Iraq has endorsed Abdullah Ocalan’s call for the PKK to disband, viewing it as a crucial step for regional stability. The Iraqi foreign ministry emphasized the necessity of political dialogue to resolve conflicts. Ocalan’s declaration, made from prison, signifies a shift in strategy regarding the PKK, which has historically challenged Iraq-Turkey relations. Baghdad is also pursuing stronger ties with Turkey in combating the PKK.
Iraq has officially endorsed a call by Abdullah Ocalan, the founder of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), urging the militant group to disband. Baghdad affirmed that Ocalan’s appeal is a pivotal move toward promoting stability and security within the region, particularly in light of the PKK’s prolonged insurgency against Turkey, which has also strained Iraq’s relations with its neighbor.
In a recent statement, the Iraqi foreign ministry regarded Ocalan’s request for the PKK to lay down its arms as a “positive and important step toward achieving stability in the region.” The ministry suggested that this action would enhance security not only in Iraq but across the entire region, emphasizing that political solutions and dialogue are essential to resolving conflicts and differences.
In a notable shift, Ocalan declared that all groups should disarm, and he specifically urged the PKK to dissolve itself, drawing attention four months after Ankara had extended an olive branch to him. Ocalan has been held in solitary confinement in a Turkish prison since 1999, reflecting the complexities of the Kurdish issue in the region.
The PKK maintains a presence in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region, where Turkey conducts military operations against the group. Recently, Baghdad has taken a firmer stance against the PKK by designating it as a “banned organization,” despite Turkey’s insistence on its classification as a terrorist entity.
Iraq’s support for Ocalan’s call to dissolve the PKK marks a significant movement towards regional stability. The initiative highlights the urgency of dialogue and political resolutions in addressing longstanding conflicts. As Iraq seeks to strengthen ties with Turkey, the international community watches closely for any favorable outcomes stemming from this development.
Original Source: www.thenews.com.pk
