Latest developments in peace process and democratic society

In Turkey, the process initiated in October 2024—following the call by Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli—entered a new phase on February 27, 2025, with a call from leader Abdullah Ocalan titled "Peace and Democratic Society," centering on an agenda of political meetings and disarmament. Following the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) decision to disband on May 12, 2025, steps regarding disarmament, legal reforms, and social integration have moved to the forefront of the agenda.

Agenda of the meetings of the Equality and Peoples' Democracy Party delegation in Imrali

Last week, a delegation from the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party met with Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş, a delegation from the Justice and Development Party (AKP), and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli. During the meetings, discussions focused on the current status of the process, the issue of disarmament, the implementation of legal measures, and the oversight committee planned to be established in Parliament.

Discussion by the parliamentary oversight committee

As part of the peace process and the democratic society initiative, discussions are underway regarding the establishment of an oversight committee within the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, as well as its membership size and operational mechanisms. Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş is expected to meet with representatives of political parties. Parties with parliamentary groups are set to participate based on their representation ratios, while the status of other parties remains unclear. According to reports, the Justice and Development Party (AKP) favors a smaller committee, with membership ranging from 15 to 20. The committee will be tasked with monitoring legislative work and offering recommendations.

Cevdet Yılmaz: Two sub-committees begin work.

Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz announced that the Field Monitoring and Observation Committee and the Subcommittee for Strategic Coordination and Disarmament have commenced their work. Yılmaz explained that the process is proceeding in stages: the first stage involves the laying down of arms, field inspections, and verification by the National Security Council. Meanwhile, other subcommittees—such as the "Legal Affairs" Committee and the "Social Cohesion" Committee—are preparing for the second stage.

Statement on the withdrawal from the Metina region

In practical terms, the withdrawal from the Metina region stands out. The movement’s leadership announced the complete withdrawal of armed forces from within Turkey’s borders and adjacent areas. It reported that, in the Baz sector of the Metina region, four bases and shelters—Khabat, Yajak, Sabri, and Sasun—were evacuated on October 8, 2026. The statement explained that this decision is part of a strategy to end the armed struggle and transition toward a democratic political struggle.

Muratd Karayılan, commander of the People's Defense Forces (HPG) Central Headquarters, stated in an interview with *Amargi* newspaper that the withdrawal from Metina was not the result of a military defeat, but rather the outcome of internal dialogue and assessments. He explained that withdrawal orders had been issued to forces in Amed, Mardin, and Botan, as well as to units stationed in urban areas. Karayılan emphasized the role of leader Abdullah Öcalan, noting the necessity of complementing military measures with comprehensive political and legal steps. Official security sources confirmed the evacuation of these four areas on October 8.

The Framework Law and the Legal Framework

In the legal sphere, the "Law on Promoting National Solidarity and Social Integration"—enacted on August 10, 2026—is under discussion. Following the confirmation of the decision to lay down arms and dissolve the organization, this law encompasses social integration measures and legal arrangements.

Fethi Yıldız, Deputy Chairman of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), stated on October 12 that the process could be concluded by the end of November. He explained that approximately 2,800 individuals would benefit from this law, excluding founding cadres and around 230 administrators.

Kurtulmuş: There is a need in the legal and economic spheres.

The Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Numan Kurtulmuş, stated that security alone is insufficient to ensure the long-term success of the process; the rule of law, democratic development, and regional economic development must be strengthened. Kurtulmuş added that halting the war would pave the way for a peaceful economy and regional development.

The official status of leader Abdullah Ocalan has not yet been determined

Within the framework of the overarching legislation, four sub-committees were established under the supervision of the Monitoring and Evaluation Board, chaired by Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz. Among these is the "Sub-Committee on Strategic Coordination and Disarmament"; assessments emphasizing the necessity for Leader Abdullah Ocalan to play a coordinating role in the process's development remain of critical importance. However, to date, no official decision has been made—nor any concrete step taken—regarding Leader Abdullah Ocalan’s role and mission as the coordinator for peace and political affairs within the process, nor regarding his status and coordinating duties.

The role of Leader Abdullah Ocalan has not yet been officially defined

The clarity of the legal and political framework regarding the status of Leader Abdullah Ocalan remains one of the key issues awaiting an answer from public opinion in the coming period.

Sh-S

ANHA