Türkiye increases pressure on terrorist group PKK to disband
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul, Türkiye on March 28, 2025. (AA Photo)
In his Ramadan Bayram message, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is also the leader of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party), discussed a variety of topics, including the ongoing ‘Imrali process’ initiated by Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli’s call for disarming the PKK.
Erdogan addressed the PKK and reaffirmed Türkiye’s firm stance on combating terrorism, while also criticizing political interference in the judicial process and outlining the government’s focus on rebuilding after recent earthquakes.
On PKK and the call for disbandment
Erdogan emphasized that the Turkish government had already done its part in facilitating the calls for action regarding the PKK, stating, “Our state has fulfilled its responsibility by ensuring that the call for action was made. Now, it is time for the organization to comply with the call without any ifs or buts.”
He made it clear that the Turkish government is not willing to wait indefinitely, adding, “We do not have unlimited time or patience. We are waiting for the organization to disband itself and lay down its weapons without further delay.”
He also expressed optimism that current global, regional, and internal dynamics would provide the right environment to conclude the 40-year-long struggle against terrorism successfully, stating that Türkiye could finally be freed from this “bloody and difficult affliction.”
On the subject of Syria, Erdogan mentioned Türkiye was closely monitoring developments in the neighboring country, particularly concerning maintaining Syria’s territorial integrity and preventing instability at Türkiye’s southern border.
Devlet Bahceli on ‘terror-free Türkiye’
MHP leader Devlet Bahceli also made evaluations regarding important events on Türkiye’s agenda while speaking to the Turk Gun newspaper.
Bahceli stated, “In the process of a ‘terror-free Türkiye,’ we call on all our citizens to unite in national unity and brotherhood with the understanding of ‘First and foremost, Türkiye’ and ‘Everyone is equal in Türkiye,’ and to build Türkiye’s blessed future together.”
Bahceli emphasized that “…the PKK and all of its components laying down their arms and disbanding is a historic turning point. Our nation is in an expectant wait. It is in our hands to turn this expectation into joy, not disappointment.”
“We must act with the thought that whatever we do and however we do it, it should be for the benefit of our people. We must determine our roadmap in line with this approach, within the framework of law, morality, and democratic politics, and implement it with good intentions. If we do so, it will be possible for us to meet a new Türkiye, with security and a peaceful new life,” he added.
