Saturday's statements were the strongest comments from the Iraqi leadership on the recent increase in tension between Turkey and the PKK terrorists, who attack from sanctuaries in northern Iraq.

Government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said the rebel activity "poses a serious threat to the border areas and to the joint security of Iraq and Turkey."

He also called on the Turkish government "to deal with this criminal act wisely and to show restraint."

Later, the presidential council also denounced the violence and pledged to help Turkey. The three-member panel is led by President Jalal Talabani, who is a Kurd. It also includes the Shiite and the Sunni vice presidents.

"The presidential council has decided unanimously to condemn the vicious aggression against the Turkish troops near Iraqi borders," a statement said on the presidency's official Web site.

"The council has decided to continue efforts with Turkey to prevent the repetition of such aggression and to put an end to the illegitimate presence of the gunmen on Iraqi territory."

The Turkish military has said 15 Turkish soldiers and 23 terrorists were killed in fighting Friday.

The outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, has been fighting for self-rule in southeast Turkey since 1984.