Latest news with #Kurds
Rudaw Net
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
EU sanctions relief for Syria ties to human rights commitments: Diplomats
Also in World Kurdish student in Finland turns coffee waste into clean energy From refugee to educator: A Kurd's mission to empower children in Germany Author uses literature to document Kurdish tragedies US reiterates support for SDF integration A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – European officials on Tuesday stressed that Syria's future must be shaped through an inclusive, Syrian-led political process that safeguards minority rights and reflects the country's diverse social fabric. They warned that failure to do so could trigger the reinstatement of European Union (EU) sanctions. Speaking to Rudaw on the sidelines of the EU Foreign Ministers' meeting in Brussels, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said France is actively supporting dialogue between the interim authorities in Damascus and the Kurdish-led Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES) in northeast Syria (Rojava). 'Certainly, we continue working with the Americans to facilitate dialogue between Syrian authorities and Kurdish authorities,' Barrot said, affirming France's ongoing commitment to Kurdish rights. "The Kurds were trusted allies in the fight against the [Islamic State] ISIS,' he emphasized, adding that France's priority is for the people of Rojava to 'enjoy full citizenship rights in Syria.' Barrot expressed hope that the talks between Damascus and the Kurdish-led administration would 'continue under the best conditions.' Following a swift offensive in December, a coalition of opposition groups - then headed by the now-dissolved Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) under Ahmed al-Sharaa - toppled the regime of longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad. Sharaa was appointed interim president in January, vowing to lead an inclusive political transition. However, the interim government has faced criticism from minority groups, including the Kurds, who accuse it of exclusionary policies and centralization of power. A key breakthrough came in early March, when Sharaa and Mazloum Abdi, commander of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), signed an agreement to integrate the Kurdish-led force, which serves as the de facto army in Rojava. The accord also outlined the integration of 'all civil and military institutions' in Rojava under the Syrian state, including border crossings, Qamishli International Airport, and oil and gas fields. Since then, multiple rounds of negotiations have taken place between DAANES and Syrian government delegations, with the presence of both US and French representatives. While some progress has been made, a central disagreement remains unresolved. Damascus maintains that DAANES's administrative and military structures must be fully absorbed into a centralized state, adhering to the principle of 'one Syria, one army, one government.' In contrast, the Kurdish parties in Rojava are advocating for a decentralized, democratic Syria that preserves the autonomy and institutions developed in Rojava over the past decade. In its Sunday statement, DAANES welcomed the latest meetings with the Syrian government - held in the presence of US and French representatives - as 'a crucial step toward launching a serious Syrian-Syrian dialogue.' It also expressed 'sincere thanks and gratitude' to both countries for their 'constructive role and continuous efforts in supporting stability, peace, and democracy in Syria.' Speaking to Rudaw on Tuesday, Dubravka Suica, the European Commissioner for Democracy and Demography, reiterated the EU's position in favor of a 'Syrian-led and Syrian-owned' process that ensures representation of all societal segments - including minorities and women. 'We trust in this government and we are looking forward to talking about all the parts of the society,' she said, noting that a 'national dialogue' with different groups will be held in November. Crucially, Suica stressed the effort should not be confined to Damascus, urging locations 'at the [Syrian] coastal [areas] or in Aleppo or somewhere else. 'Syria is not only Damascus,' she said. The initiative follows recent diplomatic engagements with the Syrian government, who are "aware of the situation" and "trying to make what they can," Suica said, adding that 'the minister hoped these discussions will "cover the whole country." For his part, Germany's Minister of State for Europe Gunther Krichbaum also underscored that discussions on Syria's future must prioritize the country's sovereignty and avoid confusing federalism with separatism. "In the case of sovereign states, it is always the state itself that is asked how it wants to organize itself," the official stated, stressing that "one must always be a bit careful that [federalism] is not confused with separatism." Krichbaum further highlighted the immense challenge for Syria to "bring together the different social currents, and also tribes." This internal cohesion, he stressed, "will be the great task for the future' to achieve 'stability for the country.' Meanwhile, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys told Rudaw that any easing of EU sanctions is strictly conditioned on Syria's commitment to human rights and inclusive governance. On May 20, the EU officially decided to lift all economic sanctions on Syria, removing 21 entities from 'the EU list of those subject to the freezing of funds and economic resources,' the EU Council then said. 'Several of these entities are banks, including the Central Bank of Syria, or companies operating in key sectors for Syria's economic recovery,' the Council elaborated. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas then hailed the decision, saying it comes at a 'historic' time to safeguard Syria's economic recovery. 'The EU has stood with the Syrian people throughout the last 14 years, and it will continue to do so. Today the EU reaffirms its commitment as a partner for the transition,' she said. However, according to Budrys, a key condition for any lifting or suspension of sanctions in Syria is its adherence to principles that safeguard all societal groups and minorities, regardless of their religious, ethnic, or other identities. 'Be it religion, ethnicity, or any other identity - it must be protected,' he said. 'If these protections are not provided, the EU reserves the right to reimpose sanctions.' He acknowledged the scale of destruction in Syria following years of war, but stressed that 'international laws and principles must still be followed.'
