Sharpress quoted the commander, who refused to be named, as saying that the recent tensions between the People's Defense Forces (HPG), an umbrella organization that includes the PKK, and the KDP are a matter of negotiation.

"We still do not know whether the KDP really intends to attack [HPG positions]," the senior PKK commander told Sharpress adding that "but their movements and the establishment of a military base in our areas continue and are not a positive and conciliatory step."

He stressed that the PKK does not want conflict and wants to resolve tensions through dialogue and would not attack anyone until it is attacked, but warned: "We are a force to protect the people. We have been established to protect Kurds and Kurdistan and we are fighting against the enemies of the Kurds, so we have measures to protect ourselves."

He added that only Turkey and the KDP are attacking PKK positions and that it is impossible and non-negotiable to retreat in the face of pressure from the areas under the PKK control.

Reporter's code: 50101