KNK expresses support for the political alliance in Eastern Kurdistan

Five leading parties in Rojhilatê (Eastern) Kurdistan—Partiya Demokratîk ya Kurdistanê-Îran-PDK-Î (Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan), Partiya Jiyana Azad ya Kurdistanê-PJAK (Free Life Party of Kurdistan), Sazumanî Xebata Kurdistanê-Îran (Kurdistan Organization of Labor–Iran), Partiya Azadî ya Kurdistanê-PAK (Kurdistan Freedom Party), and Komeleya Zehmetkêşan ya Kurdistanê (Kurdistan Workers Association)— announced the establishment of the Iranian Kurdistan Political Forces Alliance on 22 February.

In a statement on Thursday, the Executive Council of the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) stated that this alliance is an important step toward national unity and called on other parties in Eastern Kurdistan to join the alliance.

The KNK statement reads as follows:

“At a time when popular uprisings are taking place in Eastern Kurdistan and across Iran, and when pressure from world powers on the Iranian regime is increasing, achieving such unity is an extremely important and valuable step. As the Kurdistan National Congress, we warmly salute this unity and congratulate the leadership and administrations of these five parties.

For two months, a major uprising has been ongoing in Eastern Kurdistan and throughout Iran as a continuation of the ‘Jin Jiyan Azadî’ (Woman, Life, Freedom) revolution. Despite massacres and tens of thousands of injured and detained, the uprising continues. At the same time, the United States has deployed a very large military force to the region and is issuing threats of attacks against Iran. Although there are dialogues and talks between the sides, attacks against Iran may occur in the near future. Iran and the Middle East are moving toward major transformations. This situation carries risks, but it also creates opportunities.

At such a critical moment, unity among the Kurds is of vital importance. The establishment of the Iranian Kurdistan Political Forces Alliance is a welcome step. We hope that other parties in Eastern Kurdistan will also take part in this alliance. KNK considers every step toward Kurdish unity important, greets it, and supports it.

We hope that this step taken in Eastern Kurdistan will become part of broader national unity and contribute to a national conference.

On this occasion, we once again congratulate the Iranian Kurdistan Political Forces Alliance and wish the people of Eastern Kurdistan freedom and success.”