PKK says Ocalan could join potential party congress remotely
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ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - A senior commander of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) said on Monday that their jailed leader Abdullah Ocalan should be involved in all stages of a potential party congress, including possibly participating remotely, stressing that his involvement must go beyond a single message or symbolic appearance.
'Some of our friends who are not in the country, who are abroad or in prison, say in their statements that the Leader could send messages through technical means. However, this is not something that can be resolved with a single message,' Murat Karayilan said in an interview with PKK-affiliated Sterk TV aired on Monday.
"Yes, maybe he won't be able to come to the congress venue and will participate remotely,' Karayilan said. He previously said Ocalan should attend physically.
'If a congress is held, Leader Apo should be informed about all stages and decisions made and should be able to respond,' Karayilan added.
In February, Ocalan called for the group to lay down arms and dissolve itself after more than four decades of conflict with Turkey. The call came amid renewed peace efforts to end the conflict, which began in 1984 and has claimed tens of thousands of lives.
A few days later, the PKK declared a unilateral ceasefire, agreeing with Ocalan's message but demanding a physical meeting with him as a precondition for a successful peace process. The group also accused Turkey of continuing attacks, saying a one-sided ceasefire would not be enough.
Karayilan said delegations should "go to and from him [Ocalan]" and that he must "provide perspective" to them before they are sent. He also emphasized the need to "speak separately" with those who remain unconvinced.
He stressed that, in the current situation, there are "friends, fighters, and commanders" who are still "not convinced."
Despite the ceasefire, clashes between the Turkish army and the PKK in the Kurdistan Region continue.
On Saturday, Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler demanded the PKK surrender its weapons.
In early March, a senior PKK commander said that the armed group is undergoing a 'transformation' and will shift to a political struggle within Turkey following its potential dissolution.
Founded in 1978, the PKK initially called for the establishment of an independent Kurdistan but now calls for autonomy. The group is designated a terrorist organization by Turkey and its Western allies.
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