Kurdish militants have announced a ceasefire in their 40-year insurgency in Turkey, complying with a disarmament call from imprisoned leader Abdullah Ocalan. This marks the first sign of reduced conflict since peace talks collapsed in 2015. The PKK emphasizes their commitment to peace while calling for Ocalan’s release to steer future disarmament efforts, amid increased political pressure on Kurdish leaders.
Kurdish militants engaged in a 40-year insurgency in Turkey have announced a ceasefire, following a call for disarmament from their imprisoned leader, Abdullah Ocalan. This announcement was made by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and disseminated by the Firat News Agency, known to be aligned with the group. The PKK emphasized that their forces will not engage in any armed actions unless provoked, stating: “We declare a ceasefire effective today to pave the way for the implementation of Leader Apo’s Call for Peace and Democratic Society.”
The PKK’s declaration comes in response to a recent visit by Kurdish politicians to Ocalan, where they conveyed his plea to the group for disarmament. Since the inception of the conflict in 1984, violence has claimed tens of thousands of lives, making this ceasefire a notable development. It marks the first apparent easing of hostilities since peace negotiations between the PKK and the Turkish government collapsed in mid-2015.
The PKK suggested that Ocalan’s statement signifies a commencement of a new historical phase for Kurdistan and the Middle East, given Kurdistan encompasses areas within Turkey, Iraq, Syria, and Iran. The group also indicated their commitment to fulfilling the requirements of Ocalan’s call, while asserting the necessity for democratic principles and legal frameworks conducive to achieving meaningful progress towards peace.
This ceasefire announcement coincides with increasing pressure on the pro-Kurdish political faction in Turkey, which has seen several mayors expelled and replaced by government appointees in recent months. The PKK demanded Ocalan’s release from his confinement on Imrali Island, urging that he should have the opportunity to lead a party congress aimed at facilitating the surrender of arms by the militants.
The recent ceasefire declared by Kurdish militants represents a significant moment in the long-standing conflict in Turkey, initiated by a call to action from their leader, Abdullah Ocalan. This decision comes amid mounting political pressure on Kurdish representation within Turkey. The PKK’s commitment to pursuing peace underscores the potential for dialogue, provided that political environments are conducive to such efforts. It is hoped that this development may herald a new chapter for relations between the PKK and the Turkish authorities.
Original Source: apnews.com
