A group of PKK fighters, including both men and women in uniform, stand in formation behind a row of seated figures during a disarmament ceremony held in the Casene cave area near Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region, on July 11, 2025.
'Uplifting advancement'
Kurdish leaders welcome PKK disarmament as ‘step toward peace’
ERBIL — Kurdish political leaders across the Kurdistan Region welcomed the disarmament of a group of Kurdistan Workers’ Party fighters this week, calling it a significant step in efforts to end decades of armed conflict.
Thirty PKK members, including four commanders, laid down their weapons during a ceremony held in Casene cave near Sulaymaniyah, according to local and international reports. Attendees included PKK commanders, Kurdish officials, and Turkish representatives.
Kurdistan Democratic Party leader Masoud Barzani met July 11 in Salahaddin with a delegation from Turkey’s Peoples’ Democratic Party, including Ahmet Türk and Leyla Zana. According to a statement from Barzani’s office, the group delivered a message from Öcalan requesting a visit. Barzani said “ten years of dialogue are better than one hour of war,” and said he would not hesitate to support the process further “if given the opportunity.” He added a visit could be possible “under appropriate circumstances.”
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani described the move as “yet another significant and uplifting advancement in the peace process,” and said he hoped it would be followed by “additional practical measures.” He reaffirmed the region’s readiness to support dialogue and extended appreciation to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Devlet Bahçeli, and PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan for their “support and dedication.”
Prime Minister Masrour Barzani posted on X that he welcomed the disarmament, calling it “the first step of the PKK laying down arms.” He added: “I hope all parties will commit to achieving genuine peace and a new era of coexistence and stability.”
Qubad Talabani, deputy prime minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, said in a statement that Sulaymaniyah had again played a key role in fostering peace. “From a position of strength, the PKK has taken a significant step toward peace,” he said. “With strong hope for lasting peace and democracy, we remain committed to this important process.”
Patriotic Union of Kurdistan President Bafel Talabani said the step reflected the vision of his father, the late Jalal Talabani. “The PUK believes that bloodshed will only deepen the problem,” he said. “It’s time to go to the negotiating table.”
Kurdistan Islamic Union Secretary-General Salahaddin Muhammad Bahaaeddin called the disarmament “a brave and dignified step,” and praised efforts by Erdoğan, Bahçeli and Öcalan. “Shame on those who thrive on oppression,” he said. “Respect to the peacemakers, to those who believe in reconciliation.”