PKK Announces Dissolution After Decades of Armed Conflict

In a major development, the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) declared on Monday that it would dissolve itself, marking an end to its decades-long armed struggle with Turkey. The group stated that all activities carried out under its name have officially come to a close. This decision comes after a prolonged conflict that has claimed at least 40,000 lives since the PKK was founded by Abdullah Ocalan in 1978.

Shift Toward Democratic Resolution

According to a statement released by the group, the Kurdish issue has reached a stage where it can now be addressed through democratic politics. The PKK's 12th Congress resolved to dismantle the group's organizational structure and halt all armed actions. The implementation of this transition will be managed by Abdullah Ocalan, who remains imprisoned.

The group did not provide clear details about whether the decision covers all PKK-affiliated groups in Syria, Iraq, and Iran, nor did it outline a plan for disarmament or the future of current fighters.

Call for Peace and Political Participation

The PKK emphasized the need for rebuilding Turkish-Kurdish relations, calling the process "inevitable." The group also urged the government and political parties in Turkey to take part in this peace initiative and help shape a democratic society.

The Turkish leadership responded to the announcement by describing it as a key milestone in the push for a "Terror-Free Turkey." A spokesperson for the ruling party suggested that if terrorism truly ends, it could open the door to a new era of peace. However, they also stressed that the decision must be fully carried out.

A Complex Past and Future Hope

Turkey's conflict with the PKK centered on the group's original goal of creating an independent Kurdish state in the southeast. Over time, that aim shifted to seeking greater autonomy within Turkey. A brief peace process took place in 2013 but fell apart in 2015, leading to renewed clashes and government crackdowns on pro-Kurdish political groups.

The Kurdish population represents between 15% and 20% of Turkey's total population and also holds strong communities in northern Syria, Iraq, and Iran. In March of this year, the PKK announced an immediate ceasefire following Ocalan's call for fighters to lay down arms and disband. The latest move signals a potential new chapter for both Turkey and its Kurdish citizens.

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