Türkiye's defence chief: No room for ceasefire talk in PKK disarmament effort

Turkish National Defence Minister Yaşar Güler emphasized Türkiye’s unwavering commitment to preventing any delays in the disarmament process of the PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party), speaking at an iftar event organized by Numan Kurtulmuş, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye. 

The event, held for the families of martyrs (Shehids) and veterans in Parliament, was an opportunity for Güler to express his deep pleasure in joining them during the holy month of Ramadan.

According to the Turkish Ministry of National Defence, Güler addressed the ongoing call from PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan for his followers to lay down their arms and disband, Caliber.Az reports.

Millî Savunma Bakanı Yaşar Güler, şehitlerimizin kıymetli aileleri ve kahraman gazilerimiz için TBMM Başkanı Numan Kurtulmuş’un ev sahipliğinde düzenlenen iftar yemeğinde konuştu. Bakan Yaşar Güler şunları söyledi:

HUZUR İÇİNDE YAŞIYORSAK ŞEHİTLERİMİZ VE GAZİLERİMİZ SAYESİNDE… pic.twitter.com/lQYjmRjRG7

— T.C. Millî Savunma Bakanlığı (@tcsavunma) March 3, 2025

He firmly stated, “Sabotage and delaying the process cannot be allowed; a cautious and rational approach will be taken as a basis.” He stressed that the government would not tolerate any attempts to hinder or postpone the crucial process.

During his speech, Güler reflected on the sacrifices made by the Shehids and veterans, calling them the “greatest representatives of the struggle for the Motherland and the flag.” He assured those present that the heroic acts of these individuals would never be forgotten and would continue to live in the hearts of the Turkish people. The courage and sacrifices of the martyrs and veterans, he noted, remain a profound source of inspiration for the Turkish military and society.

Güler also warned against any attempts to introduce confusion by raising issues such as a “ceasefire” that were not part of the official disarmament process. “I would like to make it very clear that sabotage and delaying the process will never be tolerated; a cautious and rational approach will be taken as a basis,” he affirmed.

He further acknowledged the weight of the historical moment, stating, “If today an important process is underway and a historic step has been taken... resolving disputes, defeating those who have been deceived, and ending the ambitions of those who exploit terrorism under various pretexts, this has been achieved at a heavy price.”

Güler expressed his deepest gratitude to the families of the Shehids and veterans, recognizing the immense sacrifices made by them. “The brunt of this price was borne by our Shehids and veterans and their honourable families. Our gratitude to them is eternal and too deep to express in words,” the minister concluded.

By Tamilla Hasanova