ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Russian foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday that Moscow welcomes the recent decision by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) to dissolve itself and lay down arms, highlighting good relations with Ankara.
“We welcome supporting every step taken to resolve this old conflict, I would even say ancient conflict, and to end the violence. The Russian Federation is concerned with the strengthening of socio-political stability in Turkey, which is our important neighbor and partner,” Maria Zakharova told Rudaw during a press briefing.
“We believe that resolving all existing problems in that country through peaceful and democratic dialogue, as well as reliably ensuring the rights and freedoms of all ethnic and religious groups in society, would be in the interest of all the people of Turkey; and it would also help strengthen peace and security in the region,” she added.
The PKK announced on Monday that it would disband and end its decades-long armed conflict with the Turkish state, calling it a step toward a peaceful resolution. The group reported intense bombardment by Turkey while they were holding their much-anticipated congress.
Erdogan also said that “Once we leave the issue of terrorism completely behind, Turkey will be an entirely different country. Peace will further increase, and brotherhood will be further strengthened."
Maxim Rubin, the Consul General of Russia to Erbil, told Rudaw hours after the PKK announcement on Monday that his country welcomes all “peaceful efforts” between the PKK and Ankara.
“We greet all peaceful efforts between Turkey and the PKK. But they should themselves decide when and what are the conditions on which they could sign [a] peaceful deal. But I think peace and stability for this region are very important," he said.
The Turkish defense ministry said on Thursday that its cross-border operations against the Kurdish group continue despite the progress in the process.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday that Ankara is "cautious" but "optimistic" about the peace process with the PKK.
Ankara has named the process “Terror-Free Turkey.”
Kamiz Shadadi contributed to this article.
