The PKK has declared a ceasefire in its 40-year conflict with Turkey, encouraged by its imprisoned leader Abdullah Ocalan. This could enhance President Erdogan’s position amid regional changes. While the Turkish government has yet to respond, Erdogan maintains a stance of military readiness. The development hints at a potential new phase in Turkish-Kurdish relations, contingent upon political agreements and disarmament efforts.
Kurdish militants, known as the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), have declared a ceasefire on Saturday, following a 40-year insurgency in Turkey. This development could significantly strengthen President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government. The announcement coincided with a call from the PKK’s imprisoned leader, Abdullah Ocalan, urging the group to disarm. The backdrop to this announcement includes notable geopolitical shifts in the region, such as changes in Syria, the weakening of Hezbollah, and conflicts in Gaza.
President Erdogan has not elaborated on Turkey’s response to the PKK’s ceasefire but warned that the government remains prepared to act decisively against any threats. During a Ramadan fast-breaking dinner, Erdogan stated, “We will continue our ongoing (military) operations, if necessary, until we eliminate the last terrorist…” This conflict, ongoing since 1984, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths.
The PKK declared the ceasefire to facilitate the implementation of Ocalan’s vision for peace and democratic governance. It emphasized that their forces would not engage in armed actions unless provoked. This announcement was issued via the Firat News Agency and indicates a potential shift in the long-standing hostilities between the PKK and Turkey.
Following a visit to Ocalan by Kurdish politicians, Ocalan’s call for disarmament marked a significant moment, suggesting the initiation of a new historical process. The PKK is committed to aligning with Ocalan’s vision but insists that political conditions must also favor success. The pro-Kurdish politicians face increasing pressure from the government, with notable dismissals of elected mayors.
The peace initiative, largely inspired by Devlet Bahceli, Erdogan’s coalition partner, includes suggestions to grant Ocalan parole contingent upon PKK’s disarmament. Erdogan views Ocalan’s invitation to peace as a turning point in negotiations: “There is an opportunity to take a historic step toward tearing down the wall of terror that has stood between (Turkish and Kurdish peoples) 1,000-year-old brotherhood.”
Some observers speculate the reconciliation efforts aim to secure Kurdish support for a revised constitution that would extend Erdogan’s presidency beyond 2028. Advancements in negotiations are anticipated soon, with official meetings planned for the following week, according to Sirri Sureyya Onder of the pro-Kurdish party.
Despite Ocalan’s significant influence, the PKK has been restricted to sporadic assaults within Turkey—its members increasingly pushed across borders. In Syria, PKK-affiliated Kurdish fighters have been engaged in fierce battles against Turkish-backed forces but have stated that Ocalan’s ceasefire appeal does not pertain to their operations. The Turkish government insists on disbanding all Kurdish groups linked to the PKK, emphasizing its commitment to national security.
The declaration of a ceasefire by the PKK marks a potentially transformative moment in Turkey’s long-standing conflict with Kurdish insurgents. With calls for disarmament from imprisoned leader Abdullah Ocalan and shifting political dynamics in the region, both the PKK and the Turkish government may find new avenues toward peace. However, challenges remain, particularly regarding the acceptance of political conditions conducive to harmony and unity.
Original Source: www.pbs.org
