09.07.2025 22:00
Following the confirmation that the PKK terrorist organization will lay down its arms in Sulaymaniyah on July 11, a statement was made by the AK Party. AK Party spokesperson Çelik stated, "The process is continuing as we anticipated. A terrorism-free Turkey will be an inspiration for the region. This project is the project of the Republic of Turkey. If the disarmament process exceeds 3-5 months, it will become susceptible to provocations."
DEM Party Spokesperson Ayşegül Doğan announced the date when the terrorist organization PKK will lay down its arms during a press conference held at the party's headquarters. Speaking after the historical video message from terrorist leader Öcalan, Doğan said, "We are at a historical threshold; PKK will lay down its arms in Sulaymaniyah on July 11."
AK PARTY SPOKESPERSON ÇELİK: THE PROCESS IS CONTINUING AS WE ANTICIPATED
Following the clarification of the date when PKK will lay down its arms, a statement came from the AK Party. AK Party Spokesperson Ömer Çelik stated during a live broadcast on NTV: "External elements are using terrorist organizations in our region. The state has used many methods in the fight against terrorism. The process is continuing as we anticipated. Nothing justifies the use of terrorism."
"A TERROR-FREE TURKEY WILL BE AN INSPIRATION FOR THE REGION"
There was also a societal demand regarding the issue. At this point, if the terrorist organization lays down its arms, it will mark another significant step. A terror-free Turkey will be an inspiration for the region. This project is the project of the Republic of Turkey.
"IF THE DISARMAMENT PROCESS EXCEEDS 3-5 MONTHS, IT WILL BE OPEN TO PROVOCATIONS"
During the terror-free Turkey process, we absolutely do not want a third party to intervene. The disarmament process in Iraq will be different from that in Syria. A commission is foreseen in the Parliament for dissolution and disarmament. If the disarmament process exceeds 3-5 months, it will become open to provocations. There is no negotiation regarding the fundamental values of the state. We also take into account the criticisms from the opposition."
DEM PARTY SPOKESPERSON: A HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT
On the other hand, commenting on the release of the video message from terrorist organization leader Abdullah Öcalan, DEM Party Spokesperson Ayşegül Doğan said, "We consider this a historical moment that will also determine Turkey's second century."
"FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 26 YEARS, WE SAW A FOOTAGE OF ÖCALAN"
Doğan, who stated that PKK will hold a disarmament ceremony in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, on July 11, where Öcalan made a second call for disarmament, said, "There are very clear statements in Öcalan's announcement. He wants all arms to be completely rendered ineffective. We are talking about a new page for the expansion of the political arena and the complete rendering ineffective of arms, which was left unfinished in 1993. This must not remain unfinished."
Ayşegül Doğan from the DEM Party spoke at a press conference held at the party's headquarters. Doğan said, "A brand new page is being opened. We are at a historical threshold. In this process, we are not just witnesses. This process also imposes very vital responsibilities on us. Today, for the first time in 26 years, we saw a footage of Öcalan. This shows that the Kurdish issue in Turkey is not just Turkey's problem. We are talking about an issue that is not limited to Turkey but is also an international matter. We consider this a historical moment that will also determine Turkey's second century. Today, there were some evaluations from both Öcalan and the President regarding the DEM Party. Preparations are being made for a step to completely render arms ineffective within a few days. The statements made by PKK are in this direction."
"WE WILL BE THERE TO WITNESS PKK'S DISARMAMENT CEREMONY"
There are very clear statements in Öcalan's announcement. He wants all arms to be completely rendered ineffective. We are talking about a new page for the expansion of the political arena and the complete rendering ineffective of arms, which was left unfinished in 1993. This must not remain unfinished. The process is progressing at its own rhythm for the parties involved. We, as co-chairs, our parliamentary friends, and the DEM Party delegation, will be there to witness the disarmament ceremony of PKK, which will take place on July 11 in Sulaymaniyah. It is necessary not to see this as a victory or defeat, a liquidation, or a concession, and to approach it differently and change this language and style. The last 10 years have shown us that this issue cannot be resolved with this language."
