"If they continue this way, they will cause a lot of damage to themselves," Barzani told a press conference in Arbil, capital of northern Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region.

"We ask the PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party) to think of another solution and give up the military," Barzani added.

The PKK was established in late 1970s, adopting Marxism-Leninism ideology. It has waged an armed campaign against successive Turkish governments since 1984 with the aim of winning autonomy for Turkish Kurds.

Ankara last month threatened to strike PKK bases in northern Iraq if Baghdad and Washington fail to take urgent action against the rebels.

It accuses the Iraqi Kurds of aiding the group, listed as a terrorist organisation by much of the international community.

"The PKK should take into consideration our (regional) interests and think of another solution, a peaceful one, and announce a long-term and unconditional ceasefire," said Barzani.

He denied claims by Turkey the regional authority is not doing enough to rein in the rebels.

"We took measures against the PKK to prevent them travelling by air, we increased observations on Makhmor camp (where Turkish Kurd refugees are sheltered), and we have tightened measures around the camp to prevent any infiltration by the PKK.

"Turkey is an important country for us. We have good economic relations."

Tension between Ankara and Baghdad intensified in recent weeks after the PKK fighters ambushed a Turkish military patrol and killed 12 soldiers.

The ambush angered Ankara which has threatened to launch a military incursion into northern Iraq to attack the guerrillas.