The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) announced a ceasefire in its long-standing conflict with Turkey after an appeal from its imprisoned leader, Abdullah Ocalan. The group expressed hope that Ankara would release Ocalan to spearhead disarmament. Although previously fighting for an independent Kurdish state, recent statements suggest a shift towards seeking autonomy instead. The ongoing conflict has resulted in about 40,000 deaths since the 1980s, marking a significant moment for peace efforts in the region.
"In order to pave the way for the implementation of leader Apo's call for peace and democratic society, we are declaring a ceasefire effective from today," the statement quoted by the ANF news agency said, referring to Ocalan.
"We agree with the content of the call as it is and we say that we will follow and implement it," the statement said.
The PKK, which is classified as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the EU and the US, has been fighting for a Kurdish state or an autonomous region in Turkey's southeast since the 1980s.
Recent statements from the group have indicated that it is relinquishing the demand for an independent state.
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