The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) declared on May 12th that it has decided to dissolve, following its four-decade long conflict with Turkey, the Middle East Eye via Reuters reported.
The party, which has been in conflict with Turkey since the 1980’s said its jailed leader Abdullah Ocalan, should be permitted to deal with the dissolution process.
The BBC reported on February 27th that Abdullah Ocalan called on his group to lay down arms and fully dissolve. Pro-Kurdish lawmakers conveyed his message, which aimed to halt the PKK’s 40-year armed conflict in southeast Turkey.
In a statement, the Party said: “At this stage, it is important for the Grand National Assembly of Turkey to play its role with historical responsibility.” In its earlier period, the party was looking for Kurdish independence. But its interests later developed into autonomy and more rights for Turkey’s Kurdish population.
The statement continued “Similarly, we call on all political parties represented in the parliament, especially the government and the main opposition party, and civil society organisations to take responsibility and participate in the peace and democratic society process.”
Over the years, several administrations, including Erdogan’s, pursued legal solutions resulting in failure and causing tens of thousands of deaths.
Turkeys’ President Recep Tayyip Erdogan praised the action, calling it an “important decision for maintaining peace and fraternity” in Turkey. He continued “We are moving confidently towards our goal of terror-free Turkey, overcoming obstacles, breaking prejudices and thwarting the traps of discord.”
Senior authorities in Syria and Iraq embraced the PKK statement as an advantage for for regional protection. The European Union and United Nations also endorsed the PKK message as a contribution to area-wide safety, France 24 reported on May 12th.
Middle East Eye via Reuters, France 24, BBC
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