Barzani calls Turkiye’s peace law a major step for regional stability

Shafaq News- Erbil

Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) President Nechirvan Barzani on Wednesday welcomed Turkiye's parliamentary approval of legislation tied to the peace process with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), praising Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan along with the leaders and parties who took part.

“We have always believed that peace and dialogue are the right choices, and that the era of weapons and military solutions has passed,” Barzani stated, adding that the legislation offers a major opportunity to build trust and promote peaceful coexistence among all segments of Turkish society.

On Monday, the Turkish parliament approved legislation establishing a framework for the PKK’s dissolution, marking a major step toward ending a decades-long conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives.

Parliament passed the measure with 468 votes in the 600-seat chamber. Support came from Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), its nationalist ally the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), and the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM). Under the legislation, many former PKK fighters who have not committed specific crimes will receive legal protection. The measure also allows prison sentences for some people convicted of PKK membership to be suspended, facilitating their reintegration into society.

Last year, the PKK announced its decision to dissolve following a call by its jailed leader, Abdullah Ocalan.