Istanbul (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – On Monday, a news agency linked to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) reported that the militant group, which has been engaged in a violent conflict with the Turkish state for over four decades, has chosen to disband and terminate its armed struggle.
According to experts, the PKK’s choice may strengthen Turkey’s political and economic stability as a NATO member, fostering efforts to reduce tensions in neighbouring Iraq and Syria, where Kurdish forces collaborate with U.S. troops.
What does the PKK statement reveal about intent?
“The PKK 12th Congress decided to dissolve the PKK’s organizational structure… and end the armed struggle,”
Firat news agency reported the conclusion of a congress that took place last week in northern Iraq, where the group is based.
“The PKK has completed its historic mission,”
The PKK statement stated.
“The PKK struggle has broken the policy of denial and annihilation of our people and brought the Kurdish issue to a point of solving it through democratic politics.”
As reported by Reuters, the announcement was positively received in Diyarbakir, the largest city in the southeast, where many Kurds’ distrust in the government had diminished their hopes for a successful peace process. Omer Celik, the spokesperson for Erdogan’s ruling AK Party, stated that dissolving was “an important step toward a terror-free Turkey.”
Can this lead to renewed Kurdish political dialogue?
Since the PKK began its insurgency in 1984, the conflict has resulted in over 40,000 deaths, imposed significant economic strain, and heightened social tensions. Turkey and its Western allies classify the PKK as a terrorist organisation.
The PKK convened the congress following a February request for the disbandment of its imprisoned leader, Abdullah Ocalan, who has been held on an island south of Istanbul since 1999. On Monday, the organisation announced that he would oversee the process. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain if Ankara has accepted Ocalan’s ongoing involvement, particularly since polls indicate he might be unpopular with the Turkish public.
What does this mean for YPG in Syria?
Experts say it remains uncertain how the process will impact the Kurdish YPG militia in Syria, if at all. The YPG spearheads a U.S.-backed coalition combating the Islamic State in the region but is considered a PKK affiliate by Turkey. The YPG has stated in the past that Ocalan’s call is not relevant to them.
