Latest news with #peaceinitiative
Free Malaysia Today
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Thailand to press for wider global engagement with Myanmar junta
Maris Sangiampongsa said clear steps on the peace initiative needs to be mapped out during the Asean meetings. (EPA Images pic) BANGKOK : Thailand will advocate for more international engagement with Myanmar at an upcoming Southeast Asian leader summit next week, its foreign minister said, in a push for international cooperation to broaden a diplomatic effort to end a protracted civil war. Myanmar has been in the throes of an expanding conflict since its military ousted an elected civilian-led government in 2021, with fighting between the junta and a network of rebel forces displacing more than 3.5 million people and decimating what was once a promising frontier market economy. A 2021 peace plan created by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations had, until recently, made barely any progress but Asean's chair, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, has made a renewed push for dialogue, including separate talks with junta chief Min Aung Hlaing and the rival National Unity Government. Thailand's foreign minister Maris Sangiampongsa, in an interview, backed Anwar's efforts, which focused initially on trying to secure a ceasefire extension to facilitate humanitarian assistance following a devastating March earthquake that killed more than 3,800 people. 'A ceasefire is an important first step, but it cannot be one-sided,' Maris told Reuters. 'We need to be able to bring various issues to the table for constructive dialogue and doing so without putting pressure on things.' But, since Anwar's talks last month, the military has continued its campaign against rebels, including in areas where the quake struck, with multiple airstrikes and artillery assaults, as reported by Reuters. Maris said clear steps on the peace initiative needed to be mapped out at meetings in Kuala Lumpur starting this weekend. 'Change negative thinking' Myanmar's civil war has also exacerbated transnational crime, including the proliferation of scam compounds that the United Nations says have ensnared hundreds of thousands of people in illegal online operations that generate billions of dollars annually. Maris said broad international cooperation in tackling that would help the peace initiative since it would bring all major groups to the table, including ethnic minority armies. 'If there is no resolution to the conflict in Myanmar, then transnational crime could not be addressed, the two issues are linked,' he added. Myanmar's generals have been hit by sanctions and ostracised by Western powers over the coup and allegations of systematic atrocities against the civilian population, which they deny. The junta's international engagement has been limited to Russia and its neighbours, including China. Maris said Thailand would provide more long-term assistance to Myanmar, including in education and healthcare, while using international platforms to promote engagement with the country. 'We are looking at this not only in helping to address short-term needs but also long term,' he said, adding engagement, would help foster dialogue that could lead to peace. 'We want to change negative thinking that is not productive,' he said.
Asharq Al-Awsat
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Türkiye Says It Is Closely Monitoring PKK Disbandment to Secure Peace
Türkiye is closely monitoring any attempts to undermine its peace initiative with the PKK, a senior official said Tuesday, following the militant Kurdish group's announcement that it is dissolving and ending its decades-long armed conflict with the Turkish state. The PKK, designated as a terrorist organization by several, announced the historic decision on Monday months after its imprisoned leader called for the group to formally disband and disarm — a move that could bring an end to one of the Middle East's longest-running insurgencies. In making the call, the PKK leader stressed the need for securing Kurdish rights through negotiation rather than armed struggle. Previous peace efforts with the group have failed, most recently in 2015. Given the past failures, a close aide to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed determination to uphold the current initiative and prevent any disruptions. 'We are closely following attempts to sabotage the process and we will not allow anyone to test our state's determination in this regard,' Fahrettin Altun, the head of the Turkish presidential communications office said. The PKK initially launched its struggle with the goal of establishing an independent Kurdish state. Over time, it moderated its objectives toward autonomy and greater Kurdish rights within Türkiye. The conflict, which has spilled into neighboring Iraq and Syria, has claimed tens of thousands of lives since it began in the 1980s. The latest peace effort, which the government has labeled 'Terror-Free Türkiye' was launched in October, after a key ally of Erdogan suggested parole for PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan if the PKK renounces violence and disbands. Officials have not disclose details about the process that will follow the PKK's decision. Media close to the government have reported that the PKK's disarmament process is expected to take three to four months, with weapons being collected at designated locations in northern Iraq under official supervision. According to Hurriyet newspaper, the disarmament could be overseen jointly by Türkiye and the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq or through a commission involving Türkiye, the United States, European Union nations and Iraq. The newspaper also suggested that high-ranking PKK members may be relocated to third countries, while lower-ranking militants without arrest warrants could return to Türkiye once a legal framework is established to facilitate their reintegration. Turkish officials have not responded to requests for comment on the report. Analysts expect Ocalan to see improved prison conditions following the PKK's disbandment. Erdogan said Monday the PKK's declaration should apply to all PKK-affiliated groups, including Kurdish groups in Syria. The Kurdish fighters in Syria have ties to the PKK and have been involved in intense fighting with Turkish-backed forces there. The leader of the US-backed Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces previously said Ocalan's call for a dissolution does not apply to his group in Syria. The group then reached an agreement with the central government in Damascus for a nationwide ceasefire and its merger into the Syrian army. Despite the deal, Kurdish officials in Syria later declared their desire for a federal state, sparking tensions with the Syrian government. Some believe the main aim of the reconciliation effort is for Erdogan's government to garner Kurdish support for a new constitution that would allow him to remain in power beyond 2028, when his term ends.
