Peregraf
The Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK), an umbrella organization affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), has firmly denied any ongoing discussions regarding the disarmament of its guerrilla forces or the initiation of a formal peace process with Turkey. The statement comes amid heightened tensions as clashes between Turkish military forces and PKK-affiliated fighters persist, with engagement distances reportedly as close as 50 to 100 meters.
On May 12, 2025, the PKK announced during its 12th Congress a historic resolution to transition away from armed struggle, framing the move as a step toward a new era of democratic and political resistance. However, the KCK has clarified that this decision does not equate to immediate disarmament or the unilateral withdrawal of fighters from its controlled territories.
KCK Spokesperson: "No Talks on Weapons Surrender"
Zagros Hiwa, the KCK’s foreign relations spokesperson, emphasized in an interview with Sterk TV, a PKK-affiliated outlet, that "the PKK’s decision to end armed struggle has been misinterpreted—it does not mean laying down arms or vacating territories."
Hiwa stressed that "the conditions for disarmament do not exist while Turkey continues its military operations."*He questioned the feasibility of such measures, stating, "How can one discuss disarmament when Turkish soldiers are positioned barely 100 meters from our fighters?"
Peace Process Not Yet Underway
The KCK dismissed claims that the PKK’s decision signals the start of a formal peace process, asserting that "neither side has agreed on a framework for negotiations." Hiwa criticized Ankara’s rhetoric, noting that "the Turkish state still labels this process as terrorism—how can peace be discussed while one side criminalizes the other?"
He further argued that "for any meaningful peace process to begin, Turkey must abandon its security-centric approach and recognize Kurds as equal citizens, not as terrorists."
Demand for Öcalan’s Release
The KCK reiterated that the "physical freedom of Abdullah Öcalan," the imprisoned PKK leader, remains a non-negotiable precondition for any future dialogue. Hiwa noted that Öcalan and the PKK have "extended three unilateral goodwill gestures since February 27," urging Turkey to reciprocate by lifting isolation measures and initiating constitutional reforms for Kurdish rights.
The KCK’s statement underscores the deep mistrust between the two sides. While the PKK’s resolution marks a strategic shift, its implementation hinges on Turkey’s willingness to de-escalate and engage in genuine political reforms. For now, the specter of conflict looms, with the KCK declaring: "Before discussing disarmament, Turkey must first withdraw its occupying forces from Kurdistan."