Statement from DEM Party following terrorist organization PKK's withdrawal decision! They made a demand for terrorist leader Öcalan...

While the commission established in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) continues its work as part of the new reconciliation process—architected by MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli and dubbed 'Terror-Free Turkey' by the government—which is being conducted with the DEM Party and terrorist leader Abdullah Öcalan, the terrorist organization PKK announced yesterday that they are withdrawing from Turkey.

Following the terrorist organization's withdrawal decision, DEM Party Co-Chairs Tülay Hatimoğulları and Tuncer Bakırhan held a press conference regarding the latest developments in the reconciliation process.

Bakırhan's statements are as follows:

"YESTERDAY'S DECISION IS THE STRONGEST PROOF OF THIS WILL"

"Today, we are at a moment that could change the course of Turkish history. This moment has been achieved through the efforts of everyone who stands for democracy and life. We have arrived at a critical turning point in a long journey with great hope. Every inch of Turkey's soil has paid a heavy price. I commemorate all our comrades we lost on the path to peace, in the person of Sırrı Süreyya Önder, whom we lost in the recent past. I greet all our friends in prison with respect.

A historic development took place yesterday. Of course, we did not reach this threshold all at once. Let us look back at the months we have left behind. On October 1, 2024, Mr. Bahçeli extended a hand that broke the mold, and then February 27 arrived. The voice coming from İmralı changed the course of the conflict. Mr. Öcalan's call was not just a call; it was a turning point. The PKK convened its congress and took a decision to dissolve; weapons were burned; the spirit of fire and iron mixed with the soil. It was said that politics should speak now.

On October 1, 2025, Mr. Erdoğan shaking hands with us refreshed the confidence in the will for peace. Finally, we witnessed one of the most critical and meaningful steps yesterday. The PKK, which had taken a decision to dissolve, declared that it was on the side of peace by announcing that it was withdrawing its armed elements. This step is a step that allows for a solution. This decision to withdraw is the most determined expression of the will on the path to peace. It is the strongest call for a new era.

Yesterday's decision is the strongest proof of this will. This is not just a withdrawal, but a step taken toward the future. It is a step toward winning the future. At the point reached, the first phase of the process has concluded. With the completion of the withdrawal, a new page has been turned. Now is the time to write our own story without waiting for a solution from elsewhere. It is time to transition to the second phase, which is a much more critical and vital stage. That is, it is time to transition to social peace through legal and political steps. This phase is as meaningful as it is challenging; this is the peace of all of Turkey."

THEY MADE A DEMAND FOR TERRORIST LEADER ÖCALAN

The process must develop through laws and rights. The language of politics and democracy must be strengthened. Justice must be the foundation of the future. Mr. Öcalan has demonstrated a vision of great determination. He has always developed an attitude in favor of a political solution. Öcalan's foresight and persistence are decisive. In this respect, paths must be opened and opportunities provided so that he can take more initiative. Dialogue exchange must be possible. Free working conditions must be created.

The TBMM must act in accordance with its responsibilities in this historic process. The decisions to be taken under the roof of the Parliament will be read in history books. The Parliament must facilitate this process. These will be the building blocks of peace. These are necessary for the democratization of Turkey. If Turkey democratizes, everyone wins; we all win. In this process, not just one side, but the state, the judicial system, everyone is responsible. Everyone must act in accordance with the will for peace. The negative rhetoric of the past must be left behind.

THEY TARGETED THE MEDIA AGAIN

Historic responsibilities also fall upon the media for the developments that will take place and that are a source of hope for 86 million to progress in a healthy manner. The media should be a bridge to peace and should prefer an inclusive broadcasting approach instead of divisive broadcasts. There are no losers in this process.

We can only overcome the wave of danger coming to Turkey and the region through democratic negotiation. The way to do this is through the implementation of transitional justice and democratic integration laws. This process may be sought to be undermined. Fear scenarios may be produced, but we will stand firm. We will continue on the path to peace."