Speaking to journalists in Ankara, Omer Celik said they closely follow the developments regarding the peace talks between the state and the PKK, adding that "We expect the process of the terrorist organization dissolving itself and laying down arms to materialize within days."
Turkey and the PKK have been engaged in a decades-long armed conflict. Founded in 1978, the PKK initially struggled for an independent Kurdistan but now calls for increased political and cultural rights within Turkey. Ankara and its Western allies consider the group a terrorist organization.
In late February, Turkey's pro-Kurdish Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) relayed a landmark message by jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, in which he called on the PKK to disarm and disband.
The PKK responded to Ocalan’s message, expressing willingness to uphold his call and declaring a unilateral ceasefire with Turkey, while accusing Ankara of continuing attacks against its members. The group also requested a physical meeting with Ocalan as a precondition for the success of the peace process.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan received a DEM Party delegation last month, which was seen as a significant step in the ongoing talks.
Sirri Sureyya Onder, one of the key members of the DEM Party delegation, passed away on Saturday, 18 days after suffering a heart attack. Mourners at his funeral called on both the state and the PKK to accelerate the peace process as a way to honor his legacy.
