UN Secretary-General has welcomed the announcement that the PKK will disarm

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed the announcement that the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) will dissolve and disarm. 

During Monday's UN press briefing, Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said "the Secretary-General welcomes the news of the decision of the PKK to dissolve and disarm. This decision, if implemented, represents another important step towards the peaceful resolution of a long-standing conflict."

Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric also noted that while Turkish media reports suggested the disarmament would take place under UN auspices, “that is not the case,” according to checks made with the UN Mission in Iraq. He added, “The UN stands ready to help and facilitate any movement toward peace, but we do not need to impose ourselves if our involvement is not helpful.”

Responding to further questions, Dujarric confirmed that the Secretary-General had not been in direct contact with Turkish or Kurdish parties as of Monday morning, and said any peace process must be agreed upon by all sides, including national and local actors. “We’ve welcomed the announcement. Let’s see how we and the international community can help the process along,” he said.