WANA (May 13) – The Islamic Republic of Iran has welcomed the Kurdistan Workers’ Party‘s (PKK) announcement of its dissolution and abandonment of armed struggle, describing the move as a significant step toward rejecting violence and strengthening regional security.

 

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday, “We view the PKK’s statement announcing the group’s dissolution as an important step toward rejecting violence and fostering security. We hope the completion of this process will contribute to increased stability and tranquility in Turkey and the wider region.”

 

The PKK made the announcement on Monday, following the conclusion of its 12th Congress. The statement revealed that the party had decided to dismantle its organizational structure and officially end its armed campaign, bringing all activities under the PKK’s name to a close.

 

Full Text of the 12th PKK Congress Presidium Statement

“The process initiated by Abdullah Öcalan’s statement on February 27 has culminated, after multilateral efforts and diverse perspectives, in the successful holding of the 12th Congress of our party from May 5 to 7. Historic decisions were made, marking the beginning of a new era for our movement.

 

The Congress resolved to dissolve the organizational structure of the PKK and to end its method of armed struggle, thereby bringing an end to all operations conducted under the PKK name and under Öcalan’s leadership.

 

We are confident that our people will understand the decision to dissolve the PKK and abandon armed struggle better than anyone, and will act responsibly in building a democratic society.

 

We believe that Kurdish political parties, democratic organizations, and intellectuals will fulfill their responsibilities in advancing democracy.

 

This decision by our Congress provides a solid foundation for lasting peace and a democratic solution. At this juncture, the role of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey is of historical importance.

 

We therefore call on all political parties in parliament—especially the ruling party and the main opposition—as well as civil society organizations, religious groups, democratic media institutions, intellectuals, artists, labor unions, women’s and youth organizations, and environmental movements to take responsibility and actively participate in the peace process and the construction of a democratic society.”

 

The PKK, which has waged an armed insurgency against the Turkish state since the 1980s, has been listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union. The announcement of its dissolution marks a potentially historic turning point in the decades-long conflict.