Kurdistan Region's President Hails PKK Disarmament Move
Kurdistan President Nechirvan Barzani hailed the PKK’s disarmament as a key step toward peace, reaffirming support for the process. The move, backed by Turkish leaders, marks a historic shift after decades of conflict.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani has welcomed a recent disarmament step by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) as a pivotal advancement in the ongoing peace process, reaffirming the region's commitment to supporting its success amid regional sensitivities following decades of conflict between the PKK and Türkiye.
The PKK, designated as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the United States, and the European Union, has been engaged in an armed insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984, seeking greater Kurdish rights and autonomy, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths. In May 2025, the group announced its decision to disband and disarm, following a call from its jailed leader Abdullah Öcalan to end the armed struggle and shift to democratic politics.
This move has been described as a historic shift, potentially transforming Türkiye's domestic politics and regional stability.
The disarmament ceremony, held near Sulaimani in the Kurdistan Region, marked the first phase where 22 to 30 PKK fighters destroyed weapons, including rifles and grenades, in a symbolic act attended by DEM Party leaders, Kurdistan Region representatives, and Turkish figures. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Nationalist Movement Party leader Devlet Bahçeli have supported the initiative, with the process expected to continue over the summer under tight security.
Kurdistan Region's President Nechirvan Barzani had previously praised the PKK's May decision as a "historic development" demonstrating political maturity.
“We welcome today's step by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) toward disarmament, which took place in a ceremony in the Kurdistan Region attended by the leadership of the DEM Party, representatives of the Kurdistan Region, and a number of Turkish politicians, figures, and media organizations," President Nechirvan Barzani stated on Friday.
"This was another important and encouraging step toward the success of the peace process. We are confident that this step will move the peace process to a new stage and will be followed by further practical steps that will advance the process in the right direction," he added.
"On this occasion, we reiterate our full commitment to continue providing all support for the success of the peace process. In this regard, as always, we are ready to provide all necessary assistance and facilitation and to fulfill any duty that falls upon us," the Region's President continued.
"The peace process comes at a time when the region is going through a sensitive period and situation, which requires all parties to make every effort for the success of peace. In peace, everyone is a winner, and the success of peace serves Türkiye, the entire region, and all sides," he noted.
"We reiterate our thanks, appreciation, and praise to His Excellency President Erdoğan for his initiative, support, and efforts toward the success of the peace process. We also hold in high regard the roles of Mr. Bahçeli, Mr. Öcalan, and all those who are working for the success of the peace process," Kurdistan Region's President concluded.
