Ocalan Urges PKK to Disarm and Seek Peace with Turkey

Abdullah Ocalan, founder of the PKK, called for the group to disarm and dissolve to enable peace with Turkey. His letter, read at an Istanbul conference, was met with optimism regarding the end of hostilities. Political support is growing, particularly from Turkish lawmakers, enhancing the potential for reconciliation. The call also resonates with current challenges in the region, especially in Syria.

On February 27, Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned founder of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), issued a letter advocating for the disarmament and dissolution of the PKK to foster peace with Turkey. Ocalan stated, “I am making a call for the laying down of arms, and I take on the historical responsibility of this call… the PKK must dissolve itself.” In his letter, he emphasized the necessity of a democratic society and peaceful resolution to ongoing conflicts.

The letter was presented during a conference in Istanbul, generating positive reactions. Siri Sureyya Onder, a representative from the People’s Equality and Democracy Party, remarked, “This is the breaking point of history and it is a positive one.” Ocalan’s message is seen as pivotal in promoting dialogue and ending decades of hostilities between Turkey and the PKK.

The prospect of resolving the long-standing conflict improved when Turkish lawmaker Devlet Bahceli invited Ocalan to Parliament to formalize the disarmament declaration. Bahceli’s invitation holds significant political weight as he is allied with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Ocalan’s call, if acted upon, could lead to a historic juncture in the peace process.

Furthermore, Siyamend Ali, spokesman for the US-allied People’s Protection Units (YPG) in Syria, highlighted the potential positive outcomes of Ocalan’s message. He expressed optimism that the call for peace could assist in addressing the broader regional crises, particularly in Syria, urging for democracy and dialogue as means for conflict resolution.

As a designated terrorist organization by Turkey and the United States, the PKK’s complex history involves numerous attacks resulting in civilian casualties. According to the U.S. Director of National Intelligence, the PKK remains a pressing issue in regional security, underlining the importance of Ocalan’s recent call for peace and reconciliation.

In summary, Abdullah Ocalan’s letter urging the PKK to disarm and dissolve itself presents a potential opportunity for peace between the group and Turkey. The response from political figures in Turkey suggests that there is a growing interest in dialogue and conflict resolution. This development may not only impact Turkey but also has implications for broader regional stability, especially concerning the YPG’s role in Syria.

Original Source: www.upi.com