Peregraf- The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) today announced the full withdrawal of its guerrilla forces from Turkish territory to the Media Defense Areas, a region under PKK control within the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The move, described by the PKK as a step to advance the "Peace and Democratic Society Process" into its second phase, was revealed during a press conference held in Qandil Mountains.
The announcement underscores a significant development in the ongoing peace efforts. The PKK's leadership emphasized the necessity for immediate political and legal responses from the Turkish side and called upon the public to mobilize in support of the peace process.
"The process, which began last year with statements by the President and MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli, and gained identity with Leader Abdullah Öcalan's 'Peace and Democratic Society' call on February 27, 2025, is going through an extremely important and critical stage," read a statement from the PKK's leadership, translated into Turkish by KCK Executive Council Member Sabri Ok and into Kurdish by YJA Star Serhat Provincial Command Member Vejîn Dersîm.
The PKK highlighted its consistent efforts to de-escalate tensions. "Over the past eight months, as the Kurdish side, we have taken major historical steps based on the call for Peace and Democratic Society," the statement continued. This included a ceasefire declaration on March 1st and the PKK's 12th Congress held between May 5th and 7th, where decisions were made to end the PKK's organizational existence and armed struggle, contingent on direct implementation by Leader Abdullah Öcalan.
Further demonstrating its commitment, a 30-member "Peace and Democratic Society Group," led by KCK Executive Council Co-chair Besê Hozat, symbolically burned their weapons on July 11th, following a video call from Öcalan.
"These historical steps taken by Leader Abdullah Öcalan and the PKK have deeply affected the Turkish political and social environment, creating a new spirit and will towards peace and democratization," the statement affirmed, noting that this "courageous and sacrificial stance" has been widely appreciated both within and outside Turkey.
Despite what the PKK termed "insufficient approaches" from other parties, the movement stated its determination to prevent escalating dangers and lay the groundwork for a free, democratic, and fraternal future.
"In this direction, based on the decisions of the 12th Congress, and with the approval of Leader Abdullah Öcalan, we are carrying out the withdrawal of all our forces from within Turkey's borders—forces that pose a risk of conflict and are open to potential provocations—to the Media Defense Areas (PKK-Controlled territories within the Kurdistan Region of Iraq)," the statement declared. Members of these returning groups were present at the press conference. Similar "corrective measures" are also being taken in border areas susceptible to conflict and provocation.
The PKK stressed that the effectiveness of these steps would be demonstrated in practice, reaffirming its "determination and clear stance" in implementing the 12th Congress decisions. However, the group insisted that the "legal and political approaches required by the process must be demonstrated without delay." This includes establishing a specific "Transition Law" for the PKK and enacting "freedom and democratic integration laws" to allow for participation in democratic politics.
Concluding its statement, the PKK issued a strong call to the public, particularly women and youth. "The process is not about waiting for something from someone, but about creating and winning a free and democratic life through organized struggle," the statement read. "Therefore, everyone who sees themselves within this life must fight at the level of mobilization for the success of the 'Peace and Democratic Society Process.'"
"The Peace and Democratic Society Manifesto will surely achieve victory," the statement concluded.
The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) is a Kurdish militant and political organization founded in 1978. It has engaged in armed conflict with the Turkish state, initially for an independent Kurdish state, and later for greater Kurdish autonomy and rights within Turkey.