ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – A senior official from Turkey’s pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) says improving the conditions of jailed Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan is essential for advancing the new peace initiative between Ankara and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).

Turkey’s foreign minister said on Friday that negotiations between Ankara and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) are advancing in a constructive manner, offering one of the most optimistic assessments to date regarding the renewed peace initiative.

President Masoud Barzani on Saturday attended the International Melaye Ciziri Symposium in the Cizre district of Turkey’s Sirnak province, joining scholars and cultural figures celebrating the legacy of the renowned Kurdish poet.Barzani described his participation as a deeply meaningful moment, calling Melaye Ciziri “a brilliant and eternal symbol of Kurdish heritage.”

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a stark assessment of the war in Ukraine on Friday, signaling that Washington’s backing for Kyiv will depend on Ukraine’s willingness to accept a negotiated settlement with Russia. Speaking at the White House after meeting New York City ut warned that Ukrainian leaders will face difficult choices.

WASHINGTON D.C., United States – Multiple individuals, including two National Guard members, sustained gunshot wounds in a shooting incident that occurred within blocks of the White House late Wednesday evening, prompting a swift police response and the detention of one suspect.