Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned founder of the PKK, has called for the group to disarm and dissolve to pursue peace with Turkey. His letter encourages unity and congressional decision-making within the PKK. The message has garnered optimism among Kurdish political figures and raises hope for resolving regional crises, particularly in Syria, despite the PKK’s classification as a terrorist organization by Turkey and the U.S.
Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned founder of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), has issued a letter advocating that the group disarm and dissolve itself as a means of pursuing peace with Turkey. In his communication, Ocalan assumes responsibility for this directive, suggesting that the PKK hold a congress to make a unified decision on laying down arms. He emphasizes this initiative as a pathway towards fostering a peaceful and democratic society.
The letter was presented during a session in Istanbul, where participants received the message with optimism. Siri Sureyya Onder, a figure from the Kurdish-affiliated People’s Equality and Democracy party, remarked, “This is the breaking point of history and it is a positive one” underlining the potential for change. This development aligns with calls from Turkish lawmaker Devlet Bahceli for Ocalan to formally announce disarmament in Parliament, reflecting increasing political momentum.
Additionally, the U.S.-allied People’s Protection Units (YPG), linked to the PKK, commented on the implications of Ocalan’s message, expressing hope for an end to ongoing tensions and a move towards democracy in Syria. YPG spokesman Siyamend Ali articulated the desire for resolution through dialogue and equality. However, it is important to note that the PKK is recognized as a terrorist organization by Turkey and the United States, which has cited prior deadly attacks conducted by the group.
In conclusion, Abdullah Ocalan’s call for the PKK to disarm and dissolve presents a significant opportunity for potential peace between the PKK and Turkey. Responses from both Kurdish political representatives and allied groups indicate a positive reception to this proposal. However, the designation of the PKK as a terrorist organization remains a critical factor in the discussions surrounding this issue.
Original Source: www.upi.com
