KCK rejects Nechirvan Barzani's statements, affirms PKK's commitment to peace

KCK's Foreign Relations Committee Office issued a statement on Friday on the remarks made by Nechirvan Barzani during a meeting in Erbil, which included,

"In response to Leader Apo's historic call for peace and a democratic society on February 27, the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) held its 12th Conference and made a decision that was announced to the entire world.

At its 12th Conference, the PKK announced its decision to dissolve its structure and end its armed struggle strategy based on Leader Apo's call. In addition, a group of thirty comrades, led by the KCK Executive Council's Co-Chair Besi Hozat, demonstrated their firm stance towards this process by burning their weapons on July 11, 2025.

At a time when significant events are taking place in our region and country, the importance and vitality of Leader Apo's peace and democratic society project is becoming clear. All advocates of peace, democracy, and freedom have appreciated it with great sensitivity. In the face of these developments, Nechirvan Barzani made negative statements and assessments at a meeting held in Hewlêr (Erbil) regarding our movement's position and the developments it has made. This statement is absolutely unacceptable. With his unfair assessments and distortions of the facts, Nechirvan Barzani has adopted a negative stance that echoes the language and mentality of those opposing the solution. Speaking with the Turkish state's arguments does not serve the Kurdish people and the forces of democracy. It is a grave and misleading mistake for Nechirvan Barzani to take a position that suggests there is a "contradiction" between Leader Apo and our movement, and attempts to create the perception that the "PKK does not listen to Leader Apo."

In fact, all Kurds and all those who support peace are well aware of whoever is behind this contradictory language and tone. Of course, Nechirvan Barzani can improve relations with the Republic of Turkey, and no one opposes that. However, his negative and unfortunate statement prior to his visit to Turkey on October 9, the anniversary of the start of the international conspiracy and the occupation of Serê Kaniyê and Girê Spî, is significant.

We reject this statement, which reflects his views, and refer it to all relevant parties. We expect Nechirvan Barzani to renounce this negative stance."

J.J