Kurdistan President Welcomes PKK Disarmament Move as a Historic Opportunity for Peace
President Nechirvan Barzani called the decision a sign of “political maturity” and a “clear path toward genuine dialogue” that could strengthen peace and stability not only in Turkey but across the region.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Monday hailed the Kurdistan Workers' Party’s (PKK) decision to disband and disarm as a “historic and decisive step,” expressing hope it will open a new chapter for lasting peace in Turkey and the wider region.
Barzani issued a formal statement shortly after the PKK officially announced its withdrawal from armed struggle during its 12th Congress, held May 5–7, citing the call and guidance of its jailed leader, Abdullah Öcalan. The group declared it was dissolving its organizational structure and ending all armed activities under the PKK’s name.
Barzani called the decision a sign of “political maturity” and a “clear path toward genuine dialogue” that could strengthen peace and stability not only in Turkey but across the region. He emphasized the importance of responding to this initiative constructively and collectively.
“This step is a fateful one that turns a new page in the region. It is a sign of political awareness and opens the door for true dialogue that can reinforce coexistence and peace throughout Turkey and the region,” Barzani said.
He stressed that the time has come for all sides to treat this moment as a critical opportunity, urging all stakeholders to respond with wisdom and cooperation to ensure the step becomes a foundation for permanent and comprehensive peace—bringing an end to decades of conflict, suffering, and instability.
Barzani also praised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for his efforts in supporting peace and reiterated the Kurdistan Region’s unwavering commitment to backing all sincere attempts to resolve disputes peacefully.
“We reaffirm that the Kurdistan Region, as always, supports every effort aimed at resolving conflicts through peaceful means. We sincerely hope this initiative becomes a genuine turning point for all,” he said, adding that the Kurdistan Region is fully ready to offer any assistance needed to ensure the success of this historic opportunity.
The PKK, classified by Ankara, Washington, and the EU as a terrorist organization, has waged an armed insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and deep political and societal divisions. Various attempts at peace talks over the years have failed, with a particularly promising ceasefire collapsing in 2015. The PKK's latest decision to disarm follows renewed calls by civil society groups and political actors in Türkiye for a new peace initiative and political resolution to the Kurdish issue.
Monday's developments mark a rare and significant shift in the region’s geopolitics. If matched by meaningful engagement from Ankara, the move could reshape Kurdish-Turkish relations and stabilize parts of the region long marred by cycles of violence.
