The PKK’s announcement that it will begin disarmament on Friday after over 40 years of armed conflict has received a mixed but largely hopeful reaction in Iraq’s Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). While some remain cautious, many residents in Erbil and border areas see the move as a crucial opportunity for lasting peace.

“We hope for peace and stability,” said Erbil resident Serhang Necmettin, calling on both the PKK and Türkiye to pursue dialogue over violence. Similarly, local Turkmen Dilaver Bezirgan described the development as “an important step for coexistence.”

Nihat Cevat added, “If this process brings peace, it will end years of suffering and strengthen regional stability.”

Many in the KRG emphasized that war should no longer be the solution. “We long for peace,” said İbrahim Adnan, urging Türkiye to accelerate its support for the disarmament process.