Parliament of Turkey to establish commission for disarmament of PKK: News article
The Turkish government has announced a comprehensive plan, known as the "terror-free Türkiye" initiative, to disarm and dissolve the PKK terrorist group. This multi-stage process aims to bring an end to the long-standing conflict and pave the way for a peaceful and democratic future.
The initiative began with the preparation of political groundwork and fostering a conducive political discourse. Key political leaders, including Devlet Bahçeli and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, have supported this initiative. The pivotal moment came when imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan called on February 27, 2025, for the PKK to lay down arms and dissolve the group.
In a historic turn, the PKK responded positively, announcing its dissolution at the 12th PKK Congress held on May 5-7, 2025. This marked a significant break from armed conflict towards political resolution.
The disarmament phase began on July 11, 2025, with a symbolic act of about 30 PKK militants publicly burning their weapons in northern Iraq near Sulaymaniyah. This act marked the beginning of a phased disarmament process, expected to continue over the summer, with the aim of full disarmament by the end of the year. Turkish officials will inspect and verify this process.
The disarmament is planned to include the evacuation of major PKK camps in northern Iraq, such as Qandil and Makhmour, with the withdrawal from Qandil viewed as particularly significant.
The Turkish Parliament is forming a special commission to oversee the disarmament and dissolution process. This commission will operate throughout the summer and prepare the legal infrastructure to support this initiative. Amendments to counter-terrorism and execution laws are expected to facilitate the reintegration or release of PKK members held in Turkish prisons, including provisions for sick and elderly detainees.
The "terror-free Türkiye" initiative combines a politically driven call for dissolution, symbolic and verifiable weapon destruction, legal reforms, and parliamentary oversight to achieve the disarmament and full dissolution of the PKK. The role of Abdullah Öcalan remains central; his unique influence and call for a political solution underpinned the entire process, encouraging the PKK to abandon armed conflict in favor of peaceful and democratic means.
It is important to note that no blanket forgiveness is expected for the PKK, according to Turkish authorities. No general amnesty or PKK-specific pardon is planned. The commission will develop legal frameworks for the implementation of the disarmament and dissolution process starting in October.
As the process unfolds, the UAE president is scheduled to visit Turkey on July 16 for the first High-Level Strategic Council talks. Meanwhile, clashes are happening in Sweida, Syria, with mentions of American blessing and a new reality, but no specific details are provided in this regard.
Economically, Goldman Sachs expects the US dollar to hit 45 against the Turkish lira in 12 months. The Turkish government is also considering the release of sick and elderly prisoners who have completed their sentences, ending the practice of continuous detention extensions for PKK members.
This historic turning point brings new possibilities to Turkish politics, marking the first time a designated terrorist organization has voluntarily disarmed and dissolved itself in Turkey. The hope is that this initiative will lead to a lasting "terror-free Türkiye."
- The Turkish Parliament is forming a special commission to oversee the disarmament and dissolution process of the PKK, which is expected to begin in October.
- Turkish officials will inspect and verify the phased disarmament process that began on July 11, 2025, with the aim of full disarmament by the end of the year.
- The "terror-free Türkiye" initiative, supported by political leaders like Devlet Bahçeli and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, combines political calls, symbolic and verifiable weapon destruction, legal reforms, and parliamentary oversight to achieve the disarmament and full dissolution of the PKK.
- The initiative is significant as it marks the first time a designated terrorist organization has voluntarily disarmed and dissolved itself in Turkey, aiming for a lasting "terror-free Türkiye".
- Economically, Goldman Sachs expects the US dollar to hit 45 against the Turkish lira in 12 months, and the Turkish government is considering the release of sick and elderly prisoners who have completed their sentences, ending the practice of continuous detention extensions for PKK members.
