Erbil: Independent Kurdish politician, Mahmoud Othman, confirmed that the Kurdish position in the Kurdistan Region is in favor of and supports the establishment of peace between the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and Turkey.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Othman stated that the initiative by PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan to initiate a ceasefire with Turkish forces is a positive step toward establishing peace in the region. Othman noted that prior to this initiative, there were intensive negotiations between Turkey and a PKK delegation. This delegation met with several officials from the Kurdistan Region and Turkey, with the knowledge of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Othman emphasized that Ocalan’s statement was significant in terms of its focus on disarmament and dissolving the PKK. He highlighted that Turkey should recognize this initiative and work towards comprehensive peace with the PKK by taking practical steps.

The Kurdish politician suggested that Turkey could officially allow the PKK to transition into a political party after disarming, which could serve as a reasonable solution and a positive move by the Turks. Othman stated that the responsibility now lies with Turkey to advance the peace process.

The PKK declared a ceasefire starting from the previous Saturday, following the call from its leader Abdullah Ocalan, who urged the party to lay down its arms and dissolve itself. The party responded by announcing the ceasefire in a formal statement.