Cautious hopes for a peaceful settlement have emerged among pro-Kurdish forces in Turkey following the 12th congress of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which was held from May 5-7. The congress discussed the possibility of disarming and disbanding the organization in response to a special message from PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan in February, Rudaw news agency reported.
Ocalan, who has been imprisoned since 1999, had called on the PKK in his message to discuss laying down arms and disbanding.
The PKK congress organizers said that the congress was held simultaneously in two locations, with delegates from all active areas participating. This is believed to refer to the border areas of Iraqi Kurdistan and Iran, where the PKK has a presence.
The statement said the PKK had decided to disarm and disband, details of which would be announced soon. It also called for the “physical freedom” of Abdullah Ocalan.
The Kurdistan Socialist Party (PSK) also welcomed the expected disarmament, calling it a possible positive development for Turkey and the Kurds in Iraqi Kurdistan and northeastern Syria.
