Thousands of Kurds, including many carrying flags with the image of jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, demonstrated in the German city of Cologne Saturday against the Turkish government's policies. Organizers said the demonstration was aimed in part at protesting against Turkey's military intervention in northern Syria and what they call the "dictatorial" behavior of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. They argued that Ocalan, who has been in prison in Turkey since 1999, should be recognized as a "legitimate negotiating partner." The PKK, which wants greater autonomy for Kurds living in Turkey, is considered a terrorist group by Turkey, the U.S. and the European Union. Last month, Turkey launched a cross-border operation whose aims include stalling Syrian Kurdish militants from seizing more ground in northern Syria.

Source: ABC News September 03, 2016 12:09 UTC