World Bulletin/News Desk

Several resolutions have been introduced at the US Congress on a variety of issues concerning Turkey, such as the fight against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), the opening of a Greek seminary and the Cyprus problem.

Arizona Sen. John McCain, independent Sen. Joe Lieberman, New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio introduced a resolution that called for effective cooperation with Turkey in the fight against the PKK.

The resolution noted that the PKK is an enemy of Turkey, the US and all responsible countries and called on the terrorist organization to lay down its weapons, renounce violence and engage in peaceful dialogue with the Turkish government.

The resolution also called on the US administration to give diplomatic, military and intelligence support to Turkey in its fight against the PKK.

Criticisms were directed against countries such as Sweden, Denmark and Norway for allowing PKK-affiliated TV stations to operate, while European countries were called on to take urgent measures against the PKK.

Listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US and the EU, the PKK has been waging a bloody campaign in Turkey's Southeast since 1984, claiming the lives of more than 40,000 people.

The other resolution was introduced at the Foreign Affairs Committee of the US House of Representatives and called on Turkey to unconditionally reopen the Heybeliada (or Halki) Greek seminary near İstanbul.

Established in 1844 on the island of Heybeliada, the Halki Seminary was closed in 1971 under a law that put religious and military training under state control.

The resolution, which was submitted by Florida representative Gus Bilirakis, was approved. Some representatives who spoke during the discussion of the resolution praised Turkey for the steps it has taken to ensure freedom of religion.

Another resolution, introduced by New York representative Eliot Engel at the Foreign Affairs Committee, includes harsh criticism against Turkey regarding the Cyprus problem.

The resolution accuses Turkey of illegally colonizing Cyprus by bringing a non-Cypriot population to the island and calls on Turkey to end its presence on the island.