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Ankara Optimistic About Imminent Breakthrough in Kurdish Issue

The Turkish government is signaling strong optimism regarding the renewed "solution process" to resolve the decades-long Kurdish issue, anticipating significant positive developments possibly as early as the end of this month. High-level political engagement, including a recent landmark meeting between President Erdoğan and Kurdish politicians, alongside explicit calls for disarmament, has fueled expectations for progress.

On Thursday, Efkan Ala, Deputy Chairman of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), firmly stated that the process is advancing without setbacks. "There is no disruption, no pause. I believe we are taking firm steps towards achieving results," Ala told NTV in a live broadcast on April 10, 2025. He specifically highlighted the government's hopes regarding the disarmament of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), stating, "We hope to see a significant step by the end of April."

Ala elaborated that the next logical phase involves the PKK holding a congress to dissolve itself formally. "I think this will happen in a short time, not a very long term," he remarked, emphasizing the need for a clear timeline to prevent potential provocations. He stressed the clarity of the call for the PKK "to lay down arms with all its elements, surrender its weapons, and dissolve itself."

These optimistic statements coincide with a significant political development: President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with a delegation from the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) at the Presidential Complex in Ankara. This marked Erdoğan's first direct contact with prominent Kurdish politicians associated with the İmralı process in 13 years. The DEM Party delegation included MPs Sırrı Süreyya Önder and Pervin Buldan. The 1.5-hour meeting was also attended by AKP's Efkan Ala and the head of the National Intelligence Organization (MİT), İbrahim Kalın.

Following the meeting, the DEM Party representatives expressed considerable hope. Sırrı Süreyya Önder described the discussion as "very positive," adding, "We are much more hopeful for the future." Pervin Buldan echoed this sentiment, calling the meeting "very, very productive" and noting that "the process is proceeding well."

In a subsequent written statement, the DEM Party characterized the meeting with President Erdoğan as having taken place in an "extremely positive, constructive, productive, and hopeful atmosphere regarding the future." The statement confirmed that the current stage of the process was discussed, along with future steps, emphasizing the critical importance of a period free from violence that strengthens the democratic and political sphere. The party pledged to continue working "with even stronger will and care" to realize the "Call for Peace and Democratic Society."

This renewed push began with a call from Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli, followed by imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan urging the PKK to convene a congress, cease armed conflict, and dissolve the organization. Öcalan acknowledged the favorable climate created by Bahçeli's call and President Erdoğan's political will. The PKK's Executive Committee subsequently stated its agreement with Öcalan's call and declared a ceasefire effective from March 1, pledging no offensive actions unless attacked.

Recent reports also suggest Öcalan, communicating via his relative MP Ömer Öcalan, is willing to oversee the PKK's dissolution congress if necessary conditions, including security and improved working conditions in İmralı prison, are met. While cautious due to past failures, Öcalan remains determined to advance the process and has called for broader societal and parliamentary involvement.

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