Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry hails PKK’s self-dissolution

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry welcomes the decision to disband the PKK (designated as a terrorist organisation in Türkiye) and considers it an important step toward establishing lasting peace and stability in the region.

“We welcome the announcement on dissolution of the PKK, a significant step towards lasting peace and stability. We expect immediate practical steps to be implemented as soon as possible to end the terror menace in the region. We commend the brotherly Türkiye's leadership for their unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism, fostering security, and promoting stability,” Caliber.Az reports, citing the ministry’s message on X.

From May 5 to 7, the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) held its 12th congress, during which the group officially announced its decision to lay down arms and dissolve the organisation. This significant development followed a call by Devlet Bahçeli, leader of the Turkish Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), who urged the PKK to disband and abandon armed activities as part of the broader “Terror-free Türkiye” initiative.

The PKK conflict has been one of the most prolonged and violent internal struggles in modern Turkish history. Established in 1978 by Abdullah Öcalan, the group initially aimed to create an independent Kurdish state in southeastern Türkiye. Over time, its goals evolved to focus on autonomy and expanded political rights for Kurds within the country. However, the organisation’s longstanding reliance on violence and guerrilla tactics has led to decades of bloodshed and instability. The announced disbandment marks a potentially transformative moment in Türkiye’s efforts to end domestic terrorism and foster national unity.

By Naila Huseynova