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Prime Minister Barzani’s statement on Turkish strike on PKK bases

Prime Minister Barzani’s statement on Turkish strike on PKK bases

In a statement on the recent bombardment of Kurdistan Workers Party, PKK, bases in Kurdistan Region, Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister, Nechirvan Barzani, expressed his and his government’s willingness to work for the reestablishment of the ceasefire and relaunch of the peace process in Turkey.

Following is the text of the statement:

Targeting Kurdistan Workers Party, PKK, bases, Turkish warplanes and artillery, last night, bombed several positions in the Kurdistan Region. Regrettably, the bombardments came following statements by the head of Group of Communities in Kurdistan, KCK, saying that “The truce and peace process have ended in Turkey and that neither People’s Democratic Party, HDP, nor Mr. Abdullah Ocalan have the right to decide on disarming PKK .” This has undermined the role of HDP and Mr. Ocalan, affected the public opinion in Turkey, and put the Turkish government under pressure.

Last week, the PKK announced its responsibility for the killing of two police officers in Turkey, an act which has further complicated the situation.

The peace process between Turkey and PKK was launched practically as the result of a long and persevering hard work. It made progress and went through important phases. Its outcome is important for the progress of democracy, peaceful coexistence and people’s welfare in Turkey.

The Kurdistan Region, particularly its President, Masoud Barzani, has played a significant role in making the ceasefire happen between Turkey and PKK, initiating peace process, and establishing direct talks between the two sides, in which Mr Ocalan was considered as a principal party of the negotiations, not as a prisoner.

Regrettably, the mistakes committed now have undermined the entire peace process, which could not have been launched without the understanding and courage of the Turkish President, Mr. Recep Tayib Erdogan.

Kurdistan Region President, Mr Masoud Barzani, and Kurdistan Regional Government, are ready to reengage their role for the reestablishment of the ceasefire and the relaunch of the peace process, as violence and the use of force do not settle any problem.

Here, we call on the PKK to restrain and work to re-establish the ceasefire and re-engage in the peace process. Mr. Ocalan and HDP should be given their roles, and we are ready to offer our collaboration.

Nechirvan Barzani
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister
25 July 2015