Latest news with #Turkey-Iraq
Rudaw Net
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
PKK demands constitutional changes in Turkey, refuses amnesty
Also in Turkey Ten dead in western Turkey wildfires DEM Party rebukes call by Erdogan's ally to dissolve Erdogan commends Ocalan's support for peace process Erdogan will not seek Turkey-Iraq oil export deal renewal: Gazette A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) does not seek an amnesty from Ankara but demands constitutional changes toward political democratization, a senior PKK commander said on Thursday. His statement comes amid progress in efforts to form a parliamentary commission to give the ongoing peace talks between the Kurdish group and Turkish authorities a legal forum. 'We don't want amnesty. We want laws to change… There are anti-democratic laws in Turkey,' Cemil Bayik, co-chair of the executive council of PKK umbrella group the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK) said during an interview with the PKK-affiliated Yeni Yasam news outlet. 'These laws need to change, not just for the Kurds, but for all democratic forces, for all left-wing forces. Democratic laws need to evolve. Freedom laws need to evolve. The Constitution has failed. They [Turkish politicians] are already saying it.' The Turkish constitution was formally drafted and adopted following the 1980 military coup. It recognizes all citizens of Turkey as Turks, thereby disregarding minority rights, including the recognition of the Kurds. 'Everyone bound to the Turkish State through the bond of citizenship is a Turk,' article 66 of the Turkish constitution. The Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has long been emphasizing the need to draft a new constitution for the country which some analysts argue that his push to mend fences with the PKK is partially geared to garner Kurdish support for changing the constitution and his re-election. The current constitution allows each politician to serve no more than two terms, preventing Erdogan from running for the third term. There are ongoing peace talks between Ankara and the PKK. The latter has decided to dissolve itself and lay down arms after decades of a devastating war with the Turkish state. A first group of PKK fighters burned their weapons earlier this month. Erdogan said on Monday that they are following the PKK disarmament process, adding that the negotiations to form a parliamentary commission to address the peace process, or what Ankara calls terror-free Turkey, have 'reached the final stage. You will soon see progress at the parliamentary level.' The peace process will be guided by the parliamentary commission. Representatives of the parliamentary bloc of Turkey's political parties met with the parliament speaker on Friday and the commission is set to be formed within days. The commission has broad political support, except from the ultranationalist Good Party (IYI). Sezai Temelli, a DEM Party lawmaker, told Rudaw on Tuesday that the parliamentary commission will consist of 35 members and may hold its first meeting in the coming days. He added that the commission's main task will be to ensure 'legal and political guarantees for the disarmament process.' Some PKK fighters based in Duhok province told Rudaw earlier this month that they fear reprisals if they return to Turkey, with many opting to remain in the mountains instead.
Rudaw Net
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Ten dead in western Turkey wildfires
Also in Turkey DEM Party rebukes call by Erdogan's ally to dissolve Erdogan commends Ocalan's support for peace process Erdogan will not seek Turkey-Iraq oil export deal renewal: Gazette PKK says no more disarmament until Ankara enacts reforms A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - At least ten forest workers were killed on Wednesday while fighting forest fires in western Turkey's Eskisehir province, authorities said. Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said that five forestry workers and five rescuers were killed after being 'unfortunately trapped in the fire when a sudden change in wind fanned the flames toward them.' 'The very high temperatures, high winds, and low humidity have made this no longer a simple forest fire. We have lost 10 of our dear brothers and sisters. I have nothing more to say. My condolences to our nation,' he added. At least 11 'major' forest fires, including nine that broke out on Wednesday, are currently being battled by Turkish authorities and forestry workers, according to the minister. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan extended his condolences to the families of the victims. 'I pray for God's mercy upon our brothers and sisters who are fighting at the expense of their lives to protect our forests, and offer my condolences to their families and our nation,' Erdogan said. Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc later announced that an investigation has been launched into the deadly incident. Turkey has been hit by a flurry of wildfires recently, which are commonplace in summertime.
