Germany welcomes Ocalan's call for the PKK to lay down arms, disband
Also in World
US to reevaluate presence in Syria, increase pressure on Iraq: Former US official
Sudani and Rubio discuss Iraq-Turkey oil pipeline, security challenges
Rudaw presents 2025 Shifa Gardi Award to British-Iranian journalist Leila Molana-Allen
Politicians react to CDU victory in Germany election
A+ A-
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Germany said on Thursday that it welcomes the anticipated call from the leader and founder of Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) Abdullah Ocalan for the group to lay down arms and dissolve itself.
A spokesperson for the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in a statement that the German leader welcomes the move by Ocalan.
'The PKK is a banned terrorist organization in Germany, and its conflict has resulted in many casualties. Ocalan's request now finally creates an opportunity to overcome this violent struggle and achieve a permanent peaceful development in the Kurdish issue,' Scholz added.
Ocalan said in a letter, which was read out by the delegation that has visited him several times to mediate peace talks between Ankara and the PKK, that the PKK must convene and make a decision - 'all groups must lay down their arms, and the PKK must dissolve itself.'
'This offers a historic opportunity to break the decades-long spiral of terror, violence, and retaliation that has cost the lives of tens of thousands of people,' the German foreign ministry said in a statement.
'An end to the violence is the important first step, but further steps are needed on the way to a viable solution for the people of Turkey. This includes, above all, respecting and guaranteeing the cultural and democratic rights of the Kurds in Turkey,' the ministry added.
It also said that Germany is ready to support the process.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Shafaq News
2 hours ago
- Shafaq News
US envoy warns of assassination threat to Syria's Al-Sharaa
Shafaq News/ On Tuesday, US envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack voiced concern over the safety of Syria's transitional president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, warning that his efforts to promote inclusive governance and build relations with the West could make him a target for assassination by what he described as 'disgruntled militants.' In remarks to Al-Monitor, Barrack called for the establishment of a coordinated protection system around al-Sharaa, underscoring that US and Syrian interests are increasingly aligned. Barrack also highlighted the continuing risk posed by armed factions of foreign fighters who had joined forces with al-Sharaa during the campaign that led to the removal of former president Bashar al-Assad in early December. Although the current leadership is working to integrate these fighters into the national army, he noted they remain susceptible to recruitment by extremist groups, including ISIS. That risk, Barrack added, is part of a broader set of challenges confronting al-Sharaa's administration. These include the integration of Kurdish military units into the national army, the absorption of foreign fighter formations, and the management of extensive detention facilities across northern Syria. Turning to regional dynamics, Barrack voiced cautious optimism that, despite the absence of direct communication, Israel and the new Syrian leadership could reach a tacit understanding, warning that any military escalation at this point would carry severe consequences for all sides.
Shafaq News
5 hours ago
- Shafaq News
President Barzani mourns former KRG Interior Minister Karim Sinjari
Shafaq News/ On Tuesday, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani extended his condolences following the death of former Interior Minister and senior Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) official Karim Sinjari. A statement released by the Region's Presidency described Sinjari as a 'prominent KDP leader and veteran fighter,' with Barzani expressing his 'sincere sympathy' to the family, friends, and colleagues of the late official. Reflecting on Sinjari's legacy, Barzani highlighted his upbringing in a patriotic environment, citing his ''lifelong dedication'' to the Peshmerga and the Kurdish cause. Sinjari passed away earlier on Tuesday at the age of 75, after a period of declining health. During his tenure as Minister of Interior in the Kurdistan Regional Government's eighth cabinet, Sinjari was widely recognized for strengthening the Region's internal security apparatus. He also played a key role in maintaining stability during periods of conflict with ISIS and heightened political tensions with the Iraqi government in Baghdad.
Shafaq News
5 hours ago
- Shafaq News
CENTCOM chief: US ready to strike Iran if Trump orders
Shafaq News/ On Tuesday, CENTCOM Commander General Michael Kurilla announced that the United States is prepared to respond with 'overwhelming force' to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, if ordered to do so by President Donald Trump. In an address to the Senate Armed Services Committee, Kurilla described the current moment as a 'strategic opportunity' to stop Iran from becoming a nuclear-armed state, confirming that a broad set of plans had been presented to both the president and the secretary of defense to address the Iranian nuclear program. In his final testimony before leaving office, Kurilla labeled Iran's response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel as a turning point, accusing it of 'operationalized its entire proxy network and arsenal of standoff capabilities' to advance long-standing strategic aims. He noted that the network includes groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, which have suffered major setbacks in recent months. On Yemen, he considered the Houthis as a deeply entrenched force aligned with Tehran, responsible for more than 300 attacks targeting Israeli assets and international shipping lanes, adding that CENTCOM responded with targeted military operations that significantly degraded the group's capabilities, forcing the Houthis to halt maritime assaults.
