Turkish communications chief vows determination, transparency on disarmament of PKK terror group

ISTANBUL

Türkiye’s Communications Director Fahrettin Altun said Monday that Türkiye will take all necessary measures to ensure that the dissolution and disarmament of the terrorist group PKK proceeds smoothly.

In a statement on X, Altun addressed the terror group PKK’s decision to dissolve and lay down its arms, calling it a milestone in President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s “Terror-Free Türkiye” initiative.

This is a clear indication that the “Terror-Free Türkiye” process, led by President Erdogan, has reached a crucial stage with strengthened momentum, he said.

He stressed that Türkiye has paid a heavy price over the past four decades, enduring hardships and, most painfully, losing its sons in the fight against terrorism: “We commemorate with mercy and gratitude each and every one of our beloved Martyrs, whose efforts have been incomparably the greatest in reaching today.”

Altun underscored that the “Terror-Free Türkiye” initiative is neither a short-term project nor one that can be concluded swiftly.

“The Republic of Türkiye will continue to work with all its knowledge, capacity, and experience to establish an environment in which our beautiful country, Türkiye, and our beloved nation are free from terrorism, violence, and chaos, where peace, tranquility, and stability prevail,” he underlined.

“Necessary measures will be taken for this process to progress in a healthy and smooth manner, and all steps will be taken with sensitivity and transparency, with determination and precision,” Altun added.

The terror group PKK’s decision to dissolve and lay down its arms after a call made by the convicted PKK leader in Imrali prison is a key step toward a “terror-free Türkiye,” the country’s ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party spokesman Omer Celik said Monday.

“The PKK decision to dissolve itself and lay down its arms following the call from Imrali is an important step towards the goal of ‘terror-free Türkiye’,” he said.

“If the new PKK decision is fully implemented, shutting down all PKK branches, and illegal structures, it will be a turning point,” he added.

Jailed PKK ringleader Abdullah Ocalan in February called for the dissolution of the PKK and all groups under it, urging an end to its terror campaign spanning over 40 years.

In its 40-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, and the European Union – has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants. The YPG/PYD is the PKK’s Syrian offshoot.

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