Baghdad Supports Peace Process Between Ankara and PKK
In a significant development, Baghdad has voiced its strong backing for the ongoing discussions between the Turkish government and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) aimed at achieving peace. This declaration of support comes just a week after the PKK announced the withdrawal of all its forces from Turkey to northern Iraq. This stance was confirmed on Sunday, marking a crucial step in the region’s complex political landscape.
Key Players and Discussions
The announcement followed discussions with Turkish authorities through the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party in October 2024. Subsequently, the PKK declared its dissolution in May, after over four decades of conflict with Turkish forces. In recent years, many of its fighters have sought refuge in mountainous regions of northern Iraq, where Turkey has maintained military bases for 25 years to counter them, regularly conducting ground and air operations. The PKK’s recent decision to withdraw all forces from Turkey to northern Iraq and its call on Ankara to advance the legal procedures necessary to safeguard the peace process are pivotal.
Official Statements and Regional Implications
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein, during a press conference with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan in Baghdad, stated, “We strongly support the ongoing discussions between the Turkish government and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, and we look forward to an agreement in this regard.” Fidan emphasized the importance of ending the PKK’s armed activities in Turkey and called for an end to the group’s activities in Iraq, Syria, and even Iran to ensure regional stability, security, and prevent external interference.
Cooperation and Future Prospects
Fidan noted that the PKK currently occupies significant areas in Iraq, indicating close cooperation with Iraqi authorities. He expressed gratitude to the authorities in Baghdad and Erbil for their cooperation. Furthermore, Turkey has formed a parliamentary committee to establish the fundamental rules for the peace process with the PKK, including preparing the legal framework for the party and its fighters’ transition to political action. The committee’s work is scheduled to continue until the end of this year, with a possible two-month extension if necessary.
During his visit to Baghdad on Sunday, Fidan and his Iraqi counterpart announced that the two countries would sign an important agreement on water, to be implemented for the first time in their history, without providing further details.
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