Describing the move as an infamous incident that ignores serious crimes against humanity perpetrated by Öcalan, the statement said: "The attempts to legitimize the PKK and its ringleader are futile as the PKK is registered on the list of terrorist organizations of the EU, responsible for the murder of more than 40 thousand people and has a heavy criminal record including drug and human trafficking, money laundering, child abduction and other organized crimes."

"These attempts are also completely contrary to the spirit of international cooperation in countering terrorism," it stressed.

"In view of this attempt which constitutes the last example of similar decisions of some local governments in Italy, as well as similar attempts that may occur thereafter, we reiterate our expectation from Italian authorities to cooperate in the fight against the terrorist organization," it concluded.

ILKHA