Shafaq News
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
PKK disarmament rewrites Kurdish future
Shafaq News – Al-Sulaymaniyah The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) has taken a historic step in ending its decades-long armed conflict with the Turkish state, laying down arms in a ceremony held on July 11 in Al-Sulaymaniyah, within Iraq's Kurdistan Region. According to a report by The Conversation, this public transition from militancy to politics could redefine Kurdish aspirations, offering a new model of political engagement for one of the world's largest stateless populations. The PKK disarmament ceremony also could mark a new era for the Kurds, one of the largest stateless groups in the world with over 30 million people living across Turkiye, Iraq, Iran and Syria. In a symbolic gesture of reconciliation, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan publicly acknowledged past state abuses against the Kurds, including forced displacement and extrajudicial violence. Analysts say the Kurdish political movement is unlikely to fade; instead, it may become more active in democratic arenas across the region.
Rudaw Net
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Sudani, Erdogan discuss Ankara-PKK peace talks
Also in Middle East PKK disarmament could be completed within four months: Kurdish lawmaker President Barzani plays key role in PKK peace talks, says veteran politician Turkey continues to strike PKK ahead of disarmament: Watchdog France hails Iraq ties, stresses Kurdish inclusion in Syria's future A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday discussed the peace process between Ankara and the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) over the phone, hailing the talks as key to promoting regional stability. Sudani 'congratulated Mr. Erdogan on the peace agreement between the Turkish government and the Kurdistan Workers' Party, stressing that the agreement will have a positive impact on the region, promoting stability, advancing development, and benefiting its people,' said a statement from Sudani's office. The PKK on Friday held a landmark ceremonial disarmament in Sulaimani province with 30 members and commanders - divided equally between men and women - burning their weapons before heading back to their hideouts. The decision to lay down arms was made following a call earlier this year by jailed leader Abdullah Ocalan for the PKK to pursue politics instead of armed conflict. On Saturday, Erdogan said that the formation of a parliamentary commission will be a 'first step' in peace talks between Turkey and the PKK, accusing previous governments of having oppressed Kurds instead of focusing on trying to end the PKK's armed struggle. He also admitted that Ankara had relied on 'wrong policies' in dealing with the PKK. Turkey's pro-Kurdish Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) is the main mediator of the talks between the Turkish state and the PKK. Sudani and Erdogan also discussed bilateral ties during the phone call, as well as 'the need to prevent further escalation and resolve issues within the framework of dialogue and international laws and treaties,' according to the statement. The PKK, established in 1978, initially sought Kurdish independence before shifting its focus to securing political and cultural rights for Kurds in Turkey. It is designated as a terrorist organization by Ankara and its Western allies.
Rudaw Net
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
PKK disarmament could be completed within four months: Kurdish lawmaker
Also in Middle East Sudani, Erdogan discuss Ankara-PKK peace talks President Barzani plays key role in PKK peace talks, says veteran politician Turkey continues to strike PKK ahead of disarmament: Watchdog France hails Iraq ties, stresses Kurdish inclusion in Syria's future A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The disarmament process of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) could be completed within four months if the Turkish government and all parties cooperate, a senior member of Turkey's pro-Kurdish party and part of the delegation involved in the peace process said. Mithat Sancar, Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) lawmaker and a member of the Imrali delegation that visited jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, told Rudaw on Friday that the recent 'historic' ceremony in Sulaimani province was a 'big step' in the right direction "This process has been ongoing for six or seven months, and now a big step has been taken," Sancar said. "Perhaps after another three to four months this issue will end,' he said. The PKK on Friday held a landmark ceremonial disarmament in Sulaimani province with 30 members and commanders - divided equally between men and women - burning their weapons before heading back to their hideouts. The decision to lay down arms was made following a call earlier this year by jailed leader Ocalan for the PKK to pursue politics instead of armed conflict. Sancar emphasized that new "peace laws" and integration measures will be needed to allow former fighters to re-enter civilian life and participate in democratic politics. He added that a parliamentary commission is expected to be formed within a week to prepare these proposals. While local leaders and the PKK have taken steps toward de-escalation, Sancar stressed that the Turkish state also needs to act. "This shouldn't be prolonged," he said. "A plan needs to be made, a mechanism established, and laws need to be passed." He noted that the decision to burn the weapons rather than surrender them was deeply symbolic. "They say, 'We are laying down arms by our own will … and we want peace, we want a democratic solution.'" Sancar, who visited Ocalan on Imrali island as part of the delegation, said the PKK leader appeared in good health and remained "prepared for this process," as he continues to draft ideas for politics and society and has called for broader engagement, including visits by journalists, academics, and politicians. The PKK, established in 1978, initially sought Kurdish independence before shifting its focus to securing political and cultural rights for Kurds in Turkey. It is designated as a terrorist organization by Ankara and its Western allies. Hevidar Zana contributed to this report.