Rudaw Net
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
DEM Party rebukes call by Erdogan's ally to dissolve
Also in Turkey Erdogan commends Ocalan's support for peace process Erdogan will not seek Turkey-Iraq oil export deal renewal: Gazette PKK says no more disarmament until Ankara enacts reforms Turkish parties discuss forming PKK peace commission in parliament A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Turkey's pro-Kurdish Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) on Tuesday condemned a call from an ally of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urging the party to dissolve itself over alleged ties to Kurdish rebel groups. The DEM Party firmly rejected the demand, stating it has no intention of disbanding. The DEM Party is mediating peace talks between Ankara and the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The latter has decided to dissolve itself and lay down arms after decades of a devastating war with the Turkish state. A first group of PKK fighters burned their weapons earlier this month. Mustafa Destici, leader of the Great Unity Party (BBP), on Monday called on all alleged offshoots of the PKK to dissolve themselves, mentioning the DEM Party too. 'Even this DEM Party in Turkey will do so. Because it is also the PKK's party. It will dissolve itself, condemn terrorism, and establish a new party,' he told reporters. The BBP is part of the ruling People's Alliance, which includes Erdogan's Justice and Development Party (AKP). The DEM Party rebuked the Turkish politician for his remarks late Tuesday. 'DEM Party is the name of the struggle for equality, freedom, democracy, justice, and peace of the peoples. It is the will of millions. It is not a mere signboard, nor is it temporary. It has reached this point by paying great costs and through an uninterrupted struggle,' stated the pro-Kurdish party. 'The purpose of the DEM Party is clear: to ensure peace and build democracy for 86 million people.' The party refused to dissolve itself. 'We are not dissolving our party. We are right where we stand, and our march continues with determination. We will never step back,' the party said, advising the BBP leader to be 'the voice of people and democracy, not of Kurdish hostility.' On May 12, the PKK announced its dissolution and intention to disarm after being urged to do so by its founder Abdullah Ocalan who said it was time to take the struggle for Kurdish rights into the political sphere. The PKK has declared a unilateral ceasefire and on July 11 held a disarmament ceremony had a ceremonial disarmament where 30 fighters, including commanders, burned their weapons. Erdogan on Monday praised Ocalan for his continued support for peace talks between the PKK and Ankara. 'We are determined to build a terrorism-free future. We are clear about what we will do to reach our goal, how we will achieve it, and where we will ultimately end up,' Erdogan told journalists. Erdogan also said that they are following the PKK disarmament process, adding that the negotiations to form a parliamentary commission to address the peace process, or what Ankara calls terror-free Turkey, have 'reached the final stage. You will soon see progress at the parliamentary level.' The peace process will be guided by the parliamentary commission. Representatives of the parliamentary bloc of Turkey's political parties met with the parliament speaker on Friday and the commission is set to be formed within days. The commission has broad political support, except from the ultranationalist Good Party (IYI). Sezai Temelli, a DEM Party lawmaker, told Rudaw on Tuesday that the parliamentary commission will consist of 35 members and may hold its first meeting in the coming days. 'There may be a meeting on Friday. Even if it is not Friday, it will definitely convene within the next week. Even if parliament goes on recess, the commission will continue its work and fulfill its legal preparation duty until October 1,' he said. He added that the commission's main task will be to ensure 'legal and political guarantees for the disarmament process.' Some PKK fighters based in Duhok province told Rudaw earlier this month that they fear reprisals if they return to Turkey, with many opting to remain in the mountains instead. "In the first phase, regulations will be made regarding the legal and political rights of those who lay down arms. After this stage is completed, new steps can be taken for the continuation of the process,' Temelli noted, adding that the DEM Party delegation, which has held several meetings with Ocalan in jail, will visit him again following the commission meeting. Ibrahim Kalin, Turkish intelligence chief, has held meetings with several Turkish political parties over the peace talks, including the DEM Party. Temelli said their meeting with Kalin was positive. "It was a sincere and important meeting. We won't make statements about its content, but it went positively. The resumption of dialogues is important for the democratic solution of the Kurdish issue,' the lawmaker said.
