Ocalan’s call for PKK to disarm sparks reactions in Türkiye and abroad

Jailed Kurdish militant leader Abdullah Ocalan has called on the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) to disarm and disband, a move that could end its decades-long conflict with Türkiye. The appeal has drawn mixed reactions from Turkish political figures and international actors.

Abdullah Ocalan’s call for the PKK to lay down arms has triggered a wave of responses, with some welcoming it as a step toward peace and others dismissing it as politically motivated.

Türkiye's Reactions:

Ozgur Ozel, leader of the opposition CHP: "The Kurdish issue should be resolved transparently within parliament. The call for disarmament is important, and we hope the PKK follows through."

Regional Responses:

Mazloum Abdi, Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander: Welcomed the call but said it applies only to the PKK and not Kurdish forces in Syria. "If there is peace in Türkiye, there is no excuse to keep attacking us."

Nechirvan Barzani, President of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region: "We fully support the peace process and stand ready to assist."

International Reactions:

Germany: Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s spokesperson called it "a chance to end violence," but the foreign ministry stressed that "respecting Kurds' cultural and democratic rights" is also necessary.
United Kingdom: The Foreign Office welcomed progress toward peace and urged "a peaceful and constructive process that ensures security, stability, and rule of law."

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