Abdullah Ocalan: Kurdish Leader Calls for Peace with Turkey
Abdullah Ocalan, leader of the PKK, is urging peace and the disbandment of his group from prison. His call comes after a suggestion from President Erdogan’s ally, and if followed, it could end a lengthy conflict that has led to numerous casualties. Ocalan holds significant influence in Kurdish politics despite his incarceration.
Abdullah Ocalan, at 75 years old, has spent 25 years imprisoned due to his role as the leader of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which fought against the Turkish state seeking a Kurdish homeland. Recently, he has called for peace, urging the PKK to cease its armed struggle and dissolve. This appeal, if accepted, could potentially end a 40-year conflict that has drastically impacted the region.
From his prison on Imrali Island, south of Istanbul, Ocalan publicly requested that the PKK lay down arms in a letter made available by members of the pro-Kurdish Democratic Regions Party (DEM) after visiting him. His appeal comes after a call from a close ally of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, indicating a shift towards potential reconciliation. It reflects a moment of hope for a resolution to the violence that has claimed over 40,000 lives and affected the political landscape in Turkey.
Despite being vilified by many in Turkey, Ocalan is revered in pro-Kurdish circles. He stated, “I am making a call for the laying down of arms, and I take on the historical responsibility for this call.” His influence remains critical, though it is uncertain how much control he has over the PKK’s fighters who primarily operate from bases in northern Iraq.
The recent discussions around Ocalan’s potential re-engagement in peace talks have been encouraged by unexpected political figures, including Devlet Bahceli, a nationalist party leader supporting possible leniency for Ocalan if he successfully ends the insurgency. This indicates a potential shift in Turkish politics towards ending hostilities and pursuing dialogue.
Ocalan’s earlier attempts at negotiating peace during a process between 2013 and 2015 saw him gaining significant prominence, referred to as “Apo” by his supporters. However, the peace initiative ultimately collapsed, leading to a resurgence of conflict, particularly in urban regions. Ocalan has since articulated that the struggle has been filled with suffering and is now unsustainable, echoing sentiments of seeking an end to hostilities.
Born in a peasant household in Omerli and influenced by 1970s political violence, Ocalan founded the PKK in 1978 after his studies in political science. The PKK, described as a terrorist organization by numerous nations, was directed by him while in Syria until he was captured in 1999 during a Turkish-led operation in Kenya, subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment.
In summary, Abdullah Ocalan, despite years of incarceration, continues to play a pivotal role in the discourse surrounding peace in Turkey. His recent call for the PKK to disarm represents a possible turning point in a long-standing conflict. Engaging with various political figures highlights a broader desire to resolve the Kurdish issue, which has significantly impacted Turkey for decades.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
