Nechirvan Barzani on PKK: “Call is for peace”

Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) of Iraq, spoke at the 3rd Erbil Forum on Wednesday about Türkiye’s peace process, which began with the call from Turkish Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli in October 2024. Barzani emphasized that the process should be taken seriously, not as a tactical move, and offered his well wishes for Bahceli’s health: “We pray for his health, especially for the success of the process.”

Barzani stressed that the KRG does not interfere in Türkiye’s internal affairs, adding that arrested PKK founder and ringleader Abdullah Ocalan’s call to lay down arms could serve as a roadmap to resolving the issue. “The call is for peace,” he said. “It’s unrealistic to expect a quick resolution, but the message is clear.” He hopes the PKK and all parties respond positively to Ocalan’s plea.

“PKK’s response is key”

“We have expressed our readiness to support this process,” Barzani stated. However, he stressed that the key is how the PKK responds. “If they respond positively, we can discuss the next steps.”

On whether Ocalan could return to politics, Barzani replied, “In my opinion, yes, within the process. The situation in Türkiye cannot mirror Iraq’s model, but the process requires patience, strategy, and continuity.”

Barzani also shared that after Ocalan’s message, the PKK plans to hold a congress. “This is an important step,” he said, though he refrained from discussing further details.

KRG’s mediation role

Barzani reiterated the KRG’s readiness to mediate and bring the parties closer together, as it has in the past. He added that the issue cannot be solved through military means and emphasized that it would take time. “The steps taken will benefit Türkiye, the Kurds, and all involved.”

Oil exports and development road project

Barzani confirmed that Türkiye has no objections to the Kurdish Region’s oil exports, calling it a commercial issue. He noted that Iraq has lost $19-20 billion due to the halt in exports but is hopeful that shipments will resume soon.

Regarding the Development Road Project, Barzani said it represents a significant opportunity for Iraq’s economic and political stability, emphasizing that its design must also benefit the Iraqi Kurdish region.