President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan pledged unwavering dedication to the fight against terrorism, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding Türkiye's youth and fostering national unity. Speaking at an event in Ankara on Jan. 27, Erdoğan stated, “We will not allow our youth to disappear under the savage fangs of terrorism for any reason.”
Erdoğan condemned the practices of "terror barons" who, he claimed, forcibly recruit young people into militant activities, asserting that their end is near. “Our fight against the terrorist organization that has been sucking the blood of our country and our people for 40 years continues. Step by step, we are approaching a terror-free Türkiye,” he declared.
The president further criticized external forces, referring to imperialist powers as the architects of terrorism, and called for collective action to build a unified and prosperous future for all citizens, including Turks, Kurds, and Arabs.
“Even if others try to separate and divide us, we will strive to bring the youth of this country together,” Erdoğan said, highlighting his administration's commitment to serving the nation selflessly.
Talks with PKK Leader Signal Rare Dialogue
Erdoğan’s remarks came as rare talks were held between jailed PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan and a delegation from the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party). The delegation, including lawmakers Sırrı Süreyya Önder and Pervin Buldan, visited Öcalan on Jan. 22, marking their second meeting within a month.
This engagement follows the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli’s invitation for Öcalan to address parliament to renounce terrorism and disband the PKK. Erdoğan supported this initiative, describing it as a “historic window of opportunity.”
The DEM Party later issued a statement, indicating Öcalan’s willingness to support a new government-led initiative aimed at ending the decades-long conflict.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
The recent meetings with Öcalan, who has been imprisoned on İmralı Island since 1999, mark the first formal talks since 2015, when members of the pro-Kurdish HDP (now DEM Party) met with him during a short-lived peace process. Erdoğan framed these developments as part of a broader vision for Türkiye’s future, stating, “We manage the processes guided by a thousand-year heritage and a century-old vision.”
The PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the U.S., and the EU, has been at the center of a decades-long conflict with the Turkish state. Erdoğan’s government appears to be exploring new avenues to resolve this conflict while maintaining its firm stance on terrorism.
As the country navigates this delicate balance, Erdoğan’s emphasis on unity and dialogue could signal a potential shift in Türkiye’s approach to long-standing tensions, fostering hope for a more peaceful future.
Erdoğan
