Iraq plans to mark a major step in regional peace efforts as PKK disarmament ceremony preparations move forward in Sulaimani. The event will take place this Friday, with strong participation from various political and civil groups.
Tuncer Bakirhan, co-chair of Turkey’s pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), confirmed his attendance. He announced the PKK disarmament ceremony during a recent interview. He added that the ceremony will happen on the 11th of this month in the Kurdistan Region.
According to Bakirhan, guests from many different organizations across Turkey will also attend. These groups include workers’ associations, women’s collectives, and youth movements. He expressed hope that the event will go smoothly and help push forward the peace process.
This ceremony follows months of work by the DEM Party, which has promoted a peaceful end to the conflict. For decades, the fight between the PKK and the Turkish government claimed over 40,000 lives. The majority of those killed were members of the PKK.
The PKK’s leadership announced the group’s formal dissolution in May. The announcement came after its imprisoned founder, Abdullah Ocalan, called in February for a complete halt to armed struggle. He urged a transition toward peaceful politics and Kurdish rights.
The PKK disarmament ceremony represents a critical move in the larger push for peace. Last week, sources confirmed that the first group of PKK fighters will lay down their arms in the Kurdistan Region. Organizers view this step as a breakthrough after decades of fighting.
Dozens of political leaders from northern Kurdistan and other parts of Turkey received invitations. These include thinkers, writers, and social figures. Many of them come from areas heavily affected by the conflict.
In addition, more than 30 officials from the United States and Europe plan to attend. Parliamentarians, academics, and peace advocates will join. International media teams have also received invitations and are expected to cover the event.
The Kurdistan Community Union (KCK), which includes the PKK, coordinated these invitations. They also reached out to media organizations and Kurdistan Region political parties.
During the PKK disarmament ceremony, the fighters will destroy their weapons. They will not transfer them to any third party. This symbolic act is meant to reinforce their commitment to ending the conflict through peaceful means.
This effort may signal the beginning of a new chapter for the region. Many hope this act of disarmament leads to deeper democratic reforms and real political inclusion for the Kurdish population.