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."
Read next
17:30
White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said on Friday that early signs ahead of this weekend’s U.S.-China trade talks in Switzerland appear positive, with both sides showing mutual respect and a constructive tone.
17:10
world news
A new U.S.-supported initiative to deliver humanitarian aid into Gaza is expected to start operating shortly, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said Friday, though specific details are yet to be made public.
16:45
US tariffs
U.S. President Donald Trump signaled support for steep tariffs on Chinese imports, calling 80% levies “right” ahead of high-level trade talks in Geneva aimed at easing escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing.
16:00
central asia
Kazakhstan and Pakistan signed a series of trade and transit agreements during a high-level business forum in Karachi, paving the way for expanded commercial cooperation and long-term logistics development between the two countries.
15:30
world news
France and Poland will sign a groundbreaking treaty on Friday to deepen cooperation on defence and energy, signaling a growing alignment among European nations.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment