Turkey Initiates Discussions with Iraq on PKK's Disarmament
President Erdogan confirms negotiations with Baghdad and Erbil following PKK's decision to dissolve.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey announced that Turkey is conducting talks with authorities in Iraq’s capital, Baghdad, and in the semi-autonomous region of Erbil regarding the specifics of the disarmament of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants.
This announcement came in the wake of the PKK's decision last week to dissolve itself.
Erdogan, speaking to reporters during his return flight from Albania, stated, "Discussions are ongoing with neighboring countries about how to transfer the weapons of the terrorists outside our borders.
There are plans involving the administrations of Baghdad and Erbil in this process."
Just days prior, Erdogan emphasized that Turkey has entered a new phase following the PKK's announcement to disband and lay down arms.
During a speech to members of his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in parliament, he noted that politicians would begin discussions on unresolved issues once the PKK fulfills its commitment to disarm and dissolve.
The PKK, which has fought against the Turkish government for over four decades, announced its dissolution and cessation of armed struggle during a party conference held from May 5 to May 7. This decision concludes a protracted conflict that has caused the deaths of an estimated 40,000 individuals.
This disarmament initiative was initially proposed by Devlet Bahceli, the leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), a coalition partner of Erdogan's party.
In a notable shift, the PKK leadership, which has been based in the northern mountains of Iraq, positively responded to a call by their imprisoned leader, Abdullah Ocalan, to dissolve the organization and end 40 years of conflict with Ankara.
Additionally, the PKK, which is designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union, declared an immediate ceasefire as part of this process.
In a related development within Syria, Syrian Defense Minister Marhaf Abu Qasera announced the integration of all military units under the Ministry of Defense.
Addressing various factions via a social media platform, he communicated that smaller military groups not yet integrated have 10 days to join, warning that failure to do so would result in appropriate measures being taken.
This announcement came in the wake of the PKK's decision last week to dissolve itself.
Erdogan, speaking to reporters during his return flight from Albania, stated, "Discussions are ongoing with neighboring countries about how to transfer the weapons of the terrorists outside our borders.
There are plans involving the administrations of Baghdad and Erbil in this process."
Just days prior, Erdogan emphasized that Turkey has entered a new phase following the PKK's announcement to disband and lay down arms.
During a speech to members of his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in parliament, he noted that politicians would begin discussions on unresolved issues once the PKK fulfills its commitment to disarm and dissolve.
The PKK, which has fought against the Turkish government for over four decades, announced its dissolution and cessation of armed struggle during a party conference held from May 5 to May 7. This decision concludes a protracted conflict that has caused the deaths of an estimated 40,000 individuals.
This disarmament initiative was initially proposed by Devlet Bahceli, the leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), a coalition partner of Erdogan's party.
In a notable shift, the PKK leadership, which has been based in the northern mountains of Iraq, positively responded to a call by their imprisoned leader, Abdullah Ocalan, to dissolve the organization and end 40 years of conflict with Ankara.
Additionally, the PKK, which is designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union, declared an immediate ceasefire as part of this process.
In a related development within Syria, Syrian Defense Minister Marhaf Abu Qasera announced the integration of all military units under the Ministry of Defense.
Addressing various factions via a social media platform, he communicated that smaller military groups not yet integrated have 10 days to join, warning that failure to do so would result in appropriate measures being taken.
