Following the announcement by the Kurdish freedom movement that it would withdraw all guerrilla units from Turkey, AKP spokesperson Ömer Çelik described the development as part of a “strategic step to strengthen democracy.”
Çelik pointed out the need to “completely dismantle all armed and illegal structures of the PKK in Turkey, Syria, and Iraq.” In this context, the announced withdrawal, he said, is “concrete progress on the path to disarmament and the end of armed activities.”
Reference to parliamentary commission
Çelik particularly emphasized the role of the “Commission for National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy” established in parliament, which is composed of members from several political groups. According to Çelik, this commission has proven that “the political will in parliament—as the only legitimate authority—is at the heart of the process.”
“The fact that parties with different political positions support this process is a strength of our political culture,” Çelik explained. He emphasized that the goal now is to continue the disarmament and dissolution process without interruption.
Warning against sabotage and division
Çelik also warned of possible interference in the process by external actors: “We are aware of attempts to exert influence through political, intelligence, or de facto sabotage from abroad.”
According to Çelik, however, Turkey will continue to pursue the path it has chosen. “We will not tolerate distracting accusations, maximalist demands, or radical groups that weaken the process,” he said. There should be no “side effects” that distract from the core objective, he added.
Emphasis on cohesion and state authority
Calling for political and social unity, Çelik said: “With the support of every single citizen and on the basis of our shared history and national identity, we will continue to move toward our goal.”
The integrity of the state and the values of the nation are not up for debate, the spokesperson continued. He said that political diversity is a source of wealth, but it must be preserved in accordance with the fundamental principles of the state. He concluded, “The Republic of Turkey retains control over its agenda.”