The German foreign ministry told Rudaw in a written statement that the PKK decision to disband and disarm does not affect Germany’s decision to label the Kurdish group as a terrorist organization. 

The PKK has been banned in Germany since 1993, and it has been labeled as a terrorist organization by the European Union since 2002.

In response to an email, the German foreign ministry told Rudaw that the PKK’s Monday announcement that it has decided to dissolve itself and lay down arms is “a significant step to break the decades-long spiral of terror, violence, and retaliation in Turkey and the region.”

However, it warned that the move “cannot by itself be taken as an occasion to revoke the current classification of the PKK as a terrorist organization.”

The ministry also said that “any long-term solution [of the PKK-Ankara conflict] requires respect for and protection of the cultural and democratic rights of Kurds in Turkey.” 

 

The Iraqi foreign ministry welcomed the PKK's decision to dissolve itself and lay down arms, seeing the move as "a real opportunity to advance peace efforts and end conflicts."

The ministry also hoped that the move would end "pretexts and justifications that have long been used to justify the presence of foreign forces on Iraqi territory."

The ministry was indirectly referring to the Turkish military presence in the Kurdistan Region on the grounds of fighting the PKK. 

 

The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke on the phone with the Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to affirm the US support for Turkey, according to the US embassy in Ankara.

"Terrorist groups laying down their weapons is always a victory for civilization. The PKK’s decision to dissolve marks a turning point," read a statement from the US embassy.

"The United States stands with our NATO Ally Türkiye as it moves toward lasting peace and security. There is no future for terrorism in the civilized world," it added. 

 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the PKK decision to dissolve itself and lay down arms and vowed the launch of a "new stage" in various fields. He added that Ankara expects the PKK to include its alleged offshoots in the Kurdistan Region, northeast Syria (Rojava) and Europe. 

"The decision is important to maintain our country's security, our region's stability, and the eternal brotherhood of our nation," said Erdogan. 

"We consider the [PKK] statement as a decision encompassing all extensions of the organization, particularly in Northern Iraq, Syria, and Europe," he added.

New doors for a "new stage" will be opened in all areas, he vowed. 

 

Ozgur Ozel, the chairman of Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), said the PKK's decision to end its four-decades-long armed struggle against the Turkish state "is critical in terms of ending a period for which Turkey has paid heavy prices for years."

However, he warned that "the success of this process and its evolution into permanent social peace is directly related to the sincerity, legality, and democratic legitimacy of the steps to be taken."

He also expects the process to "be completed in all its phases and the terrorism that has caused us to lose tens of thousands of lives and created severe economic and social destruction to end forever."

Ozel reiterated his party's stance that any effort towards a more democratic Turkey should be based on "full consensus," and no party should be excluded. He also said the process should be done through the parliament. 

The PKK has also called for the peace process to be conducted through the parliament.

Mazloum Abdi, commander-in-chief of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), said the PKK's landmark decision to end its political struggle against the Turkish state is "appreciated," adding that the move will pave the way for a "new stage."

"The PKK had a historical role in the Middle East during the past phase. We are confident that this step will pave the way for a new phase of politics and peace in the region," said Abdi, whose forces control most of northeast Syria (Rojava). 

Turkey claims that the SDF's backbone, the People's Protection Units (YPG), is affiliated with the PKK. 

"We also hope that all concerned parties will take important steps and that everyone will provide the required support," noted Abdi.

Bafel Talabani, leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), welcomed the PKK's decision to dissolve itself and lay down arms, calling it "a historic milestone."

He said the PUK, which is the second most powerful party in the Kurdistan Region, is "firmly committed to the success of the peace process and will cooperate with and support all parties to ensure its success. We believe that disarmament is a vital component, but it must be accompanied by the implementation of all other steps within the process."

Talabani also hoped that the peace process between the PKK and Ankara succeeds and paves the way for "a new political and diplomatic chapter among all parties—one that fosters cooperation and brings positive change to the whole of Kurdistan."

 

Germany's foreign ministry said in a statement that the PKK's landmark decision to dissolve itself and lay down arms is "an important step to break the decades-long spiral of terror and violence in the region."

It added, "A viable solution requires full implementation and a political process."

 

Maxim Rubin, the Consul General of Russia to Erbil, told Rudaw on Monday that his country welcomes all “peaceful efforts” between the PKK and Ankara.

“We greet all peaceful efforts between Turkey and the PKK. But they should themselves decide when and what are the conditions on which they could sign [a] peaceful deal. But I think peace and stability for this region are very important," he said.

