News Center – As part of the Call for Peace and Democratic Society launched by Leader Abdullah Öcalan on February 27, the Kurdistan Freedom Movement has announced the withdrawal of its forces from Turkish territory — a historic step paving the way for the second phase of the Path of Peace and Democratic Society.

In a statement issued today, Sunday, October 26, the Movement reaffirmed its commitment to the Call for Peace and Democratic Society. The statement was read by Sabri Ok and Fecin Dersim during an official ceremony in the Qandil Mountains.

 

The statement read:

 “The wars and conflicts raging across the Middle East have posed a serious threat to the future of both the Kurds and Turkey. This has prompted the start of a new process initiated by statements from the President of the Turkish Republic, the leader of the Nationalist Movement Party Devlet Bahçeli, and Leader Abdullah Öcalan — under the title ‘Peace and Democratic Society’ — upon Öcalan’s invitation at an extremely critical and decisive stage.”

 

The statement continued:

“Over the past eight months, as the Kurdish side, we have taken significant and historic steps based on the Call for Peace and Democratic Society. To create a calm and suitable atmosphere for dialogue, we declared a ceasefire on March 1, immediately following the call.”

 

It also stated:

“Relying on the principles outlined in Leader Öcalan’s guidance, we held the 12th Congress of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) between May 5–7. During the congress, we made several key decisions, including dissolving the party’s organizational structure and ending the strategy of armed struggle. One fundamental decision was that the practical implementation of these resolutions can only occur under the direct leadership of Leader Abdullah Öcalan.”

Two months later, on July 11, and based on Öcalan’s call, a Peace and Democratic Society Group consisting of 30 members was formed under the co-chair of the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK), Bese Hozat. To put the decision to end the armed struggle into practice, the group held a symbolic ceremony in which it destroyed its weapons — confirming its firm and clear stance in the field.

The statement explained that under the leadership of Leader Öcalan and the PKK, the Kurdish movement has taken historic steps that deeply impacted Turkey’s political and social landscape, igniting a new spirit and will based on peace and democracy. These principled stances and great sacrifices made by Kurds inside and outside Turkey for peace, democracy, and freedom have been widely welcomed within the framework of the overall project.

With a sense of responsibility, all efforts tied to the thought of Leader Öcalan and the liberation movement seek to overcome the obstacles burdening relations between Turkey and the Kurds, aiming to establish a free, democratic future founded on brotherhood and equality. To reach the second phase of the Path of Peace and Democratic Society, practical efforts are underway to implement this goal according to the plan adopted at the 12th PKK Congress.

Accordingly, and in line with the decisions of that congress, the movement is reorganizing its forces within Turkey’s borders in areas that might face risks of escalation or provocations, taking preventive measures in contact zones to avoid any clashes.

The movement also announced that part of “our forces have reached the Medya Defense Zones and joined the Call for Peace and Democratic Society, while necessary precautions are being taken in sensitive border areas.”

The statement stressed that these steps will have tangible impacts and represent a practical translation of the position adopted at the 12th Congress:

It is entirely clear that we are committed to the decisions of this congress and are moving in line with its directives. However, from political and legal standpoints, the obligations imposed by this stage must be demonstrated without delay. In this context, the PKK’s Transformation Law should be considered the foundation for its participation in democratic political life, ensuring its integration into the path of freedom and democracy without obstacles.”

The movement concluded its statement by addressing women, youth, and all members of society, emphasizing that this path is not one of waiting for favors from others, but a path of organized struggle to build and strengthen a free and democratic life:

 “Therefore, everyone who finds themselves within this struggle must contribute with all their energy to the process of peace and democratic society.”