A major shift came Monday when Kurdish militant group PKK said it will shut down its structure and lay down arms after fighting Turkish state for over 40 years. Move seen as big step towards peace in region.
This announcement came through Firat News Agency, known for its ties with group. According to statement released after recent congress, PKK leadership said: “12th Congress of PKK has decided to end its organizational setup and stop armed struggle.”
Group claimed its long fight helped challenge policies that denied rights to Kurdish population. “PKK has fulfilled its historical duty,” statement said.
PKK senior member Duran Kalkan told attendees, “This not end. This new beginning,” as quoted by Mezopotamya news outlet.
President of Iraq’s Kurdistan region, Nechirvan Barzani, welcomed move. He said it could help bring stability and encourage peaceful talks between Turkish state and Kurdish representatives. “It shows maturity and builds base for peaceful co-existence,” his office stated.
Meanwhile, Turkey’s President Erdogan responded by promising to take all steps needed to ensure progress continues toward what he called a “terror-free” country. “We are going forward with strong resolve,” he said in recent speech, hinting earlier that such news might come soon.
Group’s move came after its founder, Abdullah Ocalan — jailed since 1999 — called on fighters to disband and disarm in February. He sent letter suggesting PKK hold congress and take formal decision. Days after, leaders agreed and announced ceasefire.
PKK has been listed as terror group by Turkey, U.S., and EU. Since 1984, group has led insurgency seeking homeland for Kurdish people, who make up nearly 20% of Turkey’s population.
Various efforts have tried to bring peace since Ocalan’s arrest, but violence cost over 40,000 lives through years. Now, with this decision, many hope region can move into new era of peace and dialogue.