Devlet Bahceli, leader of Turkey’s far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), thanked jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan for his February call on followers to disband the PKK and lay down arms. The group on Monday declared it has heeded to Ocalan’s call. 

Bahceli said in a statement that the PKK “calamity will end, and the bloody page written with treachery for 47 years will, I hope and wish, be closed never to be opened again.”

He thanked Ocalan for taking “historical responsibility with his February 27 call for peace and democratic society.” Bahceli also thanked other contributors to the peace process, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. 

Bahceli also highlighted the “unity” and “brotherhood” of Kurds and Turks. 

“This country belongs to all of us; this homeland is a matter of honor and dignity for everyone living on it. Turk and Kurd are united and together... No internal or external malignancy or treachery scenario can break this togetherness, cannot trap it in a crisis,” he noted. 

Jailed prominent Kurdish politician Selahattin Demirtas on Monday thanked the PKK leadership for heeding its leader Abdullah Ocalan’s call to disband and disarm. 

Pervin Buldan, a key mediator of peace talks between the PKK and Ankara, visited Demirtas in Edirne prison on Monday to discuss the latest developments regarding the process. She relayed a letter from Demirtas. 

“On the occasion of the PKK congress results, we thank the PKK leadership who made this decision,” read the handwritten letter. He also thanked Ocalan, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his far-right ally Devlet Bahceli, Ozgur Ozel, leader of the main opposition and DEM Party, for their contribution to the peace talks.

“Now is the time to work together sincerely for the realization of peace, prosperity, democracy, freedoms, and for Turkey's growth in all aspects. May it be beneficial for all of us,” he said. 

Lahur Talabany, leader of the People’s Front (Baray Gal) party, welcomed the PKK’s decision to disarm and disband, emphasizing that the responsibility now lies with Ankara to pursue a “permanent solution.”

In a statement, Talabany welcomed the decisions of the PKK’s 12th congress and highlighted that the end to the group’s armed struggle “gives greater value to the peace process and resolution in Turkey and is a positive step away from war and conflict.” 

“The authorities in Ankara bear a great and historic responsibility. From now on, they need to make quick and courageous decisions toward a permanent solution to the Kurdish issue and not allow obstacles to be created for the process at any point, until it reaches its final destination and Kurds and Turks can live together in peace forever,” he said. 

Masoud Barzani, leader of the Kurdistan Region’s ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), commended the PKK’s decision to dissolve and disarm on Monday as “positive steps toward a peaceful solution” while reiterating full support for the peace process. 

“We hope that this process will lead to positive results that serve the interests and well-being of the region and all. We also declare our full support for the success of this process by all possible means,” Barzani said in a statement. 

The pro-Kurdish DEM Party on Monday expressed hope that the PKK’s decision to disarm and disband will bring about a “new, more hopeful era.”

DEM Party spokesperson Aysegul Dogan end of PKK-Ankara conflict means the "turning of a new page" in the country. 

"An era comes to an end as the door of a new, more hopeful era is opening," she noted.

She also reiterated her party's stance that the PKK decision is “very important” and “historic.” 

DEM Party's Central Executive Committee held an extraordinary meeting hours after the PKK announced its decision. 

Dogan said the pro-Kurdish party will announce its "roadmap" for the next steps of peace process.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani on Monday congratulated Turkey after the PKK declared its decision to dissolve and disarm. 

“In the name of the Syrian Arab Republic, I congratulate Turkey on the agreement with the PKK, which will enhance regional stability in Turkey and the region as a whole,” Shaibani said in a joint presser with his Turkish and Jordanian counterparts Hakan Fidan and Ayman Safadi.

Fidan labeled the PKK’s decision as a “historic” milestone during the presser, saying it stands to ensure “permanent peace and stability prevailing in our region.”

He added that Ankara will “closely follow” practical steps to finalize the Kurdish group’s dissolution. 

The ruling Democratic Union Party (PYD) of northeast Syria (Rojava) congratulated the PKK on holding its 12th congress and remembered its struggles for the Kurdish cause. 

“Undoubtedly, when it comes to the meaning and legacy of the PKK, its greatest contribution to humanity is the alternative, free life system established by Leader Apo [Abdullah Ocalan],” PYD co-chair Perwin Yousef said in a statement. 

The PKK on Monday announced the results of its 12th congress, held between May 5 and May 7, and declared its dissolution and the end of its armed struggle against Turkey. 

“This is what the PKK offered to the Kurds, saving them from assimilation and annihilation,” Yousef said. 

The Turkish presidency on Monday said the PKK decision to disarm and disband represents progress toward the ultimate goal of a terror-free Turkey. 

