FM Fidan calls on Iraq to confront PKK terror group with same determination shown against Daesh

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called for Iraq to confront the PKK terrorist organization with the same determination it showed in fighting Daesh. In an interview with the Iraqi TV channel UTV, Fidan expressed Türkiye’s expectation that Iraq would address the PKK’s presence within its borders as a security threat, underlining the importance of Iraq’s actions in regional stability.

Fidan highlighted the deep-rooted, intertwined relationship between Türkiye and Iraq, citing shared history, geography, culture, and beliefs. “Our relations with neighboring countries Syria, Iraq, and Iran are fundamental. Anything that happens there affects us, and anything that happens here affects them,” he said.

Fidan reiterated Türkiye’s consistent support for Iraq over the past two decades, particularly during the country’s struggles with occupation, civil war, and terrorism.

He also praised Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shiya al-Sudani’s efforts to improve Iraq’s infrastructure and services, recalling that 27 agreements were signed during President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to Iraq last year.

PKK’s presence in Iraq: A security threat

Fidan emphasized the PKK terror group‘s role as a terrorist organization threatening Türkiye and noted its presence in Iraq, particularly in Sinjar and surrounding areas, as a major security risk. He urged Iraq to take action against the PKK for its own security and for regional stability. “It is crucial for the Iraqi government to take measures against the PKK for both its own security and regional stability,” he said.

In its 40-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the United States, and the European Union – has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children, and the elderly.

The foreign minister dismissed the idea that the PKK’s activities are only harmful to Türkiye, pointing out that the group’s involvement in drug trafficking and forced conscription harmed Iraq’s sovereignty.

“The PKK is causing harm to Iraq, not Türkiye,” Fidan stated, adding that failing to confront the group would only harm Iraq’s prospects for peace and development.

Expectation for Iraq to combat terrorism

Fidan stressed that Türkiye expects Iraq to handle the PKK as it did with Daesh. He commended Iraq’s legal recognition of the PKK as a threat and expressed confidence that the Iraqi government would eventually rid the country of the group.

“We welcome the legal recognition of the PKK as a threat,” Fidan said, noting that Iraq’s efforts would strengthen both its sovereignty and the security of the wider region.

Fidan also addressed the PKK terror group ringleader Abdullah Ocalan’s call to lay down arms, expressing hope that the group would heed calls to disarm. “We are ready to accept peaceful solutions, but no one can tolerate the presence of an armed terrorist group. My hope is that this call will be answered, but if not, we will proceed with what has been done so far,” he stated.

Relations with Kurdish Regional Government

Fidan also reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to fostering relations with all political parties and groups in Iraq, regardless of sect or ethnicity.

He referenced President Erdogan’s position on sectarianism, stating that the Turkish government has never aligned itself with any specific sect and supports Iraq’s unity.

Fidan also discussed Türkiye’s strong relations with the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG), specifically with leaders like Masoud Barzani. He expressed concerns about the Kurdish group in Sulaymaniyah and urged them to address the presence of terrorist elements in their areas.

“Mr. Masrour Barzani, as the Prime Minister of the region, is struggling with how to solve the infrastructure and superstructure problems in the Kurdish region. So everyone is busy serving their people. Now when we see this, we are happy. A place where no one is hostile to each other, where everyone wants to serve, where there is mutual interest is the place we want,” he said.

For Sulaymaniyah, you know we are not saying the same thing. We hope that our KRG friends in Sulaymaniyah, like in Erbil, will purify themselves from the terrorist organization and move to a ground where they are only busy with the good of their own people,” Fidan added.

Fidan also emphasized the importance of securing full rights for the Turkmen community in Iraq, underscoring that they have never engaged in separatism or terrorism. He warned against efforts to undermine the Turkmen’s position, stating that such actions would provoke Türkiye’s strong disapproval.

Fidan concluded by addressing the ongoing relationship between Iraq and Syria, noting that both countries share common goals, including fighting terrorism and maintaining territorial integrity. He urged both nations to put aside their differences and work toward a more integrated future, focused on regional peace and economic cooperation.