Turkish business reacts to terrorist ringleader Ocalan’s call: ‘We hope for definitive outcome’

The Chairman of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ICOC), Sekib Avdagic, stated that the Turkish business community supports the call by the terrorist organization PKK’s ringleader, Abdullah Ocalan, to lay down arms and disband, as it has the potential to end decades of terrorism and strengthen national unity.

Avdagic commented in his X post on Friday regarding the matter, saying that Türkiye is now closer than ever to achieving a resolution, crediting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s vision of a “terror-free Türkiye” and the historic initiative of Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli, along with broad public support.

He emphasized that the most critical aspect of the process is the call to “lay down arms and dissolve,” adding that it should be carried out swiftly and in full.

“If Türkiye frees itself from this decades-long conflict, the country will progress toward a brighter future at a much faster pace”, Avdagic said.

‘Historic opportunity for Türkiye’s future’

He underscored that for 41 years, foreign-backed elements had fueled bloodshed across the country, and it was time for this to be replaced by shared labor and prosperity. Such a shift would allow Türkiye to fully realize its potential in economic growth, development, and democratization, Avdagic added.

He stressed that the nation must never forget “the pain endured, the tears of the mothers, and the great sacrifices of the martyrs,” describing the move as a historic opportunity for Türkiye’s future.

The PKK declared a ceasefire on Saturday following a call from its ringleader, Abdullah Ocalan, to lay down arms and dissolve the organization.