Kurdish politician Lezgin Botan told ANF that the Kurdistan Workers’ Party’s (PKK) decision to end the armed struggle and dissolve itself was the beginning of a historic new phase that could pave the way for peace in Turkey and the Middle East.

Botan noted that this development came in response to the call made by Mr.Öcalan and emphasized that the process should be seen as a historic opportunity.

Botan said: “The PKK has ended a 47-year armed struggle. This step is a major peace initiative led by Mr. Öcalan. It has also resonated internationally. A new opportunity has emerged that could open the door to democratic transformation in Turkey.”

He stated that the Kurdish people, through all their institutions and political structures, have responded positively to this decision and are now focused on the steps the Turkish state will take: “The Kurdish side has made its sacrifice. Now expectations from the state are high. If this process is again dragged out over time and turned into stalling and elimination tactics, as it was in the past, people will not accept it. Because the Kurdish people have historical experience of this and now interpret such moments through that lens.”

People’s mistrust is not without reason

Botan said: “The Turkish state has appeared to initiate peace processes many times before. But throughout history, such processes have often ended in massacres. That is why any step taken by the state now must be one that inspires trust. People’s mistrust is not without reason. The Kurdish people no longer want to be deceived.

If every step taken in the name of peace is met with war, no one will see the process as sincere. This people, with decades of experience, now has the awareness to distinguish between stalling tactics and genuine solutions. The Kurdish people have spoken and taken their steps. Now it is the Turkish state’s turn. Together, we can build a lasting and honorable peace.”

The language of the media is toxic, and the state’s language is threatening

Lezgin Botan emphasized the importance of the Kurdish side’s clear commitment to a peaceful resolution, and criticized the state’s continued use of a threatening tone and attitude: “The language of the media is toxic, and the language of the state is filled with threats. Military operations are still ongoing. Turkish generals continue to speak the language of intimidation. Responding to such a major step for peace with this kind of approach is unacceptable.

The PKK has ended its armed struggle. From this point on, if even a single guerrilla is harmed in these operations, neither history, nor the conscience of humanity, nor the Kurdish people will accept it.”

Botan also addressed the calls for the process to be conducted within the framework of the Turkish Parliament, stating that without concrete steps, the process cannot advance: “We must go beyond symbolic statements. Of course, Parliament should play a role in this process, but what matters most are the practical steps. Without legal and constitutional guarantees, lasting peace is not possible.”

He concluded by stating that the Kurdish people are now closer than ever to building national unity across the four parts of Kurdistan and establishing a shared political vision: “Today, the Kurdish people are stronger, more organized, and more visible on the international stage than ever before. It is time to transform this unity into diplomatic success and political status. We must enter a phase of building our status and strengthening our existing achievements in all four parts of Kurdistan. We have a historic opportunity and capacity before us.”