Ankara: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described Abdullah Ocalan’s recent appeal for the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) to lay down arms and dissolve as a “historic opportunity” to eliminate terrorism. His remarks come as members of the ruling AK Party demand that all PKK-linked groups in Iraq and Syria also disband.
Speaking on Friday, a day after Ocalan’s statement was relayed through pro-Kurdish DEM Party officials, Erdogan emphasized the significance of this moment in ending the decades-long conflict that has claimed thousands of lives. “We have a historic opportunity to tear down the wall of terror,” he said, vowing to closely monitor the peace process and warning against possible disruptions.
Ocalan, the PKK’s imprisoned founder, urged the group to hold a congress and take decisive steps toward disarmament. However, the PKK leadership, based in northern Iraq, has yet to respond to the call. The Turkish government, along with its Western allies, considers the PKK a terrorist organization due to its long-standing insurgency against the state.
AK Party spokesperson Omer Celik reinforced the government’s stance, insisting that all affiliated groups—including the Syrian Kurdish YPG and its political wing, the PYD—must dissolve. “We seek the complete elimination of the organization and its elements in Iraq and Syria,” he stated.
In response, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which includes the YPG, cautiously welcomed Ocalan’s message. SDF commander Mazloum Abdi noted that the statement was directed at the PKK and did not involve his forces.
Meanwhile, the DEM Party called on Erdogan’s administration to take immediate steps toward democratization. Deputy parliamentary chair Gulistan Kilic Kocyigit argued that political reforms were essential for lasting peace. “The government must act now. If our fundamental freedoms continue to be ignored, how can we build a future together?” she said.
Turkiye has made some progress in recognizing Kurdish cultural rights, especially under Erdogan’s rule since 2002, but critics argue that more needs to be done.
This renewed peace initiative was first proposed in October by Erdogan’s nationalist ally, Devlet Bahceli, who suggested the possibility of parole for Ocalan if the PKK agreed to disband. Ocalan, now 75, has been imprisoned on Imrali Island since 1999 but still holds significant influence over the PKK.
Past attempts at a peace process, including negotiations in 2015, have collapsed. However, the latest developments suggest a fresh push to end the conflict—provided all parties commit to the process.
