Kurdish Leader Calls for Peace, Turkey Responds
Imprisoned PKK Leader Calls for Transition to Democratic Politics
Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), has announced the end of the armed conflict against Turkey. The news was shared through a video message broadcast by the PKK-affiliated Firat News Agency.
A Significant Shift
Ocalan emphasized that this decision marks a pivotal shift from armed resistance to democratic politics. He highlighted the importance of a smooth transition, including:
- Disarmament of PKK fighters
- Establishment of a parliamentary committee to oversee the peace process
Disarmament Ceremony
The announcement came just before the first PKK disarmament ceremony in northern Iraq. Earlier in May, the PKK had decided to disband after over 40 years of fighting against the Turkish government. This decision followed Ocalan's call for disarmament in February.
Turkish President's Response
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed lawmakers about the peace initiative. He expressed hope for quick progress and benefits for all people in Turkey and the region. Erdogan mentioned the need to tear down the "wall of terror" to prevent more suffering. He also warned against any attempts to sabotage the peace process.
Pro-Kurdish Party's Stance
Aysegul Dogan, a spokesperson for Turkey's pro-Kurdish DEM party, discussed making the disarmament process permanent. She noted the need for legal assurances and mechanisms to ensure a smooth transition to democratic politics. Dogan also mentioned that DEM members would attend the disarmament ceremony in Sulaymaniyah, northern Iraq.
Background of the Conflict
The PKK has been labeled a "terrorist" group by Turkey, the European Union, and the United States. Ocalan, born in 1948 to a poor Kurdish family, became politically active after studying political science at Ankara University. He founded the PKK in 1978, and the group launched a separatist rebellion against Turkey in 1984. The conflict has resulted in over 40,000 deaths and thousands of Kurds fleeing violence in southeastern Turkey.