ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - New positive developments are anticipated in the ongoing peace talks between Turkey and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), following recent meetings between mediators and the negotiating parties.
The PKK, which dissolved itself and led a symbolic event laying down arms earlier this year following a call from jailed leader Abdullah Ocalan, took what it called another “historic” step by starting the withdrawal of all remaining fighters from Turkey late last month.
Unlike the Kurdish group’s dissolution and disarmament decisions, the latest move was warmly welcomed by Turkish officials. Omer Celik, spokesperson for the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), was quick to welcome the decision. Other officials and politicians followed suit.
The PKK, which has rebranded itself as the Kurdistan Freedom Movement following its decision to dissolve, said the latest initiative was a gesture of goodwill aimed at ensuring the process proceeds smoothly.
Four days after the withdrawal decision, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan received main mediators in peace talks, who are senior members of the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party).
The mediators said they were satisfied with the outcome of the meeting, reporting “mutual understanding and consensus on taking steps to ensure that the process progresses more rapidly and healthily.” The Turkish presidency did reveal the content of the meeting.
Erdogan said during an event in Istanbul on Saturday that his third meeting with the mediators was very good.