Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced that the era of terrorism, armed violence, and criminal activities in the country has ended. The country’s leader made this historic statement on May 14 during a parliamentary faction meeting of the Justice and Development Party (AKP).
In his speech, Erdoğan specifically emphasized the disbandment of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), known for its terrorist activities, and their surrender of weapons. According to the president, this event marks the beginning of a new phase in ensuring peace and security in Turkey.
"The era of terrorism, weapons, and violence is behind us. We have now stepped into a new historical phase in ensuring peace and stability in our country. The most important thing for us in this process is for all terrorist groups in Europe and Syria to also recognize this reality, lay down their arms, and join the process of dispersal," said the Turkish leader.
The president emphasized that the most fundamental condition for the disbandment of the PKK is the unconditional fulfillment of the promises made by the organization. In this matter, the Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and other relevant structures will conduct strict and meticulous monitoring.
It is known that the Kurdistan Workers' Party declared its goal to fight for the national rights of Kurds in Turkey and to establish an independent Kurdish state. The organization was founded in 1974 and began armed actions against the Turkish government in 1984. Over the nearly 40 years of armed conflict that followed, more than 40,000 people lost their lives.
At the beginning of May this year, the PKK officially announced its disbandment at its congress and ceased its armed activities. At the same time, the organization has been officially designated as a terrorist group by Turkey, the USA, and the European Union.
This event is expected to have historical significance not only for Turkey but for the entire region as well. With the decline of the threat of terrorism, there is a high likelihood of economic development in Turkey, an increase in foreign investments, and further strengthening of peaceful relations with neighboring countries in the region.
