Ocalan Urges PKK to Disarm and Dissolve for Peace with Turkey

Abdullah Ocalan, the founder of the PKK, urged the group to disarm and dissolve in a letter advocating for peace with Turkey. His call was met with enthusiasm at an Istanbul conference, raising hopes for ending decades of conflict. The YPG, associated with the PKK, expressed optimism about resolving regional crises as a result of Ocalan’s message. The PKK remains designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey and the U.S.

Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned founder of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), sent a letter advocating for the disarmament and dissolution of the group as a pathway to peace with Turkey. In his letter, he 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.” He emphasized the need for a peaceful and democratic society.

Ocalan’s letter was revealed during a conference in Istanbul, where attendees expressed enthusiasm about its potential impact. 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… a possible route out of these dark chaotic days.”

Turkey’s political landscape shifted as far-right lawmaker Devlet Bahceli invited Ocalan to the Parliament to announce the PKK’s disarmament. Bahceli’s invitation was significant, as he aligns with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, suggesting enhanced prospects for ending the longstanding conflict between Turkey and the PKK.

The People’s Protection Units (YPG), a PKK-affiliated Kurdish militia in Syria, expressed optimism regarding Ocalan’s message, believing it could have substantial repercussions for resolving regional crises. YPG spokesman Siyamend Ali stated, “We hope that this message will be a guide for resolving the existing crises, especially in Syria where we have entered a new phase.”

The PKK is categorized as a terrorist organization by both Turkey and the United States, and has been involved in numerous attacks resulting in civilian casualties. The U.S. Director of National Intelligence highlighted the severity of the PKK’s actions, indicating ongoing challenges surrounding this issue.

Ocalan’s call for the PKK’s disarmament marks a pivotal moment in attempts to resolve the longstanding conflict between Turkey and the Kurdish group. The enthusiasm among Kurdish political figures suggests a potential turning point, especially with political support from figures like Bahceli. However, the overarching designation of the PKK as a terrorist organization complicates the future of peace negotiations. The development has implications for not only Turkish politics but also for regional stability, especially in Syria.

Original Source: www.upi.com