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Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzani said Türkiye backs a peaceful resolution in Syria while warning that U.S. and coalition forces withdrawing from Iraq would lead to an inevitable resurgence of Daesh.
In an interview with France 24, Barzani addressed multiple regional security issues, emphasizing Türkiye's constructive role in supporting peace efforts across the region.
"The Turkish do support a peaceful process in Syria," Barzani stated, noting that Türkiye "supported the agreement back in March, as did we."
The agreement, signed between terrorist group YPG-led SDF ringleader Mazloum Abdi and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, aimed to integrate military and civilian institutions into Syria's central government.
"Together, we have tried to ensure that the agreement is properly implemented," Barzani said, though he acknowledged challenges.
"There were some difficulties and obstacles; this path is not easy," he maintained.
Barzani issued a stark warning about the planned withdrawal of U.S.-led coalition forces from Iraq by the end of 2025.
"There is no doubt that if the American and coalition forces withdraw, then we will be faced with the same scenario of what happened back in 2012: Daesh will rise again," he said.
The KDP leader emphasized that Daesh remains a significant threat to regional stability.
"Daesh is a very present danger, and we said quite officially that this is our position; it is part of our policy," Barzani warned.
Barzani expressed strong support for the peace process within Türkiye, pledging to mobilize all resources to support it.
"This time is different. The peace process is being conducted by the government, parliament and public opinion. We see that everyone in Türkiye supports the peace process," he said.
Describing the process as a "fundamental change," Barzani revealed that the terrorist group PKK ringleader Abdullah Ocalan had sent him a delegation before the peace process began.
"We announced our official support for the peace process and did everything asked of us. We will maintain this stance," he noted.
The Kurdish leader welcomed the disarmament announced by the PKK, expressing optimism about its potential outcomes.
"The majority of the Kurdish people support peace and the process. This is something we have always hoped for," he added.
"We hope this process will bring peace and lead to real change throughout the entire region," the Kurdish leader concluded.
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