Iraq Welcomes PKK Leader Abdullah Ocalan’s Call to Lay Down Arms

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed the recent announcement by Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), in which he called on his party to lay down arms.

The ministry described the move as a significant step toward achieving peace and stability in the region.

In an official statement, the Foreign Ministry emphasized that Ocalan’s call represents an opportunity to reduce tensions and resolve long-standing conflicts.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the announcement by Abdullah Ocalan, leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), and his call for his party to lay down arms. The ministry considers this step positive and crucial in establishing stability in the region."

The statement further underscored that disarmament could pave the way for broader security improvements, particularly in areas where PKK elements operate.

"The ministry views this initiative as an important step toward enhancing security, not only in Iraq—where armed elements of the PKK are present in various areas of the Kurdistan Region and some other towns and cities—but across the entire region," the statement read.

Iraq’s Foreign Ministry reaffirmed that political solutions and dialogue are the most effective means of addressing disputes and ending conflicts.

"Political solutions and dialogue are the best means to address disputes and end conflicts, serving the interests of all parties and promoting peaceful coexistence," the ministry stated. It also reiterated Iraq’s commitment to "all efforts aimed at resolving issues through dialogue."

The call for political dialogue comes as Iraq navigates complex regional dynamics, including its security cooperation with Turkey, which has long conducted military operations targeting PKK positions in northern Iraq.

Ankara has repeatedly called for stronger Iraqi action against the PKK, considering it a terrorist organization.

While welcoming Ocalan’s announcement, the Iraqi government stressed the need for swift and practical steps toward implementing disarmament. "The ministry expresses hope that Ocalan's call will translate into tangible measures leading to the disarmament of PKK forces," the statement said.

Additionally, the ministry reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to fostering strong diplomatic and economic relations with Turkey, emphasizing the importance of "historical and geographical ties, mutual interests, and the principle of non-interference."

Ocalan’s appeal for disarmament comes amid increasing pressure from regional and international actors to de-escalate conflicts involving the PKK. Turkey, which has carried out extensive military campaigns against PKK positions in the border areas of the Kurdistan Region and Syria, is likely to closely monitor the next steps following Ocalan’s statement.