Statement by the Kurdistan Regional Government

The Kurdistan Regional Government condemns the latest Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) attack in Diyarbakir, Turkey in the strongest possible terms.

"This violent act by the PKK serves no political purpose and has brought only tragedy to the people of Diyarbakir and throughout Turkey," said Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani. "We have already emphasised that the PKK must lay down its weapons, abandon the armed struggle, and seek a peaceful solution to this problem."

The KRG has always maintained the position that violence will not solve this conflict and has committed itself to the promotion of peace and stability. The KRG has repeatedly called on the PKK to pursue a non-violent course of action.

Prime Minister Barzani has made it clear that such attacks like the one in Diyarbakir only complicate the situation. He said that the Kurdistan Region of Iraq cannot be used as a safe haven by the PKK and the KRG abhors this and other violent attacks.

The KRG considers friendship with its neighbours to be a top priority, and hopes that Wednesday's PKK attack will not derail KRG and Iraqi efforts to build stronger relations with Turkey. Prime Minister Barzani reiterated his and the KRG's commitment to work directly with Turkey on a long-term solution to the PKK and any and all issues in KRG-Iraq-Turkey relations.

The KRG extends its sympathy and condolences to the victims of this attack and to the victim's families.