New era begins toward goal of terror-free Türkiye: Vice President Yilmaz

Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz emphasized the importance of achieving a “terror-free Türkiye,” calling it a critical component of the Vision of the Turkish Century for security, development and democracy on Saturday.

Call for terror-free Türkiye

In a statement shared on social media, Yilmaz highlighted the impact of terrorism on the country, stating, “The goal of a terror-free Türkiye, which is an integral part of the Vision of the Turkish Century, is extremely valuable in terms of security, as well as in fostering faster development and raising the standards of our democracy.”

He pointed out that terrorism has negatively affected economic and social development, discouraging investment and hindering progress in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, energy, and education.

“Terrorism has not only damaged the economy but also hindered democracy by obstructing the expansion of fundamental rights and freedoms,” he said.

Ringleader Ocalan’s call, PKK cease-fire announcement

The statement follows the announcement by terrorist organization PKK ringleader Abdullah Ocalan, in which he called for the dissolution of the organization and the complete disarmament of all its affiliated terrorist groups.

Ocalan stated, “In this atmosphere created by the call of Devlet Bahceli, the will demonstrated by our President, and the positive approaches of various political parties, I make this call for disarmament and assume its historical responsibility.”

Shortly after Ocalan’s statement, the terrorist organization PKK announced a cease-fire, marking a significant turning point in Türkiye’s long-standing fight against terrorism.

Türkiye’s stance on terrorism, democratic progress

Yilmaz reaffirmed Türkiye’s stance that terrorism and democratic civil politics cannot coexist, asserting that no democratic state governed by the rule of law would allow such a contradiction.

“Our nation, with its historical experience of coexistence, deserves a democratic civil politics that is not overshadowed by terrorism, where differences are seen as a source of wealth rather than conflict,” he added.

He credited the achievements of the ruling AK Party and the “People’s Alliance” over the past two decades for removing a good deal of terrorism-related issues from Türkiye’s agenda despite ongoing challenges.

The dissolution of the terrorist organization without any negotiation means a new environment and period in terms of development and democracy, as well as in the field of security.

Finally, a new phase has been entered towards the goal of a Terror-Free Türkiye, and the terrorist organization has been called to be dissolved by its founder. We will be following this new phase and its concrete reflections on the field carefully together with our relevant institutions. We hope that this opportunity will be seized, this effort will be concluded quickly and successfully, and the traps of those who are making plans with imperial ambitions over our region will be thwarted in the shortest possible time.

On the basis of the thousand-year-old brotherhood, faith and common destiny of our 85 million people; under the astute leadership of our President, the Turkish Century will in all cases be the century of unity, brotherhood and peace.

Under the shadow of our glorious crescent and star flag, the democratic, strong and prosperous Republic of Türkiye will continue its historical march by strengthening its domestic front and as the hope of the oppressed and the loud voice of justice in its region and globally.

Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz

Political, security implications

Yilmaz underlined that the dissolution of the terrorist organization without any negotiations represents a new era for development, democracy, and national security.

He said that the government will closely monitor this phase and evaluate its impact alongside relevant institutions.

“We hope that this opportunity will be seized, that the process will be concluded swiftly and successfully, and that external forces seeking to manipulate the region will be prevented from advancing their plans,” he added.