“The announcement of the decision of the separatist terrorist organization to lay down its arms and dissolve itself has been a clear indication that the Terror-Free Turkey process, led by our President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has reached an important stage by gaining strength,” Fahrettin Altun, head of communications for the Turkish presidency, said on X. 

Altun explained that while the process “will not end very quickly today or tomorrow,” Ankara will continue to strive to ensure its success, and all steps will be taken “sensitively, transparently, and with determination and meticulousness.” 

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani welcomed the PKK’s decision to disband and end its armed struggle against Turkey on Monday, calling it a “decisive step that opens a new chapter in the region.” 

In a statement by the Kurdistan Region Presidency, Barzani said the step “demonstrates political maturity and paves the way for genuine dialogue that strengthens coexistence and stability in Turkey and throughout the region.”

He also expressed Erbil’s support and assistance for the peace process, which he called a “historic opportunity,” while thanking Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his efforts. 

“Now is the time, and everyone is watching for this important step to be met with other positive and necessary steps from all relevant parties. This creates a proper and suitable foundation and becomes the basis for a permanent and comprehensive peace that ends decades of violence, pain, and suffering, and leads the region toward new horizons of progress,” President Barzani said. 

The pro-Kurdish Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) announced that its Central Executive Committee will hold a meeting without elaborating. The extraordinary meeting comes hours after the PKK declared the decision to dissolve itself and lay down arms.

Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) on Monday welcomed the Kurdistan Workers’ Party’s (PKK) decision to dissolve and end its armed struggle.

AKP spokesperson Omer Celik welcomed the PKK decision to dissolve and lay down arms, considering it an "important step" towards Ankara's goal of "Turkey without terrorism."

"The PKK's decision to dissolve itself and lay down arms following the call from Imrali is an important step toward the goal of a 'Turkey without terrorism'," Celik was cited by the state-owned Anadolu Agency as saying. 

Imrali is where the jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan is held. In late February, Ocalan called on the group to disband and disarm, and the PKK announced on Monday that it had heeded the call. 

"The implementation of the decision to dissolve and surrender weapons in a concrete and complete manner, covering all branches and extensions of the PKK along with its illegal structures, will be a turning point," Celik added. 

He noted the steps "will be meticulously monitored in the field by our state institutions. The stages reached will be presented to our Honorable President [Recep Tayyip Erdogan]."

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) declared its dissolution and an end to its armed struggle against Turkey on Monday, marking a huge step toward a peaceful resolution to the decades-long conflict with Ankara. 

“The PKK’s 12th Congress decided to dissolve the PKK’s organizational structure and end the armed struggle method, with the practical process to be managed and carried out by Leader Apo [Abdullah Ocalan], and end the work carried out under the PKK name,” PKK-affiliated Firat news agency cited a statement from the group as saying. 

The PKK on Friday said it had held a congress from May 5 to May 7 to consider a call from its jailed leader Ocalan to lay down arms, dissolve the party, and pursue a political struggle.

The congress, held simultaneously in two different areas with 232 delegates present, also declared that the PKK has “completed its historical mission” by “breaking the policy of denial and annihilation on our people and bringing the Kurdish issue to a point of solving it through democratic politics,” according to the statement. 

“We have full faith that our people will understand the decision to dissolve the PKK and end the armed struggle method better than anyone else, and that they will embrace the duties of the democratic struggle period on the basis of building a democratic society,” the PKK added. 

It called on the Turkish parliament and political parties to “play their role with historic responsibility” to allow Ocalan to lead the process toward a peaceful and democratic solution to the Kurdish cause. 

The pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), which has played a role in bringing the PKK and Ankara together and has made multiple visits to Ocalan, welcomed the congress. 

“A new page is opening on the path to honorable peace and a democratic solution. As the DEM Party, after this historic turning point, we believe in the necessity for all democratic political institutions, especially the Turkish Grand National Assembly [parliament], to take responsibility for the solution of the Kurdish issue and the true democratization of Turkey,” the party said on Friday. 

The PKK declared a unilateral ceasefire at the start of March while it considered Ocalan’s call for peace. 

Turkish officials have publicly continued their hardline stance on the PKK. On Friday, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that disarmament alone is “not enough,” and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey is determined to rid itself of the “scourge of terror.” 

The PKK was founded in 1978 in response to the oppression of the Kurdish population in Turkey. It initially struggled for an independent Kurdistan but now calls for greater political and cultural rights within Turkey. Ankara and its Western allies consider the group a terrorist organization. 

A similar peace process begun between the PKK and the Turkish state in 2013 collapsed two and a half years later.