Erdoğan: Türkiye takes bold responsibility in terror-free process

2026-02-18 - 20:12

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye's commitment to eliminating terrorism Wednesday, describing the ongoing "terror-free Türkiye" process as a bold national endeavor to break "half-century-old bloody shackles." Speaking at a governors' meeting in Ankara, Erdoğan emphasized that despite sabotage attempts, Ankara has managed the initiative for 16 months with "great sensitivity and exceptional success." Parliamentary Consensus and Roadmap Erdoğan announced that the National Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy Commission, established under Parliament, completed its report Wednesday with support from all political party groups. He thanked lawmakers for their cooperation, describing the consensus document as a key roadmap as legal discussions prepare to begin. The president indicated that concrete steps will follow toward the complete dissolution of the terrorist organization, which has declared it is laying down arms, referring to the PKK/YPG. Regional Stability and Implementation The president noted that resolution of issues in northern Syria will further clarify Türkiye's path, with Ankara continuing support within brotherhood and good neighborly relations frameworks. He emphasized that governors, particularly in border regions, bear important responsibilities for ensuring the process proceeds smoothly. "Through harmony between the central administration, local governments, and civil society, we will reach our goals step by step," Erdoğan stated, while underlining the necessity of vigilant security cooperation to prevent provocations. The PKK, designated a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, and EU, announced its dissolution last year following imprisoned ringleader Abdullah Öcalan's February 2025 call to end decades-long attacks. Last July, 30 PKK terrorists surrendered and destroyed their weapons in Iraq's Sulaymaniyah province.