Latest news with #Firat
The Advertiser
12-05-2025
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Kurdish PKK disbands and ends 40-year Turkey insurgency
The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant group, which has been locked in bloody conflict with Turkey for more than four decades, has decided to disband and end its armed struggle, group members and Turkish leaders say. Since the PKK launched its insurgency in 1984 - originally with the aim of creating an independent Kurdish state - the conflict has killed more than 40,000 people, exerted a huge economic burden and fuelled social tensions. The PKK's decision could boost NATO member Turkey's political and economic stability and encourage moves to ease tensions in neighbouring Iraq and also in Syria, where Kurdish forces are allied with US Ankara welcomed the decision to dissolve, it does not guarantee peace. Rather it paves the way for agreeing to a tricky legal framework for securely disarming the PKK, which is designated a terrorist group by Turkey and its Western allies. "The PKK 12th Congress decided to dissolve the PKK's organisational structure... and end the armed struggle," Firat news agency reported it as saying on Monday in the closing declaration of a congress held last week in northern Iraq, where the group is based. A PKK official separately confirmed the decision and said all military operations would cease immediately, adding weapon handovers were contingent on Ankara's response and approach to Kurdish rights, and the fate of PKK fighters and leaders. Kurds make up 20 per cent of Turkey's 86 million population. The PKK held the congress in response to a February call to disband from its jailed leader Abdullah Ocalan, who has been imprisoned on an island south of Istanbul since 1999. It said on Monday that he would manage the process. However, it was not clear whether Ankara agreed to Ocalan's continued role, which polls suggest could be unpopular among Turks. It was also unclear how the process would affect the Kurdish YPG militia in Syria. YPG leads a US-allied force against Islamic State there and is regarded by Turkey as a PKK affiliate. YPG has previously said Ocalan's call did not apply to it, contradicting Ankara's view. It did not immediately comment on the PKK's announcement. The disbanding will give President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a chance to boost development in Turkey's mainly Kurdish southeast, where the insurgency has impaired the regional economy for decades. Turkey would take necessary measures to ensure smooth progress towards a "terror-free" country after the PKK decision, said the presidency's communications director, Fahrettin Altun. In its statement, the PKK said it "has completed its historic mission", which over the years shifted to seeking greater Kurdish rights and limited autonomy in southeast Turkey, rather than an independent state. "The PKK struggle has broken the policy of denial and annihilation of our people and brought the Kurdish issue to a point of solving it through democratic politics," it said on the Firat website. The PKK decision comes amid tumult in Turkish politics: Istanbul's opposition mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, Erdogan's main challenger, was jailed in March pending corruption charges in a move that sparked the country's largest protests in a decade. There have been intermittent peace efforts over the years, most notably a ceasefire between 2013 and 2015 that ultimately collapsed. Ending the insurgency would remove a constant flashpoint in Kurdish-run, oil-rich northern Iraq, while facilitating efforts by Syria's new administration to assert greater sway over areas in northern Syria controlled by Kurdish forces. Ocalan's call was prompted by a surprise proposal in October by Devlet Bahceli, Erdogan's ultra-nationalist ally. It had been welcomed by the United States, the European Union and also by Iraq and Iran, which have significant Kurdish populations. The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant group, which has been locked in bloody conflict with Turkey for more than four decades, has decided to disband and end its armed struggle, group members and Turkish leaders say. Since the PKK launched its insurgency in 1984 - originally with the aim of creating an independent Kurdish state - the conflict has killed more than 40,000 people, exerted a huge economic burden and fuelled social tensions. The PKK's decision could boost NATO member Turkey's political and economic stability and encourage moves to ease tensions in neighbouring Iraq and also in Syria, where Kurdish forces are allied with US Ankara welcomed the decision to dissolve, it does not guarantee peace. Rather it paves the way for agreeing to a tricky legal framework