PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan called the terrorist organization to lay down arms.
Below is his full statement;
Call for Peace and a Democratic Society
The PKK emerged in the 20th century, the most violent century in history, shaped by two world wars, the Cold War, the denial of Kurdish identity, and restrictions on freedoms. The organization was heavily influenced by the realities of the socialist system of that century in terms of theory, program, strategy, and tactics.
In the 1990s, the collapse of real socialism due to internal factors and the gradual recognition of Kurdish identity, along with improvements in freedom of expression, led to a loss of meaning and excessive repetition within the PKK. Consequently, like similar organizations, it has completed its lifespan and necessitates dissolution.
Turkish-Kurdish Relations
For over a thousand years, Turks and Kurds have maintained their existence through an alliance based on voluntary cooperation, considering it essential to resist hegemonic powers. However, in the last 200 years of capitalist modernity, the primary goal has been to dismantle this alliance. Influenced groups, along with class-based structures, have internalized serving this purpose. This process accelerated with the rigid interpretations of the Republic’s founding ideology. Today, as historical relations become increasingly fragile, the primary duty is to reorganize them in a spirit of brotherhood while respecting beliefs.
The Need for a Democratic Society
The emergence and endurance of the PKK—the longest and most extensive rebellion and violence movement in the history of the Republic—stemmed from the closure of democratic political channels. The inevitable consequence of excessive nationalism, including the proposals of a separate nation-state, federation, administrative autonomy, and culturalist solutions, fails to address the sociological realities of historical societies.
Respect for identities, the ability to express themselves freely, and democratic organization, as well as socio-economic and political structuring in line with their aspirations, are only possible within the existence of a democratic society and political sphere. The second century of the Republic can only attain lasting and fraternal continuity if it is crowned with democracy. There is no alternative to democracy in the search for and realization of a sustainable system—none. Democratic consensus is the fundamental method.
The language of the peace and democratic society era must be developed in alignment with reality. In this climate, shaped by Mr. Devlet Bahçeli’s call, President Erdoğan’s firm stance, and the positive responses from other political parties, I am making a call for disarmament and taking historical responsibility for this appeal.
As any contemporary community or party that has not been forcibly dismantled would do voluntarily, I urge you to convene your congress, make a decision to integrate with the state and society, and declare the dissolution of the PKK. All groups should lay down their arms, and the PKK should dissolve itself.
I extend my greetings to all those who believe in coexistence and heed my call.
February 25, 2025
Abdullah Öcalan
