PKK Founder Calls for Disarmament and Peace with Turkey

Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned founder of the PKK, has called for the group to disarm and dissolve to achieve peace with Turkey. His letter was presented at a conference in Istanbul, offering a hopeful outlook on resolving the conflict that has persisted for nearly five decades. Political responses indicate a willingness to consider dialogue, with implications for regional stability in Syria.

Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned founder of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), has issued a letter calling for the group to disarm and dissolve in order to facilitate peace with Turkey. Ocalan stated, “I am making a call for the laying down of arms, and I take on the historical responsibility of this call. … the PKK must dissolve itself,” emphasizing the importance of establishing a Democratic society.

The letter was presented during an event in Istanbul, where Ocalan, now 75 years old, is serving a life sentence after being captured by Turkish forces in 1999. Participants in the conference expressed optimism about the letter’s potential to pave the way for peace, with Siri Sureyya Onder from the Kurdish-allied People’s Equality and Democracy party remarking, “This is the breaking point of history and it is a positive one.”

The possibility of ending the protracted conflict between Turkey and the PKK appears to have gained traction following Turkish lawmaker Devlet Bahceli’s suggestion that Ocalan should address Parliament and affirm he has laid down his arms. Bahceli’s affiliation with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan further signals a shift in political dynamics.

Siyamend Ali, a spokesperson for the PKK-affiliated People’s Protection Units (YPG) in Syria, conveyed that Ocalan’s message could have significant regional implications, particularly regarding the ongoing crises in Syria. He expressed hope that this development prompts a cessation of conflicts and fosters dialogue leading to democratic governance and equal rights for all.

The PKK is classified as a terrorist organization by Turkey and the United States, with the latter citing numerous terrorist attacks perpetrated by the group, which have resulted in significant civilian casualties.

In conclusion, Abdullah Ocalan’s appeal for the PKK to disarm and dissolve underscores a significant moment in the longstanding conflict between Turkey and the PKK. The response from various political figures and the potential for dialogue indicate a shift towards seeking a peaceful resolution, especially in the context of regional stability. The implications of this call for peace may also extend to related conflicts in Syria, emphasizing the need for inclusive democratic processes.

Original Source: www.upi.com