Republican People’s Party (CHP) Chair Özgür Özel described the PKK’s ceremony, in which some weapons were destroyed, as “gratifying,” emphasizing that “establishing a full peace in Turkey is only possible through justice and democracy.”

CHP leader Özgür Özel made a statement on social media, saying: “Our party stands by peace.”

Welcoming the disarmament with “satisfaction,” Özel stated: “We thank all political figures and authorities who contributed to this process—especially the late Sırrı Süreyya Önder. We hope this step marks the beginning of a new era in which weapons are permanently silenced. This process must be managed without excluding any political party or segment of society, with full transparency under the roof of Parliament, guided by broad societal consensus, and through swift and determined steps.”

Özel added: “Achieving a true atmosphere of peace in Turkey is only possible through justice and democracy. The appointment of trustees in place of elected mayors, ongoing investigations that treat Kurdish participation in municipal councils as a crime, the imprisonment of elected politicians through unlawful means, and the undermining of democratic competition are all enemies of social peace and major obstacles to strengthening our internal unity.

What our country needs is a terror-free and democratic Turkey. Peace requires prosperity, prosperity requires unity, and unity requires democracy and justice. For our shared future, we will continue to contribute to and fight for peace with determination.”