Arab News
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Turkiye says it is closely monitoring PKK disbandment to secure peace
ANKARA: Türkiye is closely monitoring any attempts to undermine its peace initiative with the PKK, a senior official said Tuesday, following the militant Kurdish group's announcement that it is dissolving and ending its decades-long armed conflict with the Turkish state. The PKK, designated as a terrorist organization by several, announced the historic decision on Monday months after its imprisoned leader called for the group to formally disband and disarm — a move that could bring an end to one of the Middle East's longest-running insurgencies. In making the call, the PKK leader stressed the need for securing Kurdish rights through negotiation rather than armed struggle. Previous peace efforts with the group have failed, most recently in 2015. Given the past failures, a close aide to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed determination to uphold the current initiative and prevent any disruptions. 'We are closely following attempts to sabotage the process and we will not allow anyone to test our state's determination in this regard,' Fahrettin Altun, the head of the Turkish presidential communications office said. The PKK initially launched its struggle with the goal of establishing an independent Kurdish state. Over time, it moderated its objectives toward autonomy and greater Kurdish rights within Türkiye. The conflict, which has spilled into neighboring Iraq and Syria, has claimed tens of thousands of lives since it began in the 1980s. The latest peace effort, which the government has labeled 'Terror-Free Turkiye' was launched in October, after a key ally of President Recep Tayyip suggested parole for PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan if the PKK renounces violence and disbands. Officials have not disclose details about the process that will follow the PKK's decision. Media close to the government have reported that the PKK's disarmament process is expected to take three to four months, with weapons being collected at designated locations in northern Iraq under official supervision. According to Hurriyet newspaper, the disarmament could be overseen jointly by Türkiye and the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq or through a commission involving Türkiye, the United States, European Union nations and Iraq. The newspaper also suggested that high-ranking PKK members may be relocated to third countries, while lower-ranking militants without arrest warrants could return to Türkiye once a legal framework is established to facilitate their reintegration. Turkish officials have not responded to requests for comment on the report. Analysts expect Ocalan to see improved prison conditions following the PKK's disbandment. Erdogan said Monday the PKK's declaration should apply to all PKK-affiliated groups, including Kurdish groups in Syria. The Kurdish fighters in Syria have ties to the PKK and have been involved in intense fighting with Turkish-backed forces there. The leader of the US-backed Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces previously said Ocalan's call for a dissolution does not apply to his group in Syria. The group then reached an agreement with the central government in Damascus for a nationwide ceasefire and its merger into the Syrian army. Despite the deal, Kurdish officials in Syria later declared their desire for a federal state, sparking tensions with the Syrian government. Some believe the main aim of the reconciliation effort is for Erdogan's government to garner Kurdish support for a new constitution that would allow him to remain in power beyond 2028, when his term ends. Turkiye is closely monitoring any attempts to undermine its peace initiative with the PKK, a senior official said Tuesday. (AP/File)
BreakingNews.ie
13-05-2025
- Politics
- BreakingNews.ie
Turkey says it is closely monitoring PKK disbandment to secure peace
Turkey is closely monitoring any attempts to undermine its peace initiative with the PKK, a senior official said, following the militant Kurdish group's announcement that it is dissolving and ending its decades-long armed conflict with the Turkish state. The PKK, widely designated as a terrorist organisation, announced the historic decision on Monday months after its imprisoned leader called for the group to formally disband and disarm – a move that could bring an end to one of the Middle East's longest-running insurgencies. Advertisement In making the call, the PKK leader stressed the need for securing Kurdish rights through negotiation rather than armed struggle. Previous peace efforts with the group have failed, most recently in 2015. Given the past failures, a close aide to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed determination to uphold the current initiative and prevent any disruptions. 'We are closely following attempts to sabotage the process and we will not allow anyone to test our state's determination in this regard,' Fahrettin Altun, the head of the Turkish presidential communications office said. The PKK initially launched its struggle with the goal of establishing an independent Kurdish state. Advertisement Over time, it moderated its objectives toward autonomy and greater Kurdish rights within Turkey. The conflict, which has spilled into neighbouring Iraq and Syria, has claimed tens of thousands of lives since it began in the 1980s. The latest peace effort, which the government has labelled 'Terror-Free Turkey' was launched in October, after a key ally of the president suggested parole for PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan if the PKK renounces violence and disbands. Officials have not disclosed details about the process that will follow the PKK's decision. Advertisement Media close to the government have reported that the PKK's disarmament process is expected to take three to four months, with weapons being collected at designated locations in northern Iraq under official supervision. According to Hurriyet newspaper, the disarmament could be overseen jointly by Turkey and the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq or through a commission involving Turkey, the US, European Union nations and Iraq. The newspaper also suggested that high-ranking PKK members may be relocated to third countries, while lower-ranking militants without arrest warrants could return to Turkey once a legal framework is established to facilitate their reintegration. Turkish officials have not responded to requests for comment on the report. Advertisement Analysts expect Mr Ocalan to see improved prison conditions following the PKK's disbandment. Mr Erdogan said on Monday that the PKK's declaration should apply to all PKK-affiliated groups, including Kurdish groups in Syria. The Kurdish fighters in Syria have ties to the PKK and have been involved in intense fighting with Turkish-backed forces there. The leader of the US-backed Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces previously said Mr Ocalan's call for a dissolution does not apply to his group in Syria. The group then reached an agreement with the central government in Damascus for a nationwide ceasefire and its merger into the Syrian army. Despite the deal, Kurdish officials in Syria later declared their desire for a federal state, sparking tensions with the Syrian government. Advertisement Some believe the main aim of the reconciliation effort is for Mr Erdogan's government to garner Kurdish support for a new constitution that would allow him to remain in power beyond 2028, when his term ends.
Washington Post
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Washington Post
Turkey says it is closely monitoring PKK disbandment to secure peace
ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey is closely monitoring any attempts to undermine its peace initiative with the PKK, a senior official said Tuesday, following the militant Kurdish group's announcement that it is dissolving and ending its decades-long armed conflict with the Turkish state. The PKK, designated as a terrorist organization by several, announced the historic decision on Monday months after its imprisoned leader called for the group to formally disband and disarm — a move that could bring an end to one of the Middle East's longest-running insurgencies .
