Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the PKK, has made a historic call for his party to lay down arms and dissolve itself, which could lead to the end of a 40-year conflict with Turkiye. In a statement delivered by delegates of Turkiye's pro-Kurdish DEM Party, Ocalan emphasized the need for a formal congress by the PKK to make this decision. The appeal carries significant implications for the peace process in Turkiye and could influence wider regional dynamics, as the PKK has been involved in violence since 1984, with over 40,000 fatalities reported.
Ocalan stated, 'I am making a call for the laying down of arms, and I take on the historical responsibility of this call.' This underscores the significance of his request.
Ocalan urged the PKK to hold a congress and formally agree to dissolve itself, saying, 'All groups must lay their arms and the PKK must dissolve itself.'
Ruling AK Party Deputy Chairman Efkan Ala noted, 'If the PKK lays down arms and dissolves, Turkey will be free of its shackles,' indicating the government's stance.
Al Jazeera's Sinem Koseoglu emphasized that Ocalan's letter is of 'historical importance' as it marks the first time he has made such a request.
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