Iran has welcomed Abdullah Ocalan’s call for the PKK to disarm, viewing it as a step towards abandoning violence. Iranian officials expressed hope that this move could enhance security in Turkey and positively affect the region. The PKK subsequently announced a ceasefire with Turkey, signaling a noteworthy development in the ongoing conflict.
On Friday, Iran expressed its approval of the statement made by Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned founder of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), urging the militant group to disarm. The Iranian government depicted this call as a significant move towards renouncing violence in the region. Ocalan’s declaration marks a notable shift, as he asserted that “all groups must lay down their arms and the PKK must dissolve itself.”
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baqaei, commented that Tehran perceives this development as a crucial step towards eliminating terrorism and enhancing security within Turkey. He expressed optimism that the cessation of violence would have constructive impacts throughout the region. Following Ocalan’s statement, the PKK announced a ceasefire with Turkey on Saturday.
Prior to this, Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib engaged in discussions with Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin about combating terrorist organizations, specifically mentioning the PKK and the Islamic State group (Daesh). Iran has consistently accused various Kurdish militant factions of instigating insecurity and conducting operations across its borders. In March 2023, Iran signed a security pact with Iraq to disarm rebel factions situated along its borders, with the PKK’s military leadership primarily based in northern Iraq.
In summary, Iran has welcomed the recent call for disarmament from PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, interpreting it as a pivotal step towards violence cessation. This aligns with Iran’s broader strategy to combat terrorism and secure its borders amidst ongoing tensions with Kurdish militants. The situation remains dynamic, with the PKK declaring a ceasefire in response, indicating potential shifts in regional security dynamics.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
