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Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan characterized the PKK terrorist group's announcement to dissolve and disarm as "historic and important" during a joint press conference Monday, emphasizing that careful monitoring of implementation will be crucial moving forward.
The development follows a process initiated by Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli on Oct. 1, 2024, which has now reached a significant milestone with the PKK's announcement. Fidan acknowledged both Bahceli's "historic call" and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's determination in advancing the process.
"This is a historic and important decision. I consider this decision extremely significant," Fidan said during the press conference with his Jordanian and Syrian counterparts. "If this decision is implemented sincerely, I believe it will be beneficial for everyone."
Fidan stressed that concrete actions must follow the announcement, stating: "There are practical steps to be taken after this decision. We will monitor them closely."
The foreign minister expressed hope that the impact would extend beyond Türkiye's borders. "Our greatest wish is for this to extend beyond Türkiye and positively affect other people in our region," he said.
The joint press conference also covered broader regional issues, particularly challenges facing Syria. Fidan identified Israel's "expansionist policies" as a primary threat to regional stability.
"The difficulties Syria faces are multi-dimensional and serious," Fidan noted. "This situation endangers the security and stability not only of Syria but of the entire region. As regional countries, we believe this expansionism must end."
Fidan highlighted terrorism as another critical concern, specifically mentioning terrorist groups Daesh and the YPG. "We exchanged ideas, particularly on concrete steps that could be taken in the fight against Daesh. We made assessments on increasing cooperation to end the terrorist threat," he said.
The foreign minister expressed particular concern about YPG control of Syrian territory. "The fact that approximately one-fifth of Syrian territory is under YPG occupation poses a significant threat. We expressed that this situation is unacceptable for Syria's future and evaluated what could be done on this issue."
As Türkiye processes this potentially transformative development, attention will focus on the implementation of the PKK's announced dissolution and disarmament in the coming weeks and months.
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