Monitoring PKK disarmament process with utmost diligence, according to Erdogan
The disarmament process of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) is currently at an advanced and sensitive stage, marking a potential end to over 40 years of conflict in Turkey. This significant development is part of the government's broader "terror-free Türkiye" initiative.
The PKK has formally agreed to disband and renounce armed conflict, following a call from PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan in February 2025 to lay down arms and dissolve the militant group. The disarmament process is expected to begin imminently, possibly within days from early July 2025, with a ceremony for PKK fighters to lay down their weapons scheduled between July 10 and July 12 in Sulaimaniyah province in the Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq.
Initially, a small group of fighters (20-30) will participate, handing over their weapons. After disarmament, militants are expected to return unarmed to their mountain bases, though the exact nature of their future status is still somewhat unclear.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has emphasized the importance of these developments for achieving a “Turkey free of terrorism,” with officials stating the coming days are crucial for this goal. The process is part of a larger peace initiative involving political and legal reforms to address Kurdish rights, cultural recognition, reintegration of PKK members, and political participation.
Meanwhile, in the Gaza Strip, President Erdogan has expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis caused by Israel's blocking of supplies in early March. However, recent operations by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), backed by Israel and the U.S., have started delivering supplies on May 26.
In a separate development, recent meetings between senior Hamas officials and Turkish officials have taken place, with Erdogan stating that Hamas has demonstrated its goodwill in ending the fighting in Gaza. President Erdogan has also asked U.S. President Trump to intervene to stop shootings at Gaza aid centers.
As the PKK disarmament process progresses, the Turkish government will closely monitor the situation, with both the Foreign Ministry and the National Intelligence Organization involved. Erdogan has also expressed confidence that Turkey will be readmitted to the F-35 fighter jet program.
In his address, Erdogan stated that the complete removal of arms, blood, and tears will open a brand new door, marking a pivotal moment in one of the longest-standing conflicts in the region. The disarmament of the PKK is poised to commence shortly as a historic first step in dissolving the group, advancing Turkey’s initiative to establish a "terror-free Türkiye," but the full process will require delicate political management and guarantees for Kurdish rights and security conditions.
War-and-conflicts: The disarmament of the PKK, a significant step towards a "terror-free Türkiye," is poised to commence shortly, marking a pivotal moment in one of the longest-standing conflicts in the region.
Politics: The disarmament process involves a larger peace initiative involving political and legal reforms to address Kurdish rights, cultural recognition, reintegration of PKK members, and political participation.
