UN chief welcomes terror group PKK's decision to 'dissolve and disarm'

By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday welcomed the announcement by the PKK terror group to dissolve and lay down arms, calling it an "important" step towards a solution.

Guterres' spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, during a news conference, said that the "secretary-general welcomes the news of the decision of the Kurdistan Workers Party, known as the PKK, to dissolve and disarm."

"This decision, if implemented, represents another important step towards a peaceful resolution of a long-standing conflict," he said.

The PKK announcement follows a February statement by jailed PKK ringleader Abdullah Ocalan, who called for the dissolution of the PKK and its affiliated groups, urging an end to the armed campaign that has lasted more than four decades.

In its 40-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US and the European Union – has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including women, children and infants. The YPG/PYD is the PKK’s Syrian affiliate.