Öcalan to announce PKK’s dissolution in historic statement

Abdullah Öcalan, leader of the PKK, is set to declare the organisation’s dissolution. The statement, issued in writing, urges the PKK’s Syrian wing to integrate into Syria’s political system.

Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), is set to issue a landmark declaration today, formally announcing the dissolution of the organisation. Currently serving a life sentence on İmralı Island, Öcalan will make the statement during a meeting with an expanded delegation from the Democratic Party (DEM), marking their third visit since the peace process commenced last year.

The delegation now includes former Mardin mayor Ahmet Türk, DEM co-chairs, and Öcalan’s legal representatives. They will deliver the statement in Istanbul this evening, following a decision to move the announcement from Ankara in an effort to accelerate the process and mitigate potential provocations.

Öcalan is expected to call for the PKK’s disbandment and encourage its Syrian affiliate (PYD/SDF) to integrate into Syria’s political framework. As Turkish authorities have not permitted a video address, the statement will be issued in written form. This development comes after recent indications from the PKK’s Syrian branch suggesting a willingness to integrate, signalling a potential shift in the regional landscape.

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