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Iraqi Kurdistan PM: KRG welcomes PKK's
release of 8 Turkish soldiers
5.11.2007 |
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November
5, 2007
Erbil-Hewler, Kurdistan region 'Iraq'
Statement by KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani
The Kurdistan Regional Government welcomes on Sunday
the release of the eight Turkish soldiers held by
the PKK since late October. This is a positive and
encouraging beginning which will help to lessen
tensions between Iraq and Turkey.
We hope that this tangible result will pave the way
for greater cooperation on issues related to border
security between our two countries and will help
ease pressures for a military solution.
The release of the soldiers is an important step in
reducing tensions, and a hopeful symbol of improved
relations between the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and
Turkey.
The KRG is grateful for the efforts of all in
Ankara, Baghdad and Erbil who helped bring about
this release, and is pleased that the captive
soldiers have been returned to Turkey safely to be
reunited with their families.
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Nechirvan Barzani, Prime
Minister of
Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) |
We reiterate our condemnation of the PKK’s recent
violent actions in Turkey. Recognising that a window
of opportunity exists, we call upon the PKK to
institute an unconditional ceasefire, lay down its
arms, and commit itself to the political process. We
hope that this will encourage Turkey to find a
peaceful solution to the issue.
We desire nothing more than the resumption of
normal, friendly relations with Turkey and look
forward to additional progress in easing tensions in
the coming days. The KRG, in cooperation with the
federal government in Baghdad and the United States,
is dedicated to playing a constructive part in the
peaceful resolution of the current situation.
*
The
eight Turkish soldiers taken prisoner by the
Turkey's PKK rebels were freed and handed over on
Sunday to senior officials from Iraq's Kurdistan
regional government. They arrived to the Kurdish
city of Diyarbakir in southeastern Turkey on late
Sunday.
Krg org
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