Sulaymaniyah: President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), Bafel Jalal Talabani, affirmed on Friday that the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK)’s laying down of arms is a historic step toward peace.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Talabani stated, “The laying down of arms by PKK members in Sulaymaniyah is a historic step toward beginning a new phase of dialogue and peace in northern Kurdistan and Turkey.”

He further commented that the PUK is committed to the idea that bloodshed only deepens divisions, and the time has come to silence weapons and engage in dialogue to achieve legitimate gains for all parties involved.

Talabani emphasized the ongoing efforts to ensure the success of the peace process, expressing pride that the foundations of peace laid by President Mam Jalal are being implemented today.

He also expressed hope that this step would initiate a new phase of normalization of relations among all parties and positively impact the stability of the Kurdistan Region.