Turkish President Pledges to Take All Necessary Measures to End Bloodshed

AFP

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

On Saturday, 12 July 2025, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared that the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has honoured its commitment to destroy its weapons, marking the start of a new era. He pledged to take all necessary measures to end the bloodshed.

President Erdoğan’s statement followed a ceremony held on Friday at the Jasana Cave in Sulaymaniyah, where 30 PKK guerrillas, including senior officials, surrendered and destroyed their arms.

Addressing the peace process in Türkiye, President Erdoğan said: “Over the past 47 years, the conflict with the PKK has claimed 50,000 lives in Türkiye, including approximately 10,000 soldiers. Despite the efforts of numerous governments and authorities, the issue remained unresolved.”

He continued: “Following the initiative of Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli, a new phase commenced. Subsequently, a message from İmralı called for the laying down of arms, and the PKK organisations decided to disarm, implementing that decision yesterday.”

The President emphasised national unity, stating: “From today onwards, all citizens of Türkiye—Turks, Kurds, Arabs, and all ethnic and religious groups—are equal first-class citizens. We will work together for peace and prosperity. We reaffirm that weapons are not the answer; dialogue is key. In this regard, I assure you that artificial borders will dissolve.”

He reflected on shared history, saying: “We have achieved common victories with the Kurds throughout our history. From today, we will build on these successes and peacefully reunite for the sake of our land and country. We will negotiate to resolve outstanding issues.”

President Erdoğan added: “In this process, everyone is a winner without distinction. The Turkish people as a whole are the victors. Therefore, we should welcome this process, which serves the interests of our country. We will take further joint steps in the future to enhance the welfare of our people.”

Regarding the disarmament process, he announced: “We will establish a parliamentary committee to oversee the current situation in Türkiye, whose efforts will serve the country’s future. We remain open to any nation or party willing to resolve its problems through dialogue.”

He concluded: “Importantly, from today onwards, mothers’ hearts will no longer be burdened by loss, and all will live together on Turkish soil. I extend my gratitude to all who have supported the peace process, especially the Iraqi federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government.”



PUKMEDIA