High-level KDP delegation participate at AK Party congress

At the official invitation of Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party, a high-level delegation from the Kurdistan Democratic Party led by Secretary of Political Bureau Fazil Mirani and Head of Foreign Relations Office Hemin Hawrami participated at its three-yearly congress on Saturday in Ankara.

The congress takes place at a time when the Kurdistan Region is witnessing clashes between Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and Turkish forces

A statement from the office of Kurdistan Region President Massoud Barzani said the recent escalation of violence was “serious and worrisome” and could lead to “more bloodshed and victims.”

“Unfortunately what we feared is happening now with the resumption of war,” the statement added. “The biggest fear is that the war would lead to ethnic mass killings, which will have graver consequences.”

Dozens of Turkish warplanes targeted PKK bases in bordering areas of the Kurdistan region overnight Friday, targeting the group’s facilities.

The AK Party re-elected Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu as its chairman where the longest shadow was cast by President Tayyip Erdogan’s absence.

On the sidelines of the congress, the KDP delegation met with a number of dignitaries and delegates to discuss bilateral relations and exchange views between Kurdistan and Turkey.

Also included in the delegation are Safen Dizayee, member of the KDP Leadership Council, Ahmad Kani head of national relations and Abdul-Salam Rashid