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
The end of PKK's armed struggle?
Thirty fighters of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) burned their weapons at the mouth of a cave in northern Iraq on July 11, 2025 rather than surrender them to Turkish authorities in a symbolic step towards ending a decades-long insurgency. Half the fighters were women, including their commander Bese Hozat, who read out a statement declaring the group's decision to disarm. The PKK ranks are a reflection of the its success in mobilising women for the armed struggle and giving them command responsibilities. Further handovers (burning?) of weapons is expected, but there is no confirmation when and where so far. After the burning ceremony, the fighters were to return to the mountains. The symbolic surrender process was expected to unfold throughout the summer. The PKK, on its incarcerated and kept in solitary confinement since 1999 leader Abdullah Ocalan's call, decided in May 2025 to dissolve itself and switch to open parliamentary politics. Thus seems to have come to a close the PKK's armed struggle since 1978 for, at a minimum, Kurdish linguistic, cultural and political rights (autonomy) within Turkiye, and at a maximum, secession and an independent Kurdish state. The conflict cost over 40,000 lives, burdened the economy and engendered deep social and political divisions. PKK's ideology was originally a fusion of revolutionary socialism, Marxism-Leninism and Kurdish nationalism. Turkiye over the years has consistently carried out military suppression campaigns, banned PKK in 1984, abducted Abdullah Ocalan from abroad in 1999 and kept him in solitary confinement since in an island prison in the Sea of Marmara. Of late, indirect negotiations between the Turkish authorities and Ocalan finally yielded the disarmament/dissolution decision by PKK. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the development, hoping it would lead to peace and security in the country. Despite his optimism, the road ahead appears uncertain, since there is little or no news about what the PKK has been offered in return for its decision to disarm/dissolve. PKK's demands include the release of Abdullah Ocalan. The portents are not good if the statement of Turkish officials engaged in the negotiations are taken note of. They display no intention to offer any concessions on even the minimum Kurdish demands such as linguistic, cultural and political rights. What then, it may be asked, will the Kurds get in exchange for disarming? It seems obvious that the (long standing) failure to offer even autonomy carries the seeds of renewed conflict. For as long as the Turkish post-Kemalist state has been in existence, the Kurds were denied use of their own language, culture, identity and autonomy in the name of the supposed advantages of a unified, centralised state. (The Kurds were disparagingly referred to as 'Mountain Turks'.) Erdogan's long stint in power yielded some cultural concessions, but these proved insufficient to quell Kurdish alienation. Military campaigns against the Kurds in southeastern Turkey led to PKK fighters seeking and obtaining safe havens in northern Iraq, a semi-autonomous Kurd region within that country. PKK controls hundreds of villages in Iraqi Kurdistan. Turkey's forays across the border to attack the PKK safe havens intensified in recent years with Ankara establishing outposts across the border and frequently attacking PKK positions. This produced tensions between Iraqi Kurds and the PKK, blamed for bringing the war to the doorstep of the former. It was after the shift in Iraq's posture in April 2024, when it banned the PKK following high level security meetings between Iraqi and Turkish officials that the PKK's safe havens were rendered no longer safe. The combination of military difficulties in this situation and the indirect negotiations between the Turkish authorities and Ocalan finally produced the current turnaround. With the PKK weakened and the Kurdish people exhausted, and no end in sight to the seemingly endless war, Ocalan's PKK finally swallowed the bitter pill. This was reflected in the crowds attending the surrendered arms burning, with both cheering and weeping in evidence. The Kurds, divided between four countries, Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran, have suffered an unfortunate history. Mullah Mustafa Barzani's armed struggle for autonomy or independence for Iraqi Kurdistan in the 1960s was eventually defeated and he sought sanctuary in the Soviet Union. (His son currently heads the Iraqi Kurdistan semi-autonomous region.) Iran's Kurds' uprising after the 1979 Iranian revolution was brutally crushed. The Syrian Kurds joined hands with the US to combat Islamic State and other extremist religious groups in the country's civil war. Now the Turkish Kurds, having given up the armed struggle without any evident reward in return, contemplate an uncertain future, given Turkey's past record and current disposition. The lesson to be learnt is that in any multi-ethnic, multi-national state not prepared to concede autonomy reflected in linguistic, cultural, economic and political rights to its minority nationalities, more often than not ends up with long and seemingly unending avoidable conflict to its own cost. Such conflicts, as they drag on, radically escalate from the demand for autonomy to breakaway independence, successful in this endeavour or not. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
