Turkish parliament begins debate on PKK disarmament and reintegration bill

ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey's parliament began deliberating on Wednesday a ruling-party bill aimed at disarming the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and reintegrating members who leave the group. The proposal, introduced by the Justice and Development Party (AKP) under the title of "strengthening national solidarity and social cohesion," is expected to be reviewed by the Justice Commission before a plenary vote. The legislation outlines a phased disarmament and reintegration process. Under the bill, a commission chaired by the vice president and composed of the justice, interior, foreign affairs and defense ministers, the head of the intelligence agency, the National Security Council secretary general and the presidential secretary general would be established. Members of the PKK who wish to benefit from the provisions would need to submit a written application within six months of the law's publication, and surrendered weapons, ammunition and explosives would be officially registered. Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz said Turkey would stand united against regional conspiracies and continue to raise democratic and development standards in an environment free of terrorism. The Turkish daily Zaman reported that the bill follows reports of increased U.S. efforts to use the Kurdish file during its war against Iran, and that Ankara aims to counter such efforts by strengthening internal cohesion.