PKK Reaffirms Commitment to Peace Process in Turkey
The committee reiterated its endorsement of jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan's recent call for disarmament, emphasizing its ongoing efforts over the past two months to carefully understand and implement his proposals.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) Executive Committee issued a statement on Monday marking May 1, Workers' Day, expressing full support for a renewed peace initiative in Turkey.
The committee reiterated its endorsement of jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan's recent call for disarmament, emphasizing its ongoing efforts over the past two months to carefully understand and implement his proposals.
"Despite delays from the AK Party government, we remain committed to this position because we have made a serious decision to resolve the issues. We will approach the situation with a broad understanding and strive not to become an obstacle to the process," the statement read.
The PKK also welcomed recent positive remarks made by the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) delegation following their visit to Ocalan in the Imrali Island prison. However, the group criticized the Turkish government for failing to take meaningful steps toward advancing peace efforts.
"We hope this situation will change," the Executive Committee stated.
Central to the PKK's demands is Ocalan's release, arguing that his freedom is essential to enable him to fully participate in peacebuilding efforts and convene a long-anticipated congress for the organization.
On Feb. 27, Ocalan, through a message conveyed by veteran Kurdish politician Ahmet Türk, called on the PKK to lay down arms — a move widely regarded as a significant milestone toward potential peace negotiations between the Kurdish movement and Ankara.
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