In a significant development for regional peace efforts, members of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) have initiated a disarmament process, committing to pursue their political goals through democratic channels rather than armed struggle.
Symbolic Ceremony Marks New Chapter
A ceremony held Friday in Sulaymaniyah witnessed approximately 20 to 30 PKK fighters voluntarily destroying their weapons. Notably, the fighters chose to destroy rather than surrender their arms to any state authority, maintaining autonomy over the process.
The disarmament follows a direct appeal from Abdullah Ocalan, the PKK’s imprisoned leader, who has recently advocated for “the power of politics and social peace” over armed resistance.
Official Statement on Democratic Transition
The Group for Peace and Democratic Society, which witnessed the ceremony, released a statement on behalf of the PKK members:
“To ensure the practical success of the ‘Peace and Democratic Society’ process, and to wage our freedom, democracy and socialist struggle through legal and democratic politics based on democratic integration laws, we voluntarily destroy our weapons as a step of goodwill and determination.”
Context of the Conflict
The PKK’s decades-long insurgency has resulted in over 40,000 deaths and has fundamentally shaped Turkish politics and security policies. This disarmament represents the first substantial move toward permanently ending the group’s armed operations.
PKK members explicitly cited Ocalan’s June 19 statement and resolutions from the party’s 12th Congress in May as driving forces behind their decision. They emphasized their alignment with Ocalan’s philosophy:
“We agree wholeheartedly with Leader Abdullah Ocalan’s remarks: ‘I believe not in arms, but in the power of politics and social peace.’ We take great pride in implementing this historic principle.”
Staged Implementation Under Security
The ceremony proceeded under heavy security measures, with organizers indicating the disarmament will continue in phases throughout the summer. Weapons are being destroyed in PKK-controlled areas rather than transferred to government forces.
The group acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating: “All gains came at heavy costs through struggling tooth and claw. What follows will definitely need compelling struggle. We believe in Leader Abdullah Ocalan’s insight and paradigm as we trust ourselves and our collective power.”
The PKK members also appealed to regional and global powers, urging them to “respect the utmost legitimate democratic and national rights of our people and support the Peace and Democratic Society process.”
Despite acknowledging ongoing challenges, the group concluded with optimism: “Oppression and exploitation will end; freedom and solidarity will prevail. The Peace and Democratic Society process will surely succeed.”
