Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described Abdullah Ocalan’s call for the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) to disarm and disband as a historic step and opportunity. This move aims to end the conflict with Turkey that has been ongoing since 1984. “In the 40-year trial of Turkey against terrorism,” Erdogan stated, referring to the conflicts with the PKK under Ocalan’s leadership, “we faced very serious challenges. The terrorism threat was not only aimed at the integrity of our state and the peace of our nation but also at our democracy, economy, and politics.” Erdogan emphasized that his administration avoided falling into the trap of using terrorism threats to manipulate politics during his more than 22 years in power. He highlighted maintaining a balance between security and freedom while strengthening unity among Turks and Kurds. Ocalan’s message, delivered through Kurdish party representatives visiting him in prison on Imrali Island, calls for all groups within the PKK to lay down their arms. Ocalan himself assumed historical responsibility for this decision. Furthermore, he rejected past proposals for Kurdish independence or autonomy, advocating instead for respect for identities, free expression, and democratic self-organization within a broader democratic society.