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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed the parliamentary group of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), marking a significant step in Türkiye's ongoing efforts to combat terrorism on Wednesday.
His remarks came after the PKK terrorist organization announced its decision to disband and lay down arms. Erdogan welcomed this announcement, stating, "With the PKK's decision to dissolve itself, we have entered a new phase in our efforts to create a terror-free Türkiye."
Erdogan emphasized that the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) would be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the PKK’s promise to cease its violent activities. "It is not enough to hear words; the implementation of these words is what matters," he added.
Erdogan went on to reflect on the importance of May 14 in Türkiye's democratic history. "May 14 marks the day our country made its transition to democracy. On this day, the one-party rule of the Republican People's Party (CHP) was brought to an end, and the Democratic Party came into power," Erdogan said. "It was a turning point for our nation's history."
He highlighted the historical significance of this date by pointing out the achievements of former Prime Minister Adnan Menderes, who served as Türkiye's leader after the 1950 elections. Menderes was instrumental in reinstating the call to prayer in Turkish, improving the living standards of rural communities, and modernizing the country’s agriculture and infrastructure.
Erdogan further praised the role of Menderes in elevating the welfare of the Turkish people, particularly in rural areas, where advancements in farming equipment, including tractors, helped revolutionize agriculture. "May 14 is a key milestone in our democracy, and we remember Adnan Menderes and all the martyrs who contributed to our democratic journey with respect," Erdogan said.
In his speech, President Erdogan acknowledged that Türkiye has been engaged in a lengthy and difficult battle against terrorism for more than four decades. He pointed out that despite numerous efforts to address the issue, terrorism had only expanded and caused more harm to the country. "Many well-meaning initiatives to address terrorism, dating back to the era of Turgut Özal, were undermined by external interference. As a result, terrorism not only persisted but spread," Erdogan noted.
Erdogan also reminded his audience of the heavy toll the terrorist insurgency has taken on the country, both in human lives and economic resources. "Over the years, our people have suffered immense losses, and the financial cost of combating terrorism has been staggering. Billions of dollars have been spent on security and reconstruction efforts," he said.
Despite these challenges, Erdogan expressed optimism about the future, stressing that Türkiye is now entering a new era in which the threat of terrorism will be eradicated once and for all. "The era of terrorism, weapons, and violence is now closed. We are determined to eliminate this threat once and for all," he declared.
President Erdogan explained that the PKK’s decision to disband represents a new chapter in Türkiye’s fight against terrorism, particularly in the context of the "Türkiye Yuzyili" (Century of Türkiye) vision. "With this announcement, we are now in a new phase—one that focuses on strengthening our unity, enhancing our national solidarity, and removing the barriers to democracy and progress that terrorism has caused," he said.
He emphasized that Türkiye’s approach to counterterrorism would continue to evolve with the changing dynamics of the 21st century. "The state and the people of Türkiye have been tested by terrorism, but we have learned from our experiences, and we are now in the process of fully freeing ourselves from this burden," Erdogan said.
Erdogan made a clear call for the PKK's external branches to follow suit and lay down their arms. "It is vital that all factions of the PKK, particularly those operating outside of Türkiye, also participate in this process. This is crucial for the success of our efforts," Erdogan stated.
The president also turned his attention to Europe, calling on European nations and their lobbyists to support Türkiye in its fight against terrorism rather than opposing it. "We want our name to be associated with peace, progress, and prosperity. We seek support from those who value the stability of the region, not from those who try to undermine us," Erdogan remarked.
He also expressed his appreciation for the leadership of Devlet Bahceli, leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), for his party’s support in the fight against terrorism. "We owe a great deal to the cooperation between the AK Party and MHP, which has been instrumental in moving Türkiye forward during the most challenging times," Erdogan said.
Following the PKK’s announcement, Erdogan confirmed that Türkiye's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) would be responsible for ensuring that the terrorist group’s commitment to peace is upheld. "From this point forward, our security forces will be able to focus on their national defense duties and border responsibilities with greater confidence and security," Erdogan said.
He added that the end of this phase would mark the beginning of a new chapter in Türkiye’s security policy, allowing the country to shift its resources and focus to new areas of development and international cooperation.
President Erdogan also discussed Türkiye's role in regional diplomacy, noting that the country has become a key player in promoting peace in the Middle East and beyond. He shared his gratitude for U.S. support, particularly in relation to recent diplomatic efforts involving former President Donald Trump.
"We have been actively working to promote peace in the region. I recently had a phone call with Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and we discussed ways to strengthen regional peace and stability," Erdogan stated. He specifically praised Trump for his decision to lift sanctions on Syria and his support in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Erdogan added, "Türkiye is committed to global peace, tranquility, and stability. We are actively working to ensure that the people of Gaza receive the humanitarian aid they need. We also hope that the international community will come together to put an end to the suffering in Gaza."
In the wake of the PKK’s dissolution, Erdogan turned his attention to domestic reforms, particularly in the realm of local governance. He proposed a new structure for Türkiye’s local governments, one that balances the needs of local communities with the requirements of central oversight.
"There is a need for a new municipal governance system that addresses the challenges facing non-metropolitan cities," Erdogan explained. He acknowledged the difficulties facing many municipalities in managing services effectively and called for a reorganization of local government institutions.
Erdogan suggested that a new framework for local governance should be implemented, one that clearly defines the roles of local and central authorities, ensures greater transparency, and improves service delivery across the country. "We must build a system that ensures accountability and efficiency," he added.
Erdogan’s speech concluded with a message of hope and determination. He reiterated his commitment to building a prosperous, secure, and democratic future for Türkiye.
"As we close this dark chapter of terrorism, we will move forward together as a united nation, committed to building a stronger, more peaceful Türkiye," he concluded.
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