Kurds in Turkey Support PKK’s Peace Call Amid Conflict

Residents of Diyarbakır express support for the PKK’s ceasefire in response to Abdullah Öcalan’s peace call, hoping for an end to decades of conflict. Political leaders, including Erdoğan, show cautious backing while warning of renewed military action if promises are broken. Local voices emphasize the need for amnesty and political reform to truly support peace efforts.

Residents of Diyarbakır, Turkey’s largest Kurdish-majority city, expressed their support for the Kurdistan Workers Party’s (PKK) recent ceasefire announcement on March 1. Following its imprisoned leader Abdullah Öcalan’s call for peace, the PKK aims to disarm and achieve an end to the decades-long conflict, which has resulted in over 40,000 deaths. Locals believe that peace will lead to greater prosperity in the region.

The ceasefire has garnered backing from various political factions, including President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party. However, Erdoğan cautioned that military action would resume against the PKK if the truce is violated. This creates a complex political landscape where the promise of peace is accompanied by potential risks of renewed conflict.

Zihni Capin, a local teacher, noted the exhaustion felt by the community due to the ongoing strife, emphasizing the hope that this peace initiative would yield positive outcomes for all involved, both in Turkey and the broader Middle East. The PKK’s proposal highlights the urgent need for dialogue and reconciliation amid a long-standing crisis.

Tuncer Bakırhan, co-chair of the DEM Party, remarked on the critical importance of political and legal reforms following the peace call. He stressed that Turkey’s parliament holds a significant role in ensuring that this initiative does not merely remain theoretical but translates into substantive action supporting peace.

Zulkuf Kacar, a local purchasing manager, underscored the necessity for amnesty for those laying down arms, advocating for an end to ongoing suffering in the region. His sentiments reflect the yearning for change among the Kurdish populace as they navigate the complex dynamics of peace negotiations.

The recent peace call from the PKK has sparked hope among Kurds in Turkey for a potential resolution to a conflict that has lasted for decades. While political leaders express cautious support, they also underline the necessity for accountability and reform to ensure the ceasefire leads to real change. The potential for peace in southeast Turkey could positively impact the region’s stability and development.

Original Source: www.duvarenglish.com