PKK Disarmament Process Expected to Begin Early July in Iraqi Kurdistan

PKK Disarmament Process Expected to Begin Early July in Iraqi Kurdistan
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The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) is set to begin laying down its weapons in early July, marking a significant step towards ending over four decades of conflict, Arab News reported. The disarmament ceremony is expected to take place in Sulaimaniyah, Iraqi Kurdistan’s second-largest city, between July 3 and 10.

This move follows the PKK’s recent announcement to end its armed struggle, which has claimed more than 40,000 lives. The pro-Kurdish Democracy and Freedom Party (DEM), instrumental in facilitating communication between jailed PKK founder Abdullah Ocalan and the Turkish government, indicated the disarmament would likely occur in the second week of July.

Sezai Temelli, DEM’s parliamentary group vice president, said a delegation plans to meet President Recep Tayyip Erdogan around July 8 or 9 before visiting political parties and then traveling to Imrali Island, where Ocalan has been imprisoned since 1999.

Erdogan expressed support for the peace process, calling it a strategic step toward a “terror-free Turkey.” Sources told Rudaw that after disarming, militants will return unarmed to their bases rather than relocate to cities in Iraqi Kurdistan. The Turkish government will closely monitor the process to ensure full implementation, though details of the disarmament mechanism remain limited.