Iraq Calls for PKK and Turkish Forces to Withdraw Following Peace Talks
Qasim al-Araji stated that Iraq does not want PKK militants or Turkish soldiers to remain on its soil.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Iraq’s National Security Adviser Qasim al-Araji reaffirmed on Wednesday that Baghdad seeks the full withdrawal of both the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and Turkish military forces from Iraqi territory following the recent peace initiatives.
Baghdad Rejects Foreign Military Presence
In an interview with Agence France-Presse (AFP), al-Araji stated that Iraq does not want PKK militants or Turkish soldiers to remain on its soil after an agreement is reached and the peace process succeeds. "We expect all armed groups and foreign forces to leave Iraq completely once a resolution is in place," he emphasized.
He also pointed out that Turkey’s continued military presence in northern Iraq has been justified as a response to the PKK’s activities. However, al-Araji reiterated that Ankara has repeatedly assured Baghdad in diplomatic meetings that it has no long-term territorial ambitions in Iraq.
PKK Declares Ceasefire
His statement follows a significant development in the Kurdish conflict, as PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, in a message read by a delegation from Imrali Prison on February 27, called on the group to lay down its arms and dissolve itself. The PKK's leadership later confirmed its commitment to this directive, announcing a ceasefire on March 1.
Iraq's Position Moving Forward
Baghdad's stance aligns with its broader efforts to preserve national sovereignty and prevent Iraq from being used as a battleground for regional conflicts. Al-Araji’s remarks reflect Iraq’s commitment to resolving the issue diplomatically while reinforcing its call for the withdrawal of all non-Iraqi armed actors from its territory.
