Security and Regional Peace
Ankara: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stressed that Turkey considers the Kurdistan Workers’ Party’s (PKK) declaration of its dissolution an important decision in terms of enhancing national security, regional peace, and the eternal brotherhood of the people of Turkey.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, in a speech on Monday, following a Turkish government meeting at the Presidential Complex in the capital, Ankara, Erdogan said: “With the removal of terrorism and violence from the equation, the doors of a new era will open in all areas, foremost among which is strengthening democratic capacities for political action.”
He pointed out that with the PKK’s dissolution and laying down of arms, the days when families received devastating news every day for many years are over. He added: “We consider the decision to dissolve the PKK itself comprehensive and inclusive of all the organization’s branches in Syria, northern Iraq, and Europe.”
The Turkish President emphasized that his country is steadily moving toward its goal of a “terrorism-free Turkey,” overcoming obstacles and shattering prejudices.
Regarding the crisis between Pakistan and India, Erdogan welcomed the resolution of tensions between the two countries through a ceasefire. He said: “Ankara’s position on such crises is clear, and it always stands on the side of peace, stability, diplomacy, and dialogue.”
He added: “We have taken a very clear stance on the heinous terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as on the missile attacks on Pakistan. While we have openly declared our support for the brotherly Pakistani people, we have also made great efforts to reduce tensions that have escalated to extremely dangerous levels.”
He addressed the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, saying: “As a country that has earned the trust of both sides (Russia and Ukraine), we have expressed our readiness to contribute to the talks and expressed our pleasure in hosting them.” Erdogan expressed his hope that the opportunity provided to resolve the Russian-Ukrainian conflict (in Istanbul next Thursday) will not be wasted this time.