How was the withdrawal decision from Turkey made, and what comes next?

In a recap of what happened in the past few months, Mezopotamya Agency (MA) reminded that after Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) chairperson Devlet Bahçeli shook hands with Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) co-chair Tuncer Bakırhan and other party representatives in Parliament on 1 October 2024, a new debate emerged in Turkey over the resolution of the Kurdish question. As these discussions continued, Bahçeli returned to the parliamentary podium on 22 October, this time declaring, “Let Abdullah Öcalan come and speak in Parliament.”

Democratic politics and legal dimension

Following these and many similar statements, meetings began with Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan, who had long been held under severe isolation. In his first meeting with his nephew, DEM Party MP Ömer Öcalan, Abdullah Öcalan conveyed the message: “If the conditions are created, I can shift the process from a ground of conflict to one of law and politics.” In the subsequent period, Öcalan sent various messages regarding the ongoing meetings. In his statement issued on February 27 titled “Call for Peace and a Democratic Society,” he declared that the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) had achieved its goal and therefore should dissolve itself. Öcalan concluded his call by stating, “Undoubtedly, the practical laying down of arms and the dissolution of the PKK require the recognition of the legal and democratic political dimension.”

Commission established

In line with the requirements of the call, the PKK convened and decided to dissolve itself. On July 11, it announced to the world its intention to deactivate its weapons through a symbolic arms-burning ceremony, emphasizing the need for political and legal steps toward participation in democratic politics. Following this development, the Commission for National Solidarity, Fraternity, and Democracy was established in Parliament. Over a two-month working period, the commission listened to numerous individuals and groups offering perspectives on the Kurdish question and its resolution.

The process reached a mutual standstill

While the commission was still continuing its work, several political parties, particularly the Good (IYI) Party, as well as media outlets such as Sözcü newspaper and television, Halk TV, and Cumhuriyet newspaper, along with the circles controlling these platforms, adopted an increasingly harsh stance against the process and sought to sabotage it. At the same time, the state and government failed to take political or legal steps, which further emboldened opponents of the process. According to the information obtained, these and similar developments led to new tensions, and the process reached a mutual standstill. The meetings and mechanisms established between the state and the PKK could not overcome this deadlock.

Öcalan intervened and defused the tension

According to sources, as tensions continued to rise and the deadlock persisted, Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan intervened. Öcalan emphasized that the negotiation table should not be dissolved, that the process could still be carried forward, and even gain new momentum.

While defining the next steps to be taken, Öcalan reportedly sought to weaken the arguments of anti-solution circles and strengthen the position of those advocating for peace and resolution. During negotiations with the state delegation, several options were discussed, and Öcalan underlined that it would not be appropriate for guerrilla groups to enter Turkey without prior legal regulations. Sources stated that Öcalan firmly rejected this proposal.

How was the withdrawal decision made?

Öcalan stated that he had been striving for more than 30 years to end the armed struggle and that the PKK, by convening its congress, had supported this goal. He emphasized that a step was needed to reinforce the decision to end the armed struggle and said it would be more appropriate for the PKK forces currently in Turkey to withdraw from the country, noting that this would also bring an end to the existing tension.

A new call

Öcalan also stated that such steps would eliminate potential grounds for provocation and sabotage. Following meetings and consultations, he issued a new call to the PKK, which had previously declared its dissolution. The PKK responded in line with this new call and decided to withdraw its forces from Turkey.

No incidents occurred

According to available information, based on the decisions taken at the congress, the guerrilla forces stationed in two regions of Turkey prepared for withdrawal and set out. Reports indicate that there was no contact or clash between the guerrilla groups and the army during this process. The guerrilla forces safely reached the designated area and took part in the press statement that was organized there. It was also noted that, depending on developments, the withdrawal process could last for several months.

What will be discussed in the meeting?

 

According to available information, the meeting to be held on October 30 between the Imralı Delegation members Pervin Buldan and Mithat Sancar and Justice and Development Party (AKP) Chairperson and President Tayyip Erdoğan will address these issues along with several others. It is expected that Erdoğan will be briefed on Abdullah Öcalan’s statements and messages regarding the resolution of the Kurdish question, as well as on his position and determination expressed during the meetings. The discussion is also expected to clarify Erdoğan’s approach to the issue and to its possible solution.

 

The commission may visit after the meeting

 

The meeting is also expected to cover new steps aimed at establishing a more stable foundation for the ongoing process. In addition, plans for legal regulations enabling the return of guerrilla forces to Turkey and their participation in politics, as well as whether the parliamentary commission will visit Imralı, are likely to be discussed. According to the information obtained, following this meeting, the commission is expected to meet with Abdullah Öcalan.

Source: ANF