AhlulBayt News Agency: The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a militant group that has been engaged in armed conflict with the Turkish state for over four decades, has reportedly announced its dissolution and the end of its armed struggle.
According to a report published by the Kurdish-language Firat News Agency on Monday, the decision was made following a congress held last week in northern Iraq. The move comes in response to a call from the group’s jailed leader, Abdullah Öcalan, urging its disbandment.
Observers say that if confirmed by the PKK itself, the announcement would mark a significant turning point in the long-running conflict, which has led to more than 40,000 deaths since its inception in 1984.
The PKK has been designated as a “terrorist organization” by Turkey and its Western allies. However, as of now, the Turkish government has not issued an official statement in reaction to the reported dissolution.
This development follows a series of events earlier this year, including Öcalan’s call for the PKK to lay down arms and a ceasefire declared by the group in March.
Turkey’s pro-Kurdish opposition Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) has urged the Turkish parliament to introduce legislation supporting the disarmament of the PKK and to facilitate a broader peace process.
Experts suggest that the potential disbandment of the PKK could lead to new peace efforts between the Turkish state and various Kurdish groups, potentially reshaping Turkish-Kurdish relations.
Founded in 1978 by Öcalan, the PKK initially sought to establish an independent Kurdish state in southeastern Turkey.
The conflict escalated into armed clashes in 1984, leading to widespread violence and significant casualties.
Previous peace attempts, including a ceasefire between 2013 and 2015, ultimately failed to bring lasting stability to the region.
/129
Your Comment