Kurds and Turkey's leader Öcalan calls for a peaceful relationship

The European Union (EU), a political and economic union of 27 countries, has been closely watching the ongoing developments between Turkey and the Kurdish Party of Kurdistan (PKK). The leader of the PKK, Abdullah Ocalan, who is currently 75 years old, has been imprisoned in Turkey for 25 years.

The PKK, considered a terrorist organization by Turkey, the USA, and the EU, has been at the centre of conflict for decades, with its fighters currently located in the north of Iraq. Ocalan, in a recent declaration, called for an end to the decades-long liberation struggle against the Turkish state, citing Kurdish recognition as a reason. However, the thoughts of PKK fighters regarding this call for reconciliation are not known.

Tensions between Turkey and the PKK have led to numerous acts of violence, including bomb attacks, attacks on police officers and soldiers, and kidnappings. The Turkish government has been accused of persecuting and imprisoning Kurds, further fuelling the conflict.

In a bid for peace, the Turkish government and the Kurds have repeatedly discussed reconciliation. Yet, it remains uncertain whether PKK fighters will comply with Ocalan's call to end armed struggle against the Turkish state. Some Kurds have carried out attacks in Turkey, adding to the complexity of the situation.

The EU, with most of its politicians working in Brussels, the capital of Belgium, has the power to make laws that apply to all member countries. As a member, Germany, with a population approximately half that of Iraq, has a significant role to play in these discussions.

Turkey, a country geographically spanning both Europe and Asia, with its capital being Ankara, shares a border with Iraq. The population of Turkey primarily speaks Turkish, although many Turks also reside in Germany, having immigrated for work. Iraqis, on the other hand, primarily speak Arabic and Kurdish.

The capital of Iraq is Baghdad, and some areas in the country are dangerous due to frequent terrorist attacks. Despite these challenges, Iraq is a crucial player in the region, sharing a border with Turkey and hosting PKK fighters.

In conclusion, the relationship between Turkey, the PKK, and the EU is complex and fraught with tension. The call for peace by Ocalan is a step towards resolving the conflict, but the compliance of PKK fighters remains uncertain. The EU, as a powerful political and economic union, has a significant role to play in facilitating peace and promoting reconciliation.