Ocalan Calls for PKK Disarmament to Promote Peace with Turkey

Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned PKK founder, has called for the group to disarm and dissolve in a bid for peace with Turkey. His letter, emphasized as a historical responsibility, was received positively during a conference in Istanbul. The response from Kurdish political allies and the YPG indicates hope for resolving longstanding conflicts in the region through dialogue and democracy.

Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned founder of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), has urged the organization to disarm and dissolve in a bid to foster peace with Turkey. In a letter, Ocalan accepted the historical responsibility for this call, emphasizing that the PKK should gather its congress and reach a decision to relinquish arms in favor of a democratic society. Ocalan, currently serving a life sentence in a Turkish prison, was captured in 1999 by special forces in Kenya.

The reading of Ocalan’s letter at a conference in Istanbul was met with enthusiasm, marking a pivotal moment in Turkish-Kurdish relations. Siri Sureyya Onder of the People’s Equality and Democracy party noted the event as a positive turning point, suggesting it could provide guidance to navigate through tumultuous times. Ocalan’s statement may bolster the prospects of ending the longstanding conflict between Turkey and the PKK, particularly after Turkish lawmaker Devlet Bahceli’s invitation for Ocalan to declare a cessation of hostilities in Parliament.

The People’s Protection Units (YPG), a PKK-aligned militia in Syria, responded positively to Ocalan’s message, with spokesman Siyamend Ali expressing hope that it would contribute to resolving regional crises. He underscored the necessity for democracy and dialogue to ensure equal rights and an end to conflicts, particularly in Syria. The PKK is designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey and the United States, having been implicated in numerous attacks resulting in civilian casualties.

This development signals a critical juncture in the relationship between the PKK and Turkey, raising hopes for a new era of dialogue and potential resolution to long-standing hostilities. Ocalan’s call for disarmament and his historical importance underscore the possibility of achieving peace through mutual understanding and respect for democratic principles, particularly in light of the ongoing issues faced in the region.

In summary, Abdullah Ocalan’s call for the PKK to disarm and work towards peace with Turkey is a significant development in the ongoing conflict that has persisted for nearly five decades. The positive reactions from political allies and associated groups, such as the YPG, suggest a potential opening for dialogue and resolution of regional crises. Should the PKK embrace this call, it may lead to enhanced stability and foster reconciliation efforts between Kurds and the Turkish state.

Original Source: www.upi.com