PKK: Only Ocalan Can Authorize Disarmament as Ankara Presses for Immediate Action
The remarks by Duran Kalkan, a member of the PKK Executive Committee, came days after Turkey’s FM Hakan Fidan publicly called on the PKK to implement its internal resolution to lay down arms “without delay,” following the group’s 12th Congress.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Amid renewed discussions surrounding a potential peace process in Turkey, a senior Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) official has reiterated that any decision regarding disarmament lies solely with imprisoned Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan, asserting that no external authority can enforce such a step without his active participation.
The remarks by Duran Kalkan, a member of the PKK Executive Committee, came days after Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan publicly called on the PKK to implement its internal resolution to lay down arms “without delay,” following the group’s 12th Congress earlier this month.
"Only Ocalan Can Lead a Disarmament Process"
Speaking to a media outlet affiliated with the group, Kalkan criticized Ankara’s stance, stating:
“The Turkish government hasn’t even initiated the most basic legal reforms necessary for a genuine peace process. A process based on empty rhetoric cannot be sustainable. The state must take serious steps.”
Kalkan emphasized that the PKK’s recent congress had reaffirmed that any move toward disarmament must be tied to the free and unhindered engagement of Abdullah Ocalan.
“We have decided that executing the outcomes of our 12th Congress is conditional on Ocalan’s full participation,” he said.
“Only Ocalan can guide a disarmament process. Without enabling his political freedom, we will take no steps. Nobody else can decide on our behalf.”
Kalkan added that in the absence of a serious initiative from the Turkish government, the PKK will not move forward with any formal decisions on disarmament.
"PKK Must Now Dissolve in Practice, Says Turkish FM Fidan After Moscow Visit"
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan commented on the peace process, stating, “A declaration of termination was made. Now, the organization must dissolve itself in practice. We will verify whether this happens. The important thing was to overcome this psychological threshold.”
Minister Fidan made these remarks to Türkiye Newspaper on his return from a visit to Moscow, where he described his meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin as taking place in a “very warm atmosphere.”
Highlighting Turkey’s priorities in Syria, Fidan said, “When we began addressing the entire problem across the broader geography—including Iraq, Syria, and other regions—we started gaining ground in the fight against terrorism. This fight is also crucial for Damascus. The oil fields are located here.”
Regarding the PKK, Fidan emphasized that while the group had declared its dissolution, it must now follow through in practice:
“A declaration of dissolution was made. Now, the organization must move beyond paper and dissolve itself in reality. We will monitor how this unfolds and verify whether it has been done. There are ongoing efforts on this matter, and when it becomes appropriate to share details with the public, they will likely be disclosed. For now, the focus is on allowing these issues to mature. The crucial step was crossing this psychological threshold—the decision has been made.”
Fifth Imrali Visit: DEM Party Delegation Meets Ocalan
On Sunday, May 18, 2025, a delegation from the pro-Kurdish DEM Party—including Van MP Pervin Buldan and Ocalan’s lawyer Fayik Özgür Erol—visited the PKK leader in his cell on Imrali Island for the fifth time in recent months.
Following the visit, the DEM Party released a statement quoting Ocalan as saying:
“Brothers fight, but nothing is achieved without mutual understanding. We need a new agreement based on fraternal rights.”
The message echoed past statements by Ocalan urging for a new social contract between Turks and Kurds rooted in coexistence and equality.
The 12th PKK Congress: A Turning Point?
On Monday, May 12, 2025, the PKK concluded its 12th General Congress, held from May 5–7. During the congress, the organization adopted a resolution signaling its readiness to shift away from armed struggle and pursue peaceful and political means to resolve the Kurdish issue in Turkey.
The resolution has stirred significant debate inside Turkey and beyond, as observers monitor whether this will mark the beginning of a new peace process or fall victim to longstanding political distrust.
No Peace Without Ocalan’s Voice
The PKK’s position—anchored in the assertion that only Ocalan can lead a credible disarmament initiative—adds a complex layer to Turkey’s handling of the Kurdish question. It also challenges Ankara to reassess its current policies toward political prisoners and democratic reforms.
As Ankara signals a willingness to engage in dialogue, the onus now lies on whether Turkish authorities will take steps to involve Ocalan meaningfully, or continue to pursue a top-down approach that Kurdish political actors view as insufficient.
