Newsletters
The US State Department expressed satisfaction with the PKK's decision to dissolve and lay down arms, stating, "This terrorist organization laying down arms is a victory for civilization."
Recently the PKK, designated as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the United States, and the European Union, has announced its decision to dissolve and lay down arms, drawing positive reactions from regional leaders and international organizations.
During a press briefing, U.S. State Department Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott avoided directly answering whether the US had any influence on the PKK's decision, saying he would not go into details of diplomatic discussions between Turkish and U.S. diplomats.
"We welcome the recent announcement by the PKK regarding its intention to dissolve the organization, which is designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the United States," Pigott said.
Noting that tens of thousands of people have lost their lives since the PKK's establishment, Pigott added, "This terrorist organization laying down arms is a victory for civilization. The U.S. hopes this announcement will lead to increased stability in the region."
The terrorist organization PKK has waged a four-decade terrorism campaign against Türkiye, claiming the lives of more than 40,000 people, including women and children.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, evaluating the PKK's decision, stated that "The political will demonstrated by (President) Recep Tayyip Erdogan was the main factor in achieving this result," adding that "The strength of the Turkish state, the professional fight of the Turkish Armed Forces against terrorism, and the unity of Turkish society were decisive in the terrorist organization taking this step."
During a meeting with Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler in Baku, Aliyev described the development as a "historic event" and noted that this development is not only important for Türkiye but also for the peace and tranquility of the peoples of the region.
Minister Guler recalled that a few years ago, under Aliyev's strong leadership, a historic lesson was given to Armenian terrorists in the region, and stated that Türkiye has also successfully concluded its 41-year fight against terrorism.
He expressed his belief that this development will contribute to lasting peace in Türkiye and emphasized its great importance for the region as well.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the PKK's decision to dissolve and lay down arms. UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stated during a daily press briefing, "The Secretary-General welcomes the decision of the terrorist organization PKK to dissolve and lay down arms."
Dujarric shared Guterres' belief that if the decision announced by the PKK is implemented, "another important step will have been taken toward resolving a long-standing conflict."
Azerbaijani President Aliyev also sent a congratulatory message to Türkiye regarding the PKK's decision, stating, "This development, which is an important stage in achieving the 'Terror-Free Türkiye' goal announced by my valuable brother, is a victory of the determined politics, strong leadership and unwavering will, national unity and solidarity pursued in the country."
Pakistan also welcomed the announcement, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif calling it a "significant step" toward a "terror-free Türkiye." Sharif praised the development, saying it reflects the determination of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Turkish people to move toward "reconciliation, unity and stability."
"This historic development reflects the unflinching resolve of the Turkish leadership, under my dear brother President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Turkish nation, to continue their march forward," Sharif said. "Together, Pakistan and Türkiye remain committed to rooting out terrorism in all its forms and manifestations."
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani hailed the dissolution of the terrorist group PKK as a step towards restoring security and ending repeated violence in the region.
"We reaffirm today our commitment to strengthening military and security coordination between Syria, Türkiye, and Jordan. This partnership is no longer optional; it is an urgent necessity," Shaibani said during a joint press conference with his Turkish and Jordanian counterparts in Ankara.
The Kurdish Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzani also stated the PKK's decision, saying, "It is pleasing that the parties in Türkiye are in a positive attitude for the peace and solution process and are taking positive steps towards a solution."
Noting that the PKK has taken a series of decisions, Barzani added, "We hope that this process will yield a good result, benefiting the region and all parties. We declare our full support for the success of this process."
Iraqi Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) President Nechirvan Barzani welcomed the PKK's decision to dissolve and lay down arms, stating that they "appreciate and commend President Erdogan's efforts and support for the success of the process."
In a written statement, Barzani described the decision as a "decisive step" and reiterated that the KRG would make every effort to resolve disputes through peaceful means, as it has always done. "We hope this step will be a turning point for a complete solution. We would like to emphasize that we are fully ready for any support and assistance for the success of this historic opportunity."
The PKK announcement follows a February statement by jailed PKK ringleader Abdullah Ocalan, who called for the dissolution of the PKK and its affiliated groups, urging an end to the armed campaign that has lasted more than four decades.
In its 40-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.
1 min read
4 min read
