ANKARA — Turkey’s parliament has approved a landmark bill designed to advance the peace process with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), marking a major step toward ending a conflict that has lasted for more than four decades.
The legislation seeks to support a process aimed at bringing the long-running conflict to an end. The fighting has killed tens of thousands of people over the decades.
Parliament Approves Peace Framework
Turkish lawmakers approved the legislation titled the Law on National Unity and Social Integration after around 12 hours of debate.
The bill passed with 468 votes in favor and 88 against, while six lawmakers abstained.
The legislation represents one of the most significant steps taken by the Turkish state toward resolving the decades-long conflict.
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Bill Focuses on Reintegration of Former Fighters
The new legislation aims to facilitate the reintegration of former PKK fighters into society.
The provisions will apply to individuals who formally notify authorities in writing that they want to benefit from the measures.
Applicants must also confirm that the PKK has completely ended its operations and surrendered its weapons.
The framework could provide a legal pathway for former fighters to return to civilian life.
PKK Conflict Has Lasted More Than Four Decades
The PKK has fought the Turkish state for more than four decades.
The conflict has caused tens of thousands of deaths and created major security and political challenges for Turkey and the wider region.
The latest parliamentary move follows developments that have raised hopes for a lasting settlement.
The group has reportedly withdrawn from military positions in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region and held a formal disarmament ceremony in Sulaymaniyah in July 2025.
Major Step Toward Ending Long-Running Conflict
The legislation follows years of political and security tensions between Turkey and Kurdish groups.
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Kurdish political forces have long called for measures that could help resolve the conflict and address the future of former militants.
The Turkish parliament’s approval now provides a legal framework for the next stage of the process.
The implementation of the legislation will depend on further steps by the authorities and former PKK members.
If the process continues as planned, the new framework could mark a significant turning point in Turkey’s decades-long conflict with the PKK.
