Close
newsletters Newsletters
X Instagram Youtube

Defense minister asks affiliates of PKK terrorist group to comply with dissolution calls

Deliberations on the 2026 budgets of the Ministries of National Defense and Industry and Technology begins in the Turkish Grand National Assembly with Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler (C) attending the session in Ankara, Türkiye on Dec. 11, 2025. (AA Photo)
Photo
BigPhoto
Deliberations on the 2026 budgets of the Ministries of National Defense and Industry and Technology begins in the Turkish Grand National Assembly with Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler (C) attending the session in Ankara, Türkiye on Dec. 11, 2025. (AA Photo)
December 12, 2025 11:22 AM GMT+03:00

Defense Minister Yasar Guler on Thursday urged the PKK terrorist group and all its affiliates to comply with calls for dissolution, stressing that Türkiye’s “terror-free Türkiye” initiative depends on full adherence to the process.

Speaking during parliamentary deliberations on the Defense Ministry’s 2026 budget, Guler said the initiative can only move forward if all PKK-linked entities act in line with the dissolution directive.

“For the process to function in a healthy way, the PKK and all groups associated with it must abide by the dissolution call,” Guler said.

Parliament reviews 'terror-free' Türkiye initiative

Earlier the same day, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), part of the People’s Alliance, submitted a report on the initiative to the office of the parliament speaker.

The report outlines political assessments and potential legal steps related to the process.

According to officials, the parliamentary committee is expected to complete its work by the end of the year after hearing testimony from academics, ministers, families of terror victims and families of PKK members.

Deliberations on the 2026 budgets of the Ministries of National Defense and Industry and Technology begins in the Turkish Grand National Assembly with Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler (C) speaking at the session in Ankara, Türkiye on Dec. 11, 2025. (AA Photo)
Deliberations on the 2026 budgets of the Ministries of National Defense and Industry and Technology begins in the Turkish Grand National Assembly with Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler (C) speaking at the session in Ankara, Türkiye on Dec. 11, 2025. (AA Photo)

Disarmament process under monitoring

The initiative focuses on the disarmament of the PKK, a process authorities say has been unilateral so far.

Officials have rejected claims that negotiations are being held with the group.

The PKK announced last summer that it was abandoning weapons during a ceremony.

Turkish authorities continue to monitor developments in Iraq, where the group’s senior leadership remains in a mountainous area.

Legal framework under discussion

Speaking to journalists, MHP Deputy Chair Feti Yıldız said the report includes possible legal measures that could be taken if the process advances.

Authorities have said new regulations or laws may be required, particularly regarding the PKK’s status if it fully disarms and the future of its members.

Officials have not disclosed next steps, though the process could include a limited amnesty for PKK members not involved in acts of violence.

December 12, 2025 11:22 AM GMT+03:00
More From Türkiye Today