WASHINGTON, March 6 (Xinhua) -- The United States said Thursday it is closely watching Turkey's campaign against the separatist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and expects Turkey not to negotiate with the group.

    "As we have said before, the PKK is a common enemy. We have been strongly supporting Turkey in its efforts to combat the PKK," White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said.

    "We have encouraged dialogue and coordination between the United States, Turkey and Iraq, but we have not and we will not negotiate or hold talks with the PKK, nor do we expect Turkey to do so," Perino said.

    Instead, Perino said the United States is encouraged to see the cooperation between Iraq and Turkey on fighting against the PKK.

    Turkey launched military strikes against the PKK targets in northern Iraq recently. The United States has voiced support for Turkish strikes against the PKK, but meanwhile called for cooperation between Turkey and Iraq.