Rudaw Net
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Erdogan commends Ocalan's support for peace process
Also in Turkey Erdogan will not seek Turkey-Iraq oil export deal renewal: Gazette PKK says no more disarmament until Ankara enacts reforms Turkish parties discuss forming PKK peace commission in parliament Parents find missing daughter during PKK disarmament ceremony A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday praised the jailed leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) for his continued support for peace talks between the Kurdish group and Ankara. Erdogan also noted progress in ongoing efforts to establish a parliamentary commission to bring the matter before the legislature. 'We are determined to build a terrorism-free future. We are clear about what we will do to reach our goal, how we will achieve it, and where we will ultimately end up,' Erdogan told journalists on Monday. 'Imrali has provided and continues to provide all kinds of support on this issue. This aspect is very important,' the Turkish leader added, referring to the PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, who has been jailed at Imrali prison since 1999. On May 12, the PKK announced its dissolution and intention to disarm after being urged to do so by their founder Ocalan who said it was time to take the struggle for Kurdish rights into the political sphere. The PKK has declared a unilateral ceasefire and on July 11 had a ceremonial disarmament where 30 fighters, including commanders, burned their weapons. Erdogan also said that they are following the PKK disarmament process, adding that the negotiations to form a parliamentary commission to address the peace process, or what Ankara calls terror-free Turkey, have 'reached the final stage. You will soon see progress at the parliamentary level.' The peace process will be guided by the parliamentary commission. Representatives of the parliamentary bloc of Turkey's political parties met with the parliament speaker on Friday and the commission will be formed within days. The commission has broad political support, except from the ultranationalist IYI Party. Cemil Bayik, co-chair of the executive council of PKK umbrella group the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK), said in a recent interview with PKK media that the commission's sole purpose cannot be disarmament of the PKK. 'If the PKK armed itself, it wasn't because they wanted to use weapons. The Turkish state, through its policies and practices, forced them to do so. That's why the armed movement developed. If they don't want an armed movement, they need to change their policies. Only then will the problem be solved. The issue of weapons alone won't solve the problem,' he said. He also warned that the group will not commit to further disarmament until Turkey makes legal reforms to address discrimination of its Kurdish population, and if Ankara fails to take action, then other groups will emerge and pick up the fight. Devlet Bahceli, the initiator of the nascent peace process and leader of Turkey's Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), has said that a Kurd and an Alevi could serve as vice presidents of the country - a statement he reiterated on Monday. 'Both Alevis and Kurds are ours,' he said. 'We are one, we are together, we are brothers, we are a very large family.'
Middle East Eye
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Middle East Eye
PKK disarmament: What does it mean for Baghdad and Erbil?
