Abdullah Ocalan, PKK founder, urges the group to disarm and dissolve for peace with Turkey. His letter, read in Istanbul, calls for a congress decision to lay down arms. This initiative may mark a critical turning point in the conflict, particularly as Turkish lawmakers show political support. The letter also aims to address broader regional challenges, including the situation in Syria.
Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned founder of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), has advocated for the group’s disarmament and dissolution to facilitate peace with Turkey. In a letter, he expressed, “I am making a call for the laying down of arms, and I take on the historical responsibility of this call.” He urged the PKK to convene a congress to make a decision towards disarmament and self-dissolution.
Ocalan’s letter was presented during an Istanbul conference, which was characterized by a hopeful atmosphere. Siri Sureyya Onder, a member of the Kurdish-allied People’s Equality and Democracy Party, remarked, “This is the breaking point of history and it is a positive one.” The letter is seen as a pivotal step towards potentially resolving nearly five decades of conflict between Turkey and the PKK.
The prospect of peace was further reinforced when Turkish lawmaker Devlet Bahceli suggested that Ocalan could address Parliament to declare the PKK’s disarmament. Bahceli is a political ally of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The PKK is recognized as a terrorist organization by both Turkey and the United States.
The statement from Ocalan is also anticipated to affect the ongoing situations in the region, including Syria. Siyamend Ali, spokesman for the YPG, a PKK-affiliated group in Syria, noted that they hope for an end to conflicts and the establishment of democracy through dialogue and equal rights. The United States has marked the PKK as responsible for numerous terrorist acts, leading to civilian casualties in its operations.
Ocalan’s letter calling for the PKK to disarm and dissolve marks a significant moment in the ongoing conflict between the PKK and Turkey. His appeal for peace has been welcomed by members of the Kurdish political community and may pave the way for further dialogue. As political dynamics shift, particularly with support from key Turkish officials, there arises potential for resolution in both Turkish and regional contexts.
Original Source: www.upi.com