ÖCALAN'S HISTORICAL CALL
On the other hand, Öcalan, who published a video message for the first time in 26 years today, said, "Dear comrades; I consider it an ethical duty to provide explanatory and creative responses to the stage our communalist comradeship movement has reached, the concrete situation they are experiencing, and the problems and solutions."
"THE CURRENT POINT IS HISTORIC"
I continue to defend the Peace and Democratic Society Call dated February 27, 2025. I consider your positive response to PKK's 12th Dissolution Congress, with a comprehensive and accurate content, as a historical response. The current point must be considered quite valuable and historic. In this context, the efforts of comrades in bridge relations are equally valuable and commendable.
"I PREPARED A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY MANIFESTO"
As a result of all the developments, I have prepared a Democratic Society Manifesto, which should be considered a historical transformation. This manifesto is capable of successfully replacing the 'Path of the Kurdistan Revolution' manifesto, which has been in existence for about 50 years. I believe it carries a historical social content not only for the Kurdish historical society but also for the regional and global society. I have no doubt that it constitutes a successful example of the historical manifesto tradition.
I must clearly state that all these developments have occurred as a result of the meetings I held in Imralı. Maximum attention has been paid to conducting the meetings on the basis of free will. The stage reached necessitates taking practical steps with new actions. It is essential to emphasize, understand, and adhere to the historical nature of this stage and the necessary steps for progress.
The PKK movement, which is based on the denial of existence and aims for a separate state, has been put to an end. Existence has been recognized, and therefore the main goal has been achieved. This is what it means to have fulfilled its term. The rest has been evaluated as excessive repetition and a deadlock. Comprehensive criticism-self-criticism will continue on this basis. Since politics does not allow for a vacuum, the vacuum must be filled with the program titled Peace and Democratic Society, the 'democratic politics' strategy, and holistic law as a fundamental tactic. We are talking about a historical and destiny-determining process.
"I KNOW THAT THE STEPS TAKEN WILL NOT BE IN VAIN"
As a whole, the voluntary laying down of arms and the comprehensive commission work that is planned to be established with authority and by law in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey is important.
It is essential to show care and sensitivity in taking steps without falling into a sterile back-and-forth between us. I know that the steps taken will not be in vain. I see and trust the sincerity. Therefore, efforts are being made to move towards more practical and concrete key-opening steps. The main theses I put forward are as follows:
It is possible for everyone to do their part and achieve the goal of Peace and a Democratic Society with a positive integrationist perspective. The conclusion drawn from all that has been said is that the PKK has abandoned a nation-state goal, and with this abandonment of the fundamental aim, it has also given up its basic war strategy and has ceased to exist. It is expected that the current historical point will be advanced further.
"THIS IS NOT A LOSS, IT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A HISTORICAL GAIN"
It should be considered natural for you to ensure the laying down of arms in a way that will make sense for the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) and the commission, as well as to eliminate the doubts in the public and fulfill our promise. The establishment of a disarmament mechanism will advance the process. This is a voluntary transition from the phase of armed struggle to the phase of democratic politics and law. It must be evaluated as a historical gain, not a loss. Details regarding disarmament will be determined and implemented quickly. The Democratic Party (DEM), which is under the roof of the Assembly, will do its part to ensure the success of this process together with other parties.
Meanwhile, regarding my freedom, which is an indispensable condition in all decision texts; as you know, I have never seen my freedom as an individual issue. Philosophically, individual freedom cannot be abstracted from society. To the extent that the individual becomes free, society can be free, and to the extent that society becomes free, the individual can be free. It is natural to adhere to the necessity of this tendency.
"I CALL ON YOU TO IMPLEMENT THIS PRINCIPLE"
I believe in the power of politics and social peace, not arms. And I call on you to implement this principle. Recent developments in the region clearly confirm the importance and urgency of this historic step we have taken. I must express that I eagerly await all your criticisms, suggestions, and contributions regarding the process. I am very optimistic and ready, with enthusiasm and excitement, that these discussions will lead us, the Democratic Modernity Forces, to a new theoretical program, strategic, and tactical phase at the national, regional, and global levels, and that preparations for this are already underway. My call for the upcoming period is to take action based on the congress decisions and the views and suggestions I expressed in this article. Stay with permanent comradely greetings and love.