The PKK announced a cease-fire to end its decades-long conflict with Turkey, following a call from leader Abdullah Ocalan. Although the cease-fire aims for peace, ongoing tensions and political factors complicate its potential success. Recent Turkish attempts to engage with Ocalan highlight possible shifts in relations, but military actions raise concerns about the cease-fire’s stability.
On March 1, the armed branch of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) declared a cease-fire, aiming to end a longstanding conflict with Turkey. This announcement followed a plea from PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, who is currently imprisoned in Turkey. Ocalan emphasized in a statement that all factions should disarm and that the PKK must disband: “I am making a call for the laying down of arms and I take on the historical responsibility of this call.”
The PKK conflict has persisted for over 40 years, resulting in about 40,000 deaths and impacting neighboring nations like Iraq. In response to Ocalan’s statement, PKK executives affirmed their commitment to the cease-fire, stating: “We agree with the content of leader Ocalan’s call as it is and we state that we will comply with and implement the requirements of the call from our own side.” They also noted the necessity of a suitable democratic framework for the cease-fire to succeed.
Formed in 1978 by Ocalan, the PKK sought to create an independent Kurdish state. The conflict intensified in August 1984 when PKK militants killed two Turkish soldiers. A previous cease-fire occurred in 2013 but collapsed within two years amid failed peace talks. Ocalan highlighted the historical rift between Kurds and Turks and the need for renewal: “Today, the main task is to restructure the historical relationship.”
In recent months, relations seemed to improve as Turkish delegations visited Ocalan’s prison multiple times. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s potential bid for a third term in 2028 may depend on support from the Kurdish representation in the Grand National Assembly, especially as Turkish law permits only two five-year terms without Assembly approval.
Nonetheless, tensions remain high, as recent military actions by Turkish forces against Kurdish groups could jeopardize the cease-fire. The PKK had previously claimed responsibility for an attack that killed five individuals in Ankara at a facility associated with Turkish defense.
The recent cease-fire initiated by the PKK in response to Abdullah Ocalan’s call represents a significant moment in the long-standing conflict with Turkey. While the declaration aims to foster peace, underlying tensions and military actions pose potential challenges to its implementation. The dynamics of Turkish politics and Kurdish representation in Parliament could greatly influence future relations between the two parties.
Original Source: www.upi.com
