PKK: No New Disarmament Unless State Takes Concrete Steps

In the wake of a symbolic disarmament by a PKK group, the organization has clarified that no further groups will lay down arms unless the Turkish state initiates legal and political steps to support the process. PKK spokesperson Tekin Muş stated that the current phase is limited to the initial gesture, and no second group is scheduled for disarmament under current conditions.

PKK: “No Second Group Without Legal Ground”

Responding to questions about whether additional fighters will disarm, Muş said:

“There are no new disarmament plans at the moment. The process can only advance if the state takes steps and prepares a legal basis. Otherwise, a second group will not proceed with disarmament.”

Muş emphasized that the Kurdish movement is waiting for reciprocal action and will reassess its stance if progress is made on the government side.

Ozan: “This Could Be the First and Last Group”

Tekoşin Ozan, another spokesperson for the group calling itself the “Peace and Democratic Society Group”, warned that if the state fails to respond, the 30-member group that disarmed in Sulaymaniyah on July 11 may remain the only one.

“We have demonstrated our seriousness and goodwill. Unless concrete actions follow, this group will be both the first and the last.”

The disarmament came months after PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan’s February 27 call for dissolution, following remarks made by MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli in October 2024 that re-ignited the political discussion.

Seven: Öcalan’s Freedom is Key to Peace

Nedim Seven, another spokesperson, warned that disarmament is not irreversible. He said the continued imprisonment of Öcalan, the lack of democratic reforms, and the continued detention of political prisoners could provoke new crises.

“If the state does not ensure Apo’s physical freedom, enact legal reforms, and release political prisoners, this process could collapse. In such a case, weapons would remain a relevant tool in our region.”

Seven emphasized that the potential for conflict remains high and that peace depends on genuine political change.

Rising Reactions and Political Tensions

While the disarmament was intended as a symbolic gesture toward peace, it has stirred political controversy. Opposition figure Ümit Özdağ criticized the event, saying disarmament “cannot look like a barbecue party.”

Meanwhile, Selahattin Demirtaş, the jailed former HDP co-chair, reiterated in a separate statement that no bargaining had taken place, and that the first group disarmed voluntarily as a gesture of goodwill and de-escalation.

A Fragile Process Ahead

Despite this symbolic milestone, the disarmament process appears tenuous and conditional. With the state yet to offer a formal response, and core issues such as Öcalan’s status, legal reforms, and Kurdish political inclusion unresolved, the future of the peace process remains uncertain.