During the fourth International Melaye Ciziri Symposium on Saturday in the province of Sirnak in southeast Turkey, President Masoud Barzani extended his full support to the ongoing peace process in the country.

He expressed satisfaction with the renewed momentum, stating that this time the process appeared to have begun in a well-organized manner with support from the public, parliament, and political parties.

Read More: President Barzani Offers Support For Peace Process in Turkiye

Barzani extended his thanks to Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish government, parliament, and the people of Turkey for “opening the door to peace, which is the best option.” 

He also thanked jailed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan for taking what he described as a courageous step. 

In May, the PKK decided to disband and disarm, following a call from Ocalan in February for the group to lay down their arms. In mid-November, the PKK withdrew forces from the Zap region in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and in October, it withdrew its last fighters from inside Turkey.

In October 2024, Devlet Bahceli, leader of the far-right Nationalist Movement Party, called on Ocalan to address Turkey’s parliament and declare the end of the armed struggle of the PKK, which was the start of a new peace process.

“We fully support this peace process, and whatever is required from us, we are ready,” President Barzani stated, reaffirming his readiness to contribute.

He concluded his remarks with a hopeful note: “God willing, the process will lead to a very good outcome and bring goodness and happiness to all of us.”

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The symposium honored the legacy of Melaye Ciziri, a renowned Kurdish scholar, poet, and literary figure born in the 16th century whose works have left a lasting impact on Kurdish literature, philosophy, and spiritual thought.

President Barzani arrived in Sirnak on Saturday, where he was warmly welcomed by Turkey’s Deputy Minister of Interior, Munir Karaloglu; Sirnak Governor Birol Ukce; and Mohammed Yarka, head of the province’s municipalities. 

The symposium brought together a large number of scholars, researchers, academics, and political and administrative officials, reflecting the broad recognition of Ciziri’s contributions across cultural and academic circles.

During the event, President Barzani delivered a speech emphasizing the enduring importance of Melaye Ciziri’s work and moral teachings.