Bahçeli Hails PKK Disarmament: “A Historic Milestone Toward a Terror-Free Turkey”

Following the disarmament of the first group of PKK militants, MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli issued a statement praising the move as a turning point in Türkiye’s decades-long struggle with terrorism. He emphasized that the country now stands on the brink of ending separatist violence and acknowledged the efforts of both the government and the DEM Party in the process.

 “PKK Kept Its Word”

Bahçeli remarked that the dissolution of the PKK, formalized at the group’s 12th congress between May 5–7, was a direct response to the February 27 call made by imprisoned leader Abdullah Öcalan, known as the “Peace and Democratic Society Appeal.”

“As evident in his final video message, PKK’s founding leadership has fulfilled its promise and recognized global and regional threats in due time,” Bahçeli said.

DEM Party Praised for Responsible Stance

In a striking move, Bahçeli—long critical of Kurdish-affiliated parties—offered rare praise for the DEM Party, highlighting its moderation and commitment to a terror-free Türkiye.

“DEM Party remained loyal to the goal of a terror-free Türkiye with balanced, responsible rhetoric and aligned itself with the spirit of our thousand-year brotherhood,” he stated.

Erdoğan and Government Applauded

Bahçeli commended President Erdoğan and his administration for owning the peace process from the start and sustaining the policy of “Terörsüz Türkiye” (Terror-Free Türkiye) as a matter of national principle.

“With no room for provocation, Cumhur İttifakı preserved its political will and resilience throughout,” he said.

A New Chapter Begins

Bahçeli framed the current moment as historic, marking the closure of a dark chapter in Turkish history. He described the ongoing disarmament process as a national milestone that could redefine the country’s future:

“A terror-free Türkiye is the path to prosperity, safety, and unity. With the handover of weapons finalized, the painful past will be left behind, and the Turkish nation will lead the new century.”

Concluding his remarks, Bahçeli expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the peace process, including President Erdoğan, and called on the nation to embrace the emerging era of unity and peace.