Washington Welcomes Steps Toward Peace but Maintains Firm Stance on PKK
U.S. welcomes any step aimed at ending armed conflict and reducing threats to stability. However, the State Department reaffirmed that Washington continues to regard the PKK as a terrorist organization.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The U.S. State Department has reiterated its stance on the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), reaffirming that the organization is classified as a terrorist group under U.S. policy.
In an exclusive statement to Kurdistan24 on Friday, a State Department spokesperson acknowledged reports regarding the recent message from Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), calling for the group to disarm and dissolve itself.
The statement emphasized that the U.S. welcomes any step aimed at ending armed conflict and reducing threats to stability. However, the State Department reaffirmed that Washington continues to regard the PKK as a terrorist organization and maintains its commitment to countering terrorism in the region.
Ocalan’s Call and Regional Reactions
Ocalan’s message was conveyed by a delegation that visited him in Imrali Prison, where he urged the PKK to lay down arms, dissolve itself, and hold a congress. His statement came amid ongoing regional and international discussions on peace efforts.
The announcement has sparked a range of international responses, with Iran and Saudi Arabia expressing support for the move, while Turkey continues to demand the disbandment of all PKK-linked factions in Iraq and Syria.
Ocalan’s message remains a focal point in broader efforts toward resolving the Kurdish-Turkish conflict through political means. The coming weeks will determine whether this call translates into tangible steps toward de-escalation and conflict resolution.
