Middle East
Mithat Sancar, Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) lawmaker and a member of the Imrali delegation that visited jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, speaking to Rudaw on July 11, 2025. Photo: Rudaw
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The disarmament process of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) could be completed within four months if the Turkish government and all parties cooperate, a senior member of Turkey’s pro-Kurdish party and part of the delegation involved in the peace process said.
Mithat Sancar, Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) lawmaker and a member of the Imrali delegation that visited jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, told Rudaw on Friday that the recent “historic” ceremony in Sulaimani province was a “big step” in the right direction
"This process has been ongoing for six or seven months, and now a big step has been taken," Sancar said. "Perhaps after another three to four months this issue will end,” he said.
The PKK on Friday held a landmark ceremonial disarmament in Sulaimani province with 30 members and commanders - divided equally between men and women - burning their weapons before heading back to their hideouts. The decision to lay down arms was made following a call earlier this year by jailed leader Ocalan for the PKK to pursue politics instead of armed conflict.
Sancar emphasized that new "peace laws" and integration measures will be needed to allow former fighters to re-enter civilian life and participate in democratic politics. He added that a parliamentary commission is expected to be formed within a week to prepare these proposals.
While local leaders and the PKK have taken steps toward de-escalation, Sancar stressed that the Turkish state also needs to act. "This shouldn’t be prolonged," he said. "A plan needs to be made, a mechanism established, and laws need to be passed."
He noted that the decision to burn the weapons rather than surrender them was deeply symbolic. "They say, 'We are laying down arms by our own will … and we want peace, we want a democratic solution.'"
Sancar, who visited Ocalan on Imrali island as part of the delegation, said the PKK leader appeared in good health and remained "prepared for this process," as he continues to draft ideas for politics and society and has called for broader engagement, including visits by journalists, academics, and politicians.
The PKK, established in 1978, initially sought Kurdish independence before shifting its focus to securing political and cultural rights for Kurds in Turkey. It is designated as a terrorist organization by Ankara and its Western allies.
Hevidar Zana contributed to this report.
Mithat Sancar, Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) lawmaker and a member of the Imrali delegation that visited jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, told Rudaw on Friday that the recent “historic” ceremony in Sulaimani province was a “big step” in the right direction
"This process has been ongoing for six or seven months, and now a big step has been taken," Sancar said. "Perhaps after another three to four months this issue will end,” he said.
The PKK on Friday held a landmark ceremonial disarmament in Sulaimani province with 30 members and commanders - divided equally between men and women - burning their weapons before heading back to their hideouts. The decision to lay down arms was made following a call earlier this year by jailed leader Ocalan for the PKK to pursue politics instead of armed conflict.
Sancar emphasized that new "peace laws" and integration measures will be needed to allow former fighters to re-enter civilian life and participate in democratic politics. He added that a parliamentary commission is expected to be formed within a week to prepare these proposals.
While local leaders and the PKK have taken steps toward de-escalation, Sancar stressed that the Turkish state also needs to act. "This shouldn’t be prolonged," he said. "A plan needs to be made, a mechanism established, and laws need to be passed."
He noted that the decision to burn the weapons rather than surrender them was deeply symbolic. "They say, 'We are laying down arms by our own will … and we want peace, we want a democratic solution.'"
Sancar, who visited Ocalan on Imrali island as part of the delegation, said the PKK leader appeared in good health and remained "prepared for this process," as he continues to draft ideas for politics and society and has called for broader engagement, including visits by journalists, academics, and politicians.
The PKK, established in 1978, initially sought Kurdish independence before shifting its focus to securing political and cultural rights for Kurds in Turkey. It is designated as a terrorist organization by Ankara and its Western allies.
Hevidar Zana contributed to this report.
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