Davutoğlu to Kurdistan24: PKK Must Lay Down Arms Unconditionally
“The PKK’s decision to disband is important,” Davutoğlu said. “But it must be executed immediately and without preconditions. There is no justification for retaining weapons.”
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Ahmet Davutoğlu, leader of Turkey’s Future Party and former Turkish prime minister, has called on the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) to swiftly implement its recent pledge to dissolve its organizational structure and abandon armed struggle—insisting the disarmament must be "unconditional."
Speaking exclusively to Kurdistan24 on Sunday, Davutoğlu emphasized that the PKK’s announcement marks a significant turning point that must now be translated into concrete actions.
“The PKK’s decision to disband is important,” he said. “But it must be executed immediately and without preconditions. There is no justification for retaining weapons.”
A New Chapter in Turkish-Kurdish Relations
Davutoğlu underlined that a genuine implementation of the PKK’s resolution could usher in a new era in relations between Turkey and the Kurdistan Region.
“If this process proceeds as declared, Turkey’s ties with the Kurdistan Region will enter a new phase,” he remarked. “The recent messages coming from Kurdistan’s leadership are constructive, and I hope this spirit of responsibility continues.”
He reaffirmed the importance of maintaining Turkish-Kurdish friendship, saying, “The bond between Turks and Kurds is historic and must never be compromised. Kurds are our ancestral friends.”
PKK’s Announcement and Ankara’s Caution
On May 12, the PKK released a statement concluding its 12th Congress, declaring the end of its “armed struggle” and the dismantling of their organization, in line with the vision of imprisoned founder Abdullah Öcalan.
However, Turkey's Defense Ministry has expressed skepticism. In a statement issued last Thursday, the ministry affirmed it would continue its military operations until the threat posed by the PKK is completely eradicated from Iraqi territory and other border regions.
“Despite the disbandment declaration, our operations will continue in all areas where the separatist organization has a presence,” a defense spokesperson said, pointing to ongoing operations involving land sweeps, the destruction of caves, shelters, and explosive devices.
A ministry source added, “Nothing has changed for our troops. The dissolution must be verified on the ground. There could still be factions within the PKK who oppose the decision.”
