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U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye and Special Representative for Syria Thomas J. Barrack described the PKK terrorist group's decision to lay down arms as a "historic development," joining a chorus of international support for the disarmament process that began with a symbolic ceremony in Iraq's Sulaymaniyah province.
Speaking to the Ihlas News Agency, the U.S. ambassador expressed significant enthusiasm about the development.
"I'm very excited. I think this is an incredible event that contributes in every way," Barrack stated.
"This is a new beginning, a new era for the PKK, Türkiye and the SDF. Let's leave all this behind. We will understand what the opportunities are in this new outlook in Türkiye. I am proud of both sides," he added.
The move followed a May announcement that the group would dissolve and disarm, a decision prompted by a February call from jailed PKK ringleader Abdullah Ocalan. In his statement, Ocalan urged the group and its affiliates to end their four-decade armed campaign.
The Turkish government has long maintained that the SDF is dominated by the YPG, which it considers the Syrian arm of the PKK—a group designated a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the U.S., and the EU. The PKK has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including women, children, and the elderly.
The disarmament process gained momentum when dozens of PKK members, including both men and women, burned their weapons at a ceremony held in Casne cave between Sulaymaniyah city and Dukan district in the Iraqi Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) territory.
The ceremony was attended by KRG officials, public figures, international and Turkish press representatives.
KRG President Nechirvan Barzani welcomed the PKK's decision to lay down arms by stating: "This step is an important and hopeful stage toward building the peace process on solid foundations. We believe it will prepare strong ground for the process to take the right direction."
Barzani later noted the KRG's readiness to support the process, "As always, we are ready to provide all our support for the peace process to succeed. We are determined to provide the necessary facilities and undertake the role that falls upon us."
"This process is beginning at a time when the Middle East is going through a very sensitive and critical period. Therefore, all parties need to make maximum effort. We must not forget that peace is vital not only for Türkiye but for all the peoples of the region," Barzani added.
In his statement, Barzani specifically thanked President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his leadership and support of the process. "I present my gratitude to President Erdogan for leading and supporting the process. I respectfully thank Devlet Bahceli, Abdullah Ocalan, and everyone who contributed to the establishment of peace," Barzani said.
The Iraqi Foreign Ministry issued a statement expressing full support for the PKK's disarmament process, calling it "a genuine opportunity to support regional stability and advance lasting reconciliation efforts."
"The Foreign Ministry expresses the Republic of Iraq's welcoming of the announcement made by the PKK regarding the beginning of the disarmament process, the initial phase of this process commenced near Sulaymaniyah Governorate in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq," the Iraqi Foreign Ministry stated.
"This step is a significant development that reflects a genuine beginning of the disarmament process, and a real opportunity to support regional stability and advance efforts toward lasting reconciliation," the ministry characterized.
"This, in turn, contributes to ending cycles of violence and opens new horizons for understanding and peaceful coexistence," the statement noted.
"This step paves the way for a new phase of constructive cooperation with the neighboring Republic of Türkiye, based on joint efforts to address security challenges in a manner that strengthens the sovereignty and stability of both Iraq and Türkiye," the ministry concluded.
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United Nations spokesperson Stephane Dujarric welcomed the PKK's weapon surrender at a press briefing in Hamilton. "We welcome the implementation of the agreement, at least the first step being taken (the PKK laying down arms)," Dujarric said.
The U.N. spokesman expressed hope that this development would encourage further steps toward lasting peace in the region. "We are ready to provide all kinds of support to this process if requested," Dujarric stated.
During his interview with the Ihlas News Agency, Ambassador Barrack also addressed broader Middle East peace prospects, particularly regarding the cease-fire between Iran and Israel. He emphasized U.S. President Donald Trump's commitment to peace initiatives.
"Of course, that is the President's hope and desire. But peace emerges in waves and begins with the end of hostilities. Then it moves to some kind of normalization and perhaps eventually reaches peace," Barrack explained.
"Before reaching peace, you need to move to normalization, and this requires dialogue. This dialogue is currently ongoing. Reasonable minds and reasonable parties are needed," the ambassador noted.
Addressing Iran's nuclear weapons policies, Ambassador Barrack characterized the Iranian regime's nuclear activities as a "threat," emphasizing that the regime's primary concern is its own survival.
"I think it would help if the Iranian regime eliminated its options. Because problems matter for regimes. The proliferation and enrichment of nuclear weapons has been a very big problem for the Iranian regime. But there is only one thing more important than this, and that is the continuation of the Iranian regime," Barrack stated.
The ambassador suggested that President Trump's bold steps have brought parties into a new discussion environment and added, "Do people eventually get tired of fighting each other? Is there another way for prosperity and recovery? I hope so, but our history has not shown this. But I am hopeful."
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