ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The United Kingdom has welcomed the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK)’s decision to dissolve and end its armed struggle against the Turkish state, describing it as a significant step toward peace and regional stability.
In a statement to Rudaw, the British Consulate General in Erbil stated, “The decision by the PKK to disarm and disband is an important step towards peace and security for the people of Turkey and the wider region.”
Underscoring that the “UK continues to follow these developments closely,” the consulate reaffirmed that London “remains committed to supporting efforts that reduce conflict and promote stability.”
The PKK announced on Monday its intention to dissolve and end its decades-long armed campaign against the Turkish state, calling it a step toward a peaceful resolution. The decision followed a party congress, held from May 5 to May 7, where the group’s senior commanders responded to a February call from jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan to disarm and pursue a political path.
Speaking to Rudaw as well, a French diplomatic source also welcomed the announcement, saying that his country “welcomes the May 12 announcement by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) - an entity listed on the European list of terrorist organizations - of its decision to dissolve itself and end its armed struggle.”
The French source emphasized that Paris also “hopes that the dissolution of the PKK will be effective and verifiable,” adding that such a step “will definitely turn the page on violence and lead to an inclusive political process based on democracy and the rule of law.”
On Tuesday, the United States also expressed support for the PKK’s announcement, calling it “a victory for civilization” and voicing hope that it would contribute to broader regional peace.
Responding to Rudaw’s Diyar Kurda at a press briefing, US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated: “We welcome the recent announcement from the Kurdistan Workers’ Party [PKK] on its intent to disband.”
Pigott emphasized that Washington designates the PKK as “a Foreign Terrorist Organization” and noted that “tens of thousands of people lost their lives as a result of the armed conflict [between the PKK and Turkey] in the decades since the organization was founded.”
The PKK’s decision has drawn praise from Kurdish and international leaders alike, many of whom see it as a long-awaited opening for peace and political reconciliation after years of violent conflict.
Founded in 1978, the PKK initially pursued an independent Kurdish state but later shifted its focus toward securing broader political and cultural rights for Kurds within Turkey.
Turkey, the United States, and the European Union continue to list the group as a terrorist organization.