The Kurdish Workers Party (PKK), which has created significant challenges for Turkey-Iraq relations, is on the verge of disbanding. As Middle East Eye reported on Friday, the PKK is expected to imminently announce the end of its armed struggle against Turkey, as requested by jailed leader Abdullah Ocalan. All eyes are on how the process will unfold from here. The group's disbanding will cast uncertainty on the future of its members in the Qandil Mountains, an area that has served as the PKK's headquarters in northern Iraq for decades. Ocalan's appeal, which marks a turning point in the decades-long conflict between the PKK and Turkey, will have repercussions for regional actors. The possible closure of this tumultuous file could significantly alter the course of Ankara-Erbil-Baghdad relations. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters This geopolitical shift comes after the launch of Israel's ongoing war on Gaza in October 2023, followed a year later by the fall of the Assad regime in Syria. While weakening Iran's allies in the region, these developments also pushed Ankara to recalibrate its stance towards the PKK. Although Turkey has focused more on disarmament than on democratisation of the Kurdish issue, this process remains of critical importance to the Iraqi government. Cross-border operations Baghdad has traditionally avoided defining the PKK, long embroiled in a conflict with Turkey, as its own issue, suggesting that Erbil and Ankara were responsible for confronting the armed group. Ankara has drawn the ire of Baghdad by conducting military operations against the PKK in Iraqi territory, interpreted by the Iraqi government as a violation of its sovereignty. With the strategy of 'eliminating terrorism at its source' adopted in recent years, Turkey has extended air operations to Sulaymaniyah and Sinjar, while setting up dozens of military outposts inside Iraq. Is Turkey on the brink of peace with the Kurds? Read More » Iraqi leader Muqtada al-Sadr and some state-sponsored Iraqi paramilitaries within the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) have described the Turkish military presence as an 'occupation'. Ankara's stubborn diplomacy, at the risk of damaging bilateral relations, resulted in Baghdad banning the PKK last year. The group's disarmament will thus neutralise a powder keg along their shared border. Noting that Turkey's military presence in Iraq has been justified as a response to the PKK's activities, Iraq's national security adviser, Qasim al-Araji, has said that once a resolution is in place, 'all armed groups and foreign forces' would be expected to leave Iraq. The PKK's tactical relations with Iran could also end in this new era. Ankara believes that Tehran uses certain armed groups to undermine its own influence in Iraq; the disbanding of the PKK could thus strengthen Turkey's hand in Iraq. Ankara, which has established strong relations with Shia leaders in recent days, should focus on public diplomacy in this process. While Turkey might want to stay in Iraq to fight the Islamic State group, balance Iran, or increase its influence after a possible US withdrawal - despite the PKK problem being resolved - this could reinvigorate the 'occupier' rhetoric. Basis for dialogue Disbanding the PKK and putting an end to its attacks on infrastructure such as oil pipelines would also be good news for the local economy, with trade between Turkey and Iraq now reaching $20bn. In addition, the PKK has been seen as a threat to the Development Road rail and highway project. The group's disbanding will mark a positive turn for Iraq's Kurdish region, where the PKK has been a disruptive actor, occupying hundreds of villages. The group's targeting of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), which has collaborated with Ankara, and its clashes with the Peshmerga have harmed the Iraqi Kurdish leadership financially and psychologically. The strengthening of relations between the PKK and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) has complicated matters further, reinforcing Ankara's anger towards the Sulaymaniyah-based political party. The PKK laying down its weapons will ultimately facilitate a thaw between both the KDP and PUK, and Ankara and Sulaymaniyah Amid Ankara's operations against the PKK in Sulaymaniyah and the closure of Turkish airspace to planes taking off from the northern city, a high-level politician I recently met there expressed excitement about the forthcoming disarmament process, noting: 'The PKK has harmed us more than Turkey.' Ankara values the role of Iraqi Kurdish leaders in the disarmament initiative, which enjoys broad local support. If the PKK is ultimately eradicated, the KDP, a nationalist party, will be able to escape the reputational damage of acting in concert with Turkey in its battle against the armed group. It is noteworthy that there is no mention of an independent Kurdish state and autonomy in Ocalan's call for disarmament. One of the main reasons why Ankara opposed the 2017 Kurdish independence referendum in Iraq was its fear of triggering separatist sentiments among Turkey's Kurds. The PKK process will create a basis for dialogue among Kurds in Syria and Iraq, while strengthening the KDP's stance on Kurdish nationalism - at least, in the short term. But amid sharp ideological differences between the KDP and PKK, political competition is inevitable in the medium term. The PKK laying down its weapons will ultimately facilitate a thaw between both the KDP and PUK and Ankara and Sulaymaniyah. But historical divisions and spheres of influence will continue to be decisive in regional politics in the months and years ahead. The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Eye.
