DEAL BETWEEN ANKARA & IRAQ : SEARCHING STABILITY IN THE REGION BY DINAR REVALUATION, 15 AUGUST

Ankara, Baghdad sign security deal as Iraq bans PKK-linked groups

Shafaq News/ Turkiye and Iraq signed a security pact on Thursday aimed at combating terrorism, as Ankara welcomed Baghdad's decision to ban three parties linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

The agreement, the first of its kind between the two neighbors, was announced at a joint press conference by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and his Iraqi counterpart, Fuad Hussein.

Fidan praised Iraq's move to outlaw the PKK-linked groups, while Hussein said Baghdad would reach an agreement with Ankara on the Bashiqa military camp.

Iraq's top diplomat said that the PKK is a banned organization and its activities in Iraq are not acceptable.

The Iraqi minister also expressed concern over rising tensions in the region, particularly in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire. "Iraq opposes all wars in the region," he added.

Fidan noted that the agreement includes the establishment of Joint Coordination and Training Centers, which will enhance the cooperation between the two nations.

"We believe that through these centers, we will elevate our collaborative efforts in the fight against terrorism," he said. "We aim to strengthen the unity of understanding we are building with Iraq through concrete actions on the ground and will continue our efforts in this direction without interruption."

The PKK, which has been waging an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984, is designated a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the United States and the European Union. More than 40,000 people have been killed in the conflict.

ANALYSIS: 

The recent security agreement between Turkey and Iraq marks a significant step in the efforts to combat terrorism in the region.

 This pact, highlighted by a press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, represents a collaborative approach to addressing shared security concerns.

Key points from the agreement include:

1. Joint Coordination and Training Centers: These centers are designed to improve cooperation between Turkey and Iraq in the fight against terrorism, aiming to enhance operational effectiveness and coordination.

2. Outlawing PKK-linked Groups: Iraq's decision to ban three parties associated with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) aligns with Turkey's longstanding goal of disrupting PKK activities. The PKK, recognized as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and the EU, has been involved in a prolonged insurgency that has claimed many lives.

3. Bashiqa Military Camp: Discussions are ongoing regarding the status and future of the Bashiqa military camp, which has been a point of contention between the two countries.

4. Regional Tensions: Both ministers also addressed broader regional issues, with Hussein emphasizing Iraq's opposition to conflicts such as those in Gaza and calling for an immediate ceasefire, reflecting a desire for stability in the region.

This agreement not only signifies a strengthening of security ties between Turkey and Iraq but also underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing terrorism and regional instability.