PKK dissolution process moves forward with key disbandment congress in Iraq

The process of dissolving the terrorist group PKK is reportedly underway, with talks focusing on a potential disbandment congress to take place in either Erbil or Sulaymaniyah, in northern Iraq.

The disarmament procedure will be jointly overseen by the intelligence agencies of Türkiye, Iraq, and Syria, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

Negotiations involving PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan and Turkish officials have centred around the location and security of the proposed congress.

Recent escalations in military operations have severely hindered the PKK’s movement, prompting its leadership in Qandil, as well as its European faction, to demand stringent security for congress attendees. Should the event be hosted in Erbil or Sulaymaniyah, Iraqi authorities are expected to assume responsibility for security arrangements.

Sources within Türkiye's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) have warned that intelligence services from certain countries opposed to the process may attempt to disrupt proceedings. Iraqi authorities have been advised to remain vigilant against such threats.

Following the expected decision to dissolve the organisation, a comprehensive disarmament process will be initiated, with Türkiye, Iraq, and Syria overseeing the procedure. During this phase, weapons will be catalogued, and discussions will take place regarding their surrender, with final decisions made by a joint mechanism involving the three countries.

Proposals from the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) to form a parliamentary commission to oversee the process have been met with resistance from the AKP. Party officials emphasised that the sole focus is on disarmament and dissolution.

“There is no other agenda beyond disarmament and dissolution at this stage. These steps will be carried out systematically and under continuous supervision. Each phase will be closely monitored, and decisions will be taken based on the prevailing situation,” an AKP source told Türkiye daily.

Representatives from the DEM Party who have engaged in discussions with AKP officials confirmed Öcalan’s call for the dissolution of all PKK factions, including those in Europe, Iraq, Syria, and Iran. Despite differing views within the DEM Party, senior security officials are confident that the directive applies to the entire organisation, regardless of its operational arm.

Concerns have emerged regarding resistance from the PKK's European wing, which is heavily involved in illegal activities such as drug trafficking. The organisation’s illicit operations, including drug and arms smuggling, are believed to generate approximately $40 billion, with factions benefiting from these profits potentially opposing the dissolution process.

“There are figures managing a $40 billion illegal trade in drugs and arms. Some within the organisation may resist abandoning these activities. While there will be opposition, it is unlikely to derail the process. This is widely understood to be the final opportunity,” an AKP source stated.

Notably, Abdullah Öcalan, leader of the PKK, has called for the Kurdish insurgent group to lay down its arms and disband, marking a potential end to more than four decades of conflict with Türkiye. In a statement read by deputies from the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Freedom and Democracy Party (DEM) in Istanbul, Öcalan declared that the PKK had "completed its life" and urged its dissolution. He stressed the long-standing alliance between Turks and Kurds, underscoring the historical bond that has lasted over 1,000 years.

Although Öcalan has been imprisoned since 1999, his influence within the PKK remains strong. His call for disarmament comes amid a shift in Türkiye's political landscape, with positive responses from President Erdoğan and other leaders. However, challenges remain as some factions within the PKK may resist the move. The PKK, labeled a terrorist organisation by Türkiye and its allies, has seen previous peace efforts falter, leaving uncertainty over the success of the current peace process.

By Aghakazim Guliyev