The Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) announced on November 17 that it is withdrawing its armed forces from the northern regions of Iraq bordering Turkey. The purpose of this step is to avoid clashes with the Turkish army and to facilitate peace negotiations with Ankara, the Kurdish Rudaw TV channel reports.
"As of the evening of November 16, our forces were out of Zap region. Currently, the risk of conflict in that area is completely eliminated. We believe that this new step will serve the solution of the Kurdish issue and will help the democratization and peace of Turkey," the PKK statement said.
At the end of October, the PKK announced the complete withdrawal of its forces from the territory of Turkey. In addition, it was announced that similar measures will be taken at positions along the border where there is a risk of conflict or provocation.
