Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), urged the militant group to cease its armed struggle and dissolve itself, which could signify the end of nearly four decades of violence with Turkey. Founded in 1978, the PKK initially aimed for an independent Kurdish state but later focused on advocating for Kurdish rights and autonomy. The group's activities have led to over 40,000 deaths, sparking international concern including its classification as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the EU, and the U.S. Most recent activity has involved cross-border assaults from Iraq and Syria.
Ocalan's call for the PKK to dissolve and cease armed actions symbolizes a potential turning point in decades of conflict between the organization and Turkey.
The PKK has shifted from seeking an independent Kurdish state to a fight for cultural recognition and political autonomy, reflecting the evolution of its goals.
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