The PKK’s statement sounds the death knell for the peace process

PKK Figure Says Peace Process “Frozen,” Contradicting Erdoğan’s Optimism

A senior PKK figure has declared that the ongoing “Terrorism-Free Türkiye” process is effectively frozen, citing the absence of talks with imprisoned leader Abdullah Öcalan and disagreements over disarmament conditions. The statement directly contrasts with recent remarks by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who said the process is progressing positively. The dispute highlights deep divisions over sequencing—whether disarmament should precede legal reforms.

Karayılan: “Process Has Been Frozen”

Murat Karayılan stated that the peace process has effectively stalled, pointing to the lack of contact with Öcalan over the past month as a critical warning sign.

He argued that expectations for progress in April—widely seen as a key month for potential legal steps—were not met. According to Karayılan, this indicates that a decision may have been taken at the highest levels of the state to suspend the process.

“As things stand, the process has been frozen. This is what we see and what is reflected to us,” he said.

Dispute Over Disarmament Conditions

At the center of the dispute is the sequencing of steps:

• Government position: Disarmament must come first, followed by legal reforms
• PKK-linked position: Legal guarantees must precede disarmament

Karayılan rejected the government’s approach, describing it as an attempt to impose surrender rather than a negotiated resolution.

He stressed that abandoning armed struggle after decades of conflict is not a routine step, but a major strategic decision that requires concrete legal assurances.

“Without legal guarantees, laying down arms under current conditions would be irrational,” he said, citing ongoing instability across the Middle East.

Security Concerns Cited

Karayılan also pointed to regional dynamics, arguing that continued conflict across the Middle East makes disarmament without safeguards unrealistic.

He noted that armed capabilities remain, in his view, the primary security guarantee for PKK forces amid an environment shaped by drones, missiles, and shifting alliances.

Erdoğan: “Process Is Moving Forward”

In contrast, President Erdoğan struck a notably optimistic tone in recent remarks.

Speaking at a parliamentary group meeting, he said:

“There is a positive atmosphere. The process is proceeding as it should. Those who write pessimistic scenarios are acting on assumptions, not facts.”

Erdoğan emphasized that key thresholds have been crossed and that the government remains committed to advancing the initiative.

Political Reactions: Diverging Narratives

DEM Party: Government “Stalling”

DEM Party officials echoed concerns about delays.

Co-chair Tülay Hatimoğulları accused the government of acting cautiously and failing to match the pace of the opportunity created by Öcalan’s earlier calls for dissolution.

The party argues that the insistence on disarmament first undermines trust in the process.

AKP: Conditional Legal Steps

Sources within the ruling Justice and Development Party indicated that a legal framework is already being prepared.

However, officials have made clear that:

• Concrete signs of disarmament must be observed
• Only then will legislation be submitted to parliament
• A potential timeline points to action before mid-July

This reflects a conditional approach rather than a sequential compromise.

MHP: Firm Line on Disarmament

The Nationalist Movement Party continues to support the process, but only within strict parameters.

Party figures maintain that:

• Full and verifiable disarmament is a prerequisite
• Any legal or political integration depends on confirmation by the state

This stance reinforces the government’s emphasis on security-first sequencing.

Outlook: Process at a Critical Juncture

The latest statements underscore a widening gap between the parties involved:

• The government insists on disarmament as a first step
• PKK-linked figures demand legal guarantees before any move
• Opposition actors warn of missed opportunities

With no clear compromise in sight and communication channels reportedly limited, the process appears to be entering a more fragile phase.

Whether negotiations can resume meaningfully may depend on restoring dialogue and resolving the core disagreement over sequencing—an issue that remains central to the future of the initiative.

Yeni Cag, PATurkey newsdesk