Kurdistan Interior Minister Confirms PKK-Turkey Disarmament Talks Amid Calls to Empower Ocalan as Lead Negotiator

By Ahora Qadi

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Region’s Minister of Interior Rebar Ahmed Khalid confirmed on Tuesday that preliminary talks have begun between Turkey and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) regarding a potential disarmament process. However, he noted that no concrete steps have been taken yet, as both sides remain in a phase of exploratory dialogue.

Speaking at a press conference following the inauguration of the 15th International Construction and Energy Exhibition in Erbil, Minister Ahmed also addressed broader regional developments, including Prime Minister Masrour Barzani’s ongoing visit to Washington, post-congress dynamics within the PKK, and relations between Erbil and Tehran.

"We Have Played Our Part and Will Continue to Do So"

Minister Ahmed revealed that the Kurdistan Region, both its government and political leadership, has played a mediating role in previous peace efforts and remains committed to fostering dialogue between Ankara and the PKK.

“The two sides, Turkey and the PKK, are engaged in discussions on disarmament,” he said. “However, no tangible steps have been implemented so far.”

He emphasized the Region’s historical role in peace processes, stating: “We have contributed in past stages of peace, and we will continue on that path.”

Nonetheless, Ahmed acknowledged lingering uncertainties in the negotiation framework.

“There are still many unclear points for the negotiators, especially regarding the timing and location of the disarmament process. I believe further dialogue is essential.”

PKK Pushes for Peace, Presents Ocalan as Chief Negotiator

In a parallel development, the PKK called on Turkey to ease the isolation of its imprisoned founder, Abdullah Ocalan, and presented him as its lead negotiator for any future peace talks. The call comes after the PKK’s announcement earlier this month of its self-dissolution and renunciation of armed struggle, marking a significant shift after more than four decades of conflict with the Turkish state—a war that claimed over 40,000 lives.

Zagros Hiwa, spokesperson for the PKK’s political wing, told AFP on Monday evening that the party expects Turkey to reform the conditions of Ocalan’s incarceration on Imrali Island, where he has been imprisoned since 1999.

“We expect the Turkish state to adjust the terms of isolation and ensure a safe and free working environment for Leader Apo [Ocalan], so he can lead this process,” Hiwa stated. “He is our chief negotiator.”

PKK: Peace Requires Inclusion, Not Exile

Hiwa reaffirmed the PKK’s commitment to peace but criticized Ankara’s continued military operations and lack of concrete steps toward reconciliation.

“We have shown seriousness toward peace, but so far, the Turkish state has offered no guarantees or measures to facilitate the process,” he said, noting that airstrikes on PKK positions continue.

Rejecting the notion of exile for the group’s fighters, Hiwa asserted that peace must be grounded in democratic inclusion.

“Real peace requires integration, not exile,” he emphasized. “If Turkey truly seeks peace, it must implement legal reforms that allow PKK members to reintegrate into a democratic society.”

“Exile contradicts peace and any democratic solution,” he concluded.

The developments come amid renewed international attention on Kurdish issues, with Erbil continuing to serve as a key player in regional stability and diplomacy. The disarmament dialogue—still in its early stages—could represent a historic opportunity, provided both Ankara and the PKK demonstrate genuine political will.