Fighters of the HPG (Hêzên Parastina Gel) and the YJA-Star (Free Women’s Units – Star) have begun withdrawing to the “Media Defence Zones” as part of the decisions taken at the 12th PKK Congress held between May 5 and 7. A total of 25 guerrillas, including eight women, attended today’s statement in Qandil to mark the withdrawal.

 

Devrim Palu, who led the withdrawing group and serves as both an HPG Command Council member and the commander of the Garzan region, responded to questions from Mezopotamya Agency (MA) regarding the process.

 

‘WE DO NOT WANT PROVOCATIONS OR DAMAGE TO THE PEACE PROCESS’

 

Palu said the withdrawal was initiated at the request of Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan, stressing that they did not wish to allow any provocations or disruptions to the Peace and Democratic Society Process. Palu said: “The decision to withdraw was made particularly in areas that posed risks. We did not want anything to jeopardize this process, and therefore the withdrawal was carried out accordingly.”

 

‘A CONSTITUTIONAL BASIS IS ESSENTIAL’

 

Addressing concerns among the public, Palu said such worries were “natural,” adding that the movement’s priority is to ensure the healthy progression of the process. “As a movement, we have taken many steps and shown our commitment,” said Palu and added: “However, what matters equally is the attitude of the other side. So far, we have not seen any visible progress toward creating a legal and constitutional basis as called for by our Leadership. If state authorities act sincerely, the process can advance. But if it is once again sacrificed to electoral calculations, it will be a great loss for all the peoples of Turkey, not just the Kurds. Therefore, everyone must act with awareness and responsibility.”

 

‘TRANSITIONAL LAW MEANS A CONSTITUTIONAL GROUND FOR DIALOGUE’

 

Referring to the mention of “transitional law” in recent statements, Palu said: “We have entered a new phase, a strategy of democratic politics. Transitional law means establishing a constitutional framework that reflects the current circumstances. If there is to be mutual negotiation, there must be mutual steps. For us, one of the decisive factors is the situation of our Leadership, the improvement of his conditions, his freedom. If these matters find a legal and constitutional foundation, that is what we mean by transitional law. Then the process would take on a whole new dimension.”

 

Palu underscored that Abdullah Öcalan, who has led the Kurdish movement for more than four decades, remains central to any future resolution: “His conditions and personal freedom are extremely important, not only for our movement but also for the Kurdish people as a whole. The fact that today, across the four parts of Kurdistan, discussions are taking place about Kurdish existence and status is the result of his struggle. Therefore, his freedom is of vital importance to us.”

 

‘WE ARE NOT IN LOVE WITH WEAPONS’

 

Affirming their commitment to Öcalan’s leadership, Palu stated: “We have demonstrated our loyalty through both our actions and our statements. The guerrilla is not in love with weapons. We seek the creation of conditions that allow for democratic politics.”

 

Palu said no fixed timetable has been set for the withdrawal, citing ongoing Turkish military operations across almost all regions of Northern Kurdistan: “Many of these operations are not even reported in the media. The groups carrying out the withdrawal are doing so under extremely difficult conditions to avoid any provocations or unwanted incidents. If the environment becomes more conducive, the withdrawal can proceed more smoothly.”

 

Palu added: “Under current conditions, it will naturally take time — the terrain is difficult, and operations and ambushes have created significant challenges.”

 

‘PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IS CRUCIAL’

 

Highlighting the importance of public involvement in the process, Palu said: “This is not simply about negotiations between the PKK and the state. It is about the Kurdish question — a social reality. The Kurds are one of the most ancient peoples of this region, with a struggle that goes back far beyond the past 52 years.

 

Women and youth are among the most dynamic forces of society. If the people do not actively participate and demonstrate their determination, an essential pillar of the process will be missing. Therefore, the public must embrace this process strongly.”

 

Palu also called on the broader population of Turkey to support the peace efforts: “All peoples of Turkey, and especially the revolutionary and democratic forces, should take an active part in this process. Those who stand for peace must be fully engaged.”

 

MA / Azad Altay