Ocalan Calls for PKK Disarmament to Achieve Peace with Turkey

Abdullah Ocalan, the PKK founder, has urged the group to disarm and dissolve for peace with Turkey. His call was celebrated at an Istanbul conference, where it was recognized as a historic moment. Bahceli’s invitation to Ocalan to declare peace in Parliament may further the peace process. The PKK remains a designated terrorist organization by Turkey and the U.S.

Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned founder of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), recently sent a significant letter advocating for the disarmament and dissolution of the PKK to foster peace with Turkey. In his message, he expressed, “I am making a call for the laying down of arms, and I take on the historical responsibility of this call.” Ocalan urged the organization to convene a congress and make a voluntary decision to lay down arms and dissolve itself in pursuit of a democratic society.

The reading of Ocalan’s letter was celebrated in an Istanbul conference room, signaling a potential turning point in the longstanding conflict. 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’s message is perceived as a pathway to a peaceful resolution after nearly five decades of struggle between Turkey and the PKK.

The prospect for peace between Turkey and the PKK further gained momentum when Devlet Bahceli, a far-right Turkish lawmaker, extended an invitation to Ocalan to come to Parliament and publicly declare an end to armed conflict. Bahceli is allied with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, emphasizing the political will for this reconciliation.

The People’s Protection Units (YPG), a PKK-affiliated Kurdish militia in Syria that collaborates with the United States to combat ISIS, expressed hope that Ocalan’s message could positively impact unresolved regional issues. YPG spokesman Siyamend Ali stated, “The message will for sure have significant effects… especially in Syria where we have entered a new phase,” advocating for conflict resolution through dialogue and equal rights.

The PKK is classified as a terrorist organization by both Turkey and the United States. A report issued by the United States Director of National Intelligence in December 2024 indicated that the PKK has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks, resulting in significant loss of civilian life.

Abdullah Ocalan’s recent call for peace via the disarmament and dissolution of the PKK represents a pivotal moment in Turkish-Kurdish relations, potentially ending decades of conflict. His letter has garnered positive responses from political figures and allies of the PKK, signaling a collective desire for dialogue and resolution. The ongoing dynamics, influenced by political allies in Turkey and the YPG’s role in Syria, underscore the multifaceted nature of this peace effort.

Original Source: www.upi.com