Iraq declares PKK a 'banned organization' during Turkey-Iraq security talks

Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq, Fuad Hussein, met in Baghdad with their respective delegations.

In the joint final statement issued following the "Turkey-Iraq Security Mechanism Meeting," it was stated that the parties consulted on a common stance to be taken against regional developments and various challenges in bilateral areas during these contacts, which are a continuation of the meetings held in Ankara on December 19, 2023.

Noting that preparations for the visit of AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Iraq after the month of Ramadan were also discussed, the statement emphasized that the parties confirmed that all efforts would be made for the success of this historic visit.

The statement conveyed that it was decided to intensify work on a Memorandum of Understanding in order to establish a structural framework for the various avenues of relations between the two countries and thereby establish regular contact mechanisms.

"MEANS IT VIOLATES THE IRAQI CONSTITUTION"

The statement pointed out that the parties agreed to work in a coordinated, regular, and result-oriented manner through this text, which they will prepare with the understanding of creating a strategic framework for relations between Turkey and Iraq. In this context, it was stated that the establishment of Joint Permanent Committees to work exclusively in the fields of counter-terrorism, trade, agriculture, energy, water, health, and transportation was decided.

In the statement, which emphasized the importance both sides attach to Iraq's political unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, it was also underlined that the PKK poses a security threat to both Turkey and Iraq, and it was recorded that the presence of the said organization on Iraqi soil means it violates the Iraqi Constitution.

The statement emphasized that Turkey welcomes the decision taken by the Iraqi National Security Council that the PKK is a banned organization in Iraq; and that the parties consulted on the measures that need to be taken against the organization and its affiliates that use Iraqi territory to target Turkey.

The statement noted that the parties exchanged views on challenges in the region, primarily the massacres amounting to genocide in Gaza, and confirmed their strong will to support the Palestinian cause.

The statement conveyed that the parties agreed to continue the meetings in a regular and uninterrupted framework within the scope of the envisaged contact mechanisms.

In the security-focused meeting held between Iraq and Turkey in December 2023, Iraq defined the PKK as a "common threat," whereas this time, for the first time, it defined it as a "banned organization."

Furthermore, while the Iraqi National Security Council's decision was shared with the public for the first time, joint struggle was mentioned for the first time, and it was emphasized that the PKK uses Iraqi territory to target Turkey.