Report: PKK's 200-member leadership cadre to be based in Sulaymaniyah

Rastinews — Nefes columnist Nuray Babacan has claimed that a 200-member PKK leadership cadre is set to be relocated to the Sulaymaniyah area of the Kurdistan Region, as part of ongoing efforts tied to the peace process.

Work on a framework law continues as part of the resolution process. Meanwhile, debate persists over whether senior PKK cadres will return to Turkey.

In her column, Babacan wrote that it has now been determined which country will host the PKK leadership, adding the following:

"As the opening process gathers pace, a series of steps appear to be quietly falling into place behind the scenes. Institutions more concerned with how post-legislation plans will function than with the content of the law itself have made considerable progress.

According to information obtained, it has now been settled where the 200-member PKK leadership cadre — whose return to Turkey is ruled out under any circumstances — will be based. Following a series of meetings held in Syria and northern Iraq in particular, plans call for these figures to be settled in the Sulaymaniyah area of northern Iraq.

Sources say the strategy has changed regarding sending the PKK leadership cadre to third countries, chiefly in Europe, once Kandil is vacated.

It was decided that, given the risk of this cadre being used by foreign intelligence agencies, they should be placed in a more controlled area. The region chosen was one considered more suitable for monitoring and control by Turkey."

"Some see the government's foot-dragging on the process as a bargaining tactic"

Babacan also said that the reason for the peace process's slowdown was that the AK Party was "deliberately" dragging its feet.

The relevant section of Babacan's column reads:

"In the end, some view the government's foot-dragging on the process less as reluctance than as a bargaining tactic. Interpretations within the party vary:

1- Fear and distrust stemming from past failed attempts may be at play. There is also displeasure at DEM Party figures repeatedly bringing in MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli as an intermediary.

2- Others believe it would be wrong to meet the PKK's demands at a time when the international climate most favors Turkey, with the PKK rendered ineffective and no longer usable by foreign powers. Objections from lawmakers representing Central Anatolian and Black Sea provinces, in particular, are quite open.

3- Still others argue: "An effort is being made to send the public a message: 'We are the strong side. Don't worry, we hold the wheel. Whatever we want is what will happen.' Through negotiations, the impression may be created that concessions are being made only to the extent the AKP wants. This is a strategy."

/Rudaw/