Ayşegül Doğan, spokesperson for the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, has described the Kurdistan Workers’ Party’s (PKK) official dissolution as the beginning of a new political chapter, calling on all actors in Turkey to support democratic change and reconciliation.
Speaking at a press conference in Ankara on Monday, Doğan said her party’s Central Executive Board (MYK) had convened in what she called one of the most significant meetings in its political life, responding to the decisions announced at the PKK’s 12th Congress.
“This is not merely a dissolution decision,” Doğan stated. “It is the beginning of a process that invites everyone to democratic change and transformation.”
The party meeting was opened with a minute of silence honouring all lives lost in the decades-long conflict, Doğan highlighted, adding that the Kurdish issue’s unresolved nature had caused deep societal wounds over the last 50 years. “We are not just witnessing a new history,” she said, “we are ready to write it.”
Doğan noted that the PKK had signalled this direction as early as 27 February, and its decision to disband should now be seen as the opening of a political path forward.
“With this step, the excuse long used to block democratic solutions has been removed,” she said, referring to the role armed conflict played in stalling past efforts. “The PKK has announced it is saying farewell to arms. This historic opportunity must not be wasted.”
She called on all political parties—both government and opposition—to meet around this new opportunity, stating that the moment demanded collective courage and vision.
Doğan highlighted the role of Abdullah Öcalan, the PKK’s imprisoned leader, in laying the groundwork for a peaceful resolution.
“Despite conspiracies, assassination attempts, and decades of isolation, Mr Öcalan’s insistence on a democratic solution is bearing fruit,” she said, adding that the political climate must now evolve to include his active participation.
She repeated the party’s call for Öcalan’s isolation to be lifted to allow for “free working conditions” and engagement with the peace process.
Turning to the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM), Doğan said the legislature must now take responsibility.
“Parliament is faced with the duty to carry out the most meaningful work of the century,” she said. “We must build a democratic republic together, and this responsibility rests not only with the political class but with all segments of society.”
She also underlined how this process is not about defeat or concession: “This is not a process of surrender or victory. It is a process to build peace and democratic society.”
Concluding her remarks, Doğan pushed for urgency without panic. “We don’t need to rush, but we do need speed. These processes can be fragile. We must legally reinforce this opportunity.”
She called on the public to support the process through critical yet constructive engagement, stressing that a new social contract built on equality, democracy and peace is possible.
“Peace is no longer a dream. It is no longer just a possibility. It is within reach—if we act together.”
