Tülay Hatimoğulları and Tuncer Bakırhan, co-chairs of the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), made a statement regarding the PKK’s weapon disposal ceremony. Referring to the new era that began with the historic call for peace from Imrali, they said it was a strong step toward a democratic solution, equality, and freedom for the peoples of Turkey and the Middle East. “The ceremony to give up arms was an invitation to our peoples for a democratic, just, and free life,” they stated.
The statement, signed by both co-chairs, added: “Today marks a turning point in the century-long history of the Middle East and Turkey. The video call for peace from Imrali, coming after 26 years, is the strongest expression of a call to the ancient spirit of these lands. With the PKK’s weapon-burning ceremony following this call, a new era has begun for resolving the Kurdish question and building a Democratic Turkey. The PKK’s decision to lay down arms is the guarantee that not only the Kurdish question but all of Turkey’s problems can be resolved through democratic means.”
The co-chairs added: “The PKK’s ceremony is an invitation to a democratic, just, equal, and free life. This ceremony has renewed our peoples’ hope for the future. Our hope has grown for days when a century of suffering ends and brotherhood prevails. Peace is our shared achievement. On this sacred journey, we will leave no individual or group behind. From the fertile lands of Anatolia to the rich plains of Thrace, from the wavy coasts of the Black Sea to the ancient cities of Mesopotamia, every citizen will be both witness and partner in this democratic transformation.”
We will defend this process with proud commitment
The statement continued: “The winners will be the people. The winners will be equality, democracy, and peace. We will defend this process with proud commitment, patience, and determination. With this spirit, we wholeheartedly salute the disarmament and transition to democratic politics launched with historic resolve by the Peace and Democratic Society Group on 11 July 2025. For this step is not only part of the Kurdish people’s legitimate freedom struggle, but it also marks the beginning of a new era in Turkey’s and the entire Middle East’s quest for peace, equality, and democratic transformation. Now is the time to come together and implement democratic political and legal reforms. Now is the time to advance the struggle for democratic politics…”
Source: ANF News
