Kurdish PKK Declares Ceasefire Following Leader's Call for Disarmament
The PKK suspends armed struggle in Turkey, responding to its leader Abdullah Ocalan's call for peace and disbandment, marking a potential end to a 40-year conflict.
The PKK, designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the US and the EU, has waged an insurgency since 1984 with the aim of carving out a homeland for Kurds, who account for about 20% of Turkey’s 85 million people.
PKK declares ceasefire with Turkey after more than 40 years of conflict
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However, significant questions remain among both the Kurdish and Turkish public over what the next steps might be - and not everyone was convinced things would change.
Kurdish group PKK declares ceasefire with Turkey
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The conflict between the PKK and Turkey has had devastating effects on Turkey and neighbors.
Kurdish militia declares ceasefire following leader’s call to end five-decade insurgency with Turkey
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The announcement by the outlawed group, reported by the pro-PKK Firat news agency (ANF) on Saturday, is seen as a major step towards ending a 40-year conflict with the Turkish state.
PKK declares ceasefire in 40-year conflict with Turkiye: Kurdish media
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Kurdish militants declare ceasefire in 40-year insurgency in Turkey
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Summary
In a significant development, the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) has declared a ceasefire with Turkey, following a call by its imprisoned leader Abdullah Ocalan to disarm. His call aims to bring about an end to the nearly 40-year conflict that has resulted in over 40,000 deaths. The PKK stated it would not engage in armed action unless provoked and expressed a desire for Ocalan's release to guide the disarmament process. Turkish President Erdoğan welcomed this opportunity, asserting it could pave the way for renewed peace and democratic politics in Turkey, contingent upon favorable political conditions.
Perspectives
The PKK declared an immediate ceasefire following a call from its imprisoned leader, Abdullah Ocalan, which could lead to an end of a long-standing conflict and political tensions between Kurds and Turkey.
Ocalan's call for disarmament emphasizes the need for appropriate democratic conditions and political dialogue to ensure the success of the peace initiative initiated by the Turkish government.
President Erdogan views this development as a historic opportunity for reconciliation and aims to leverage Kurdish support for constitutional changes that may extend his political power.