Türkiye has entered a historic new phase in its decadeslong fight against the PKK terrorist group, following nearly 40 years of conflict.
After the PKK laid down its arms and dissolved itself, attention has shifted to establishing the legal framework for the process. A new law adopted by Parliament at the beginning of this week sets out the legal basis for overseeing the group’s disarmament and dissolution.
“The conflict is estimated to have cost Türkiye approximately $2.5 trillion (TL 119.39 trillion) in economic terms alone,” Ali Fuat Gökçe, a professor and military strategist, told Daily Sabah.
“But the toll cannot be measured solely in economic terms. In a society where nearly every extended family has lost someone or has a veteran, bringing this conflict to an end had become a necessity for Türkiye,” he added.
In Türkiye’s 600-seat Parliament, the legislation was approved with 468 votes in favor, 88 against and seven abstentions. The measure allows investigations and prison sentences for some PKK members to be deferred under certain conditions, provided that the group lays down its arms. Those involved in serious crimes, including murder, are excluded from the legislation.
