Iran Welcomes Ocalan’s Disarmament Call for PKK

Iran has welcomed a disarmament call by PKK founder Abdullah Ocalan, regarded as a significant move towards ending violence. This follows the PKK’s announcement of a ceasefire with Turkey, which may improve regional security. Iran has consistently expressed concerns regarding Kurdish militant activities within its territory and has taken steps to pursue disarmament and cooperation with Iraq.

On Friday, Iran expressed its approval of a recent statement made by Abdullah Ocalan, the founder of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), wherein he urged the Kurdish militant group to disarm. This call is perceived by Iran as a significant advancement towards the renunciation of violence. Ocalan’s recent call marks a shift in the group’s longstanding insurgency against the Turkish state, as he advocated for the dissolution of the PKK.

Esmaeil Baqaei, the spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, stated that Tehran considers this action an important move towards ceasing violence. He articulated that any measures fostering the cessation of terrorism and enhancing security in Turkey are welcomed by Iran and could potentially yield positive implications in the broader region. Following this encouragement, the PKK announced a ceasefire with Turkey the next day.

In recent discussions, Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib and Turkish spy chief Ibrahim Kalin addressed the threat posed by terror organizations, particularly the PKK and Daesh, the Arabic acronym for the Islamic State (IS) group. Iran has long held concerns regarding Kurdish militant factions fomenting unrest and conducting operations within its borders. In March 2023, Iran formalized a security agreement with Iraq aimed at disbanding rebel groups and securing the border regions from such threats, particularly as the PKK’s military leadership operates mainly from northern Iraq.

Iran’s endorsement of Ocalan’s disarmament call reflects a potential shift in the dynamics of Kurdish militancy. This development, alongside the PKK’s declaration of a ceasefire, may serve to enhance regional security and counter terrorism. Furthermore, ongoing collaborations between Iran and Turkey illustrate a mutual interest in combating militant threats along their borders.

Original Source: www.newarab.com