PKK says expects Ocalan to lead party congress
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ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) on Monday stated that they expect the group's jailed leader Abdullah Ocalan to lead an upcoming party congress without specifying when said congress is set to be held.
'We hear that Leader Apo is hopeful and continuing his efforts. However, we have yet to receive anything concrete that would allow the implementation of what was outlined in the February 27 call," read a statement from the PKK, adding, 'We hope for a change in this situation - that Leader Apo will achieve conditions where he can live and work freely and be able to lead the party congress that everyone eagerly awaits.'
In recent months, Turkey's main pro-Kurdish Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) renewed its efforts to mediate peace between Turkey and the PKK. The efforts have included meetings with Turkish politicians and with jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, who has been held in Imrali prison in northwest Turkey since 1999.
Ocalan called on the group to disarm and disband in a historic call on February 27, requesting them to take the struggle for Kurdish rights into the political sphere. Nevertheless, despite constantly showing rhetorical support, neither the Turkish government nor the PKK has so far leaped towards actual peace.
The PKK has repeatedly stated it is unable to dissolve fully without Ocalan's attendance at an official congress to ratify such a decision.
Ocalan's message sparked hope for an end to the conflict that has taken 40,000 lives and has been welcomed by many Western countries, including the US.
Despite the ceasefire, Turkey has continued to strike alleged PKK positions in the Kurdistan Region, where the group is headquartered.
On Wednesday, Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler said that Ankara will later inform the PKK of the designated location where they should lay down their arms.
Omer Celik, spokesperson for Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), said last week that 'new developments' could arise later this month regarding the peace process.
Founded in 1978, the PKK initially struggled for autonomy but now seeks broader cultural and political rights within Turkey. It is designated a terrorist organization by Ankara and its Western allies.
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