Erdogan Says PKK Disarmament Will Be Closely Monitored: ‘A New Era Without Terror Begins’
Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on all PKK-linked groups operating in northeast Syria (Western Kurdistan) , in Europe, and elsewhere to adhere strictly to the central leadership's directive.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated on Wednesday that his government would closely monitor the implementation of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK)’s declared decision to disarm and dissolve its organizational structure, emphasizing that full commitment is required from all affiliated factions.
Speaking at the Justice and Development Party (AKP) Congress on Wednesday, Erdogan described the announcement as a “pivotal step” toward ending decades of armed conflict and ushering Turkey into a new chapter marked by peace, law, and diplomacy.
“The PKK’s decision to disarm and dissolve its structure brings Turkey into a post-terror era. The age of violence, illegality, and armed insurgency is drawing to a close,” Erdogan said.
Intelligence Oversight and Broader Accountability
President Erdogan underscored that the most critical phase remains the actual implementation of the PKK’s decision, noting that Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) will actively monitor compliance.
He also called on all PKK-linked groups operating in northeast Syria (Western Kurdistan) , in Europe, and elsewhere to adhere strictly to the central leadership's directive.
“We are actively participating in efforts to consolidate peace in Turkey and the region,” Erdogan said, describing Turkey as “a diplomatic and peace-building center in the Middle East.”
US Coordination and Regional Diplomacy
Addressing ongoing coordination over Syria, Erdogan thanked US President Donald Trump for supporting the stabilization of “northern Syria”. This came during a joint telephone conference involving President Trump, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, and Erdogan himself, held earlier on May 7, 2025 in Riyadh.
The PKK’s Historic Announcement
On Monday, the PKK announced the conclusion of its 12th Congress—held from May 5 to 7 in the Qandil Mountains—during which it formally declared the end of its armed struggle and the dissolution of its organizational structure.
The declaration, issued under the guidance of jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, proclaimed that the PKK had fulfilled its “historical responsibility” and brought the Kurdish question to the threshold of a political resolution through democratic means.
“The PKK’s armed struggle has ended. The issue has reached a point of democratic resolution. Therefore, the party has decided to dissolve its structure and terminate all military activities conducted in its name,” the statement read.
Qandil Voices: Karayilan Calls for Legal Transition
Murad Karayilan, a senior PKK executive council member, also addressed the congress, calling the upcoming phase a “legal and transformative” one. He asserted that if the Turkish state seeks genuine internal peace, it must accompany this disarmament with legislative reforms and the cessation of hostilities.
“To protect itself, the PKK requires legal guarantees. If the state truly speaks of peace, it must put an end to enmity,” Karayilan stated.
President Erdogan’s remarks come as the Turkish government seeks to ensure that the PKK’s decision is more than a symbolic gesture, emphasizing that the path to lasting peace depends on verifiable steps and the full demilitarization of all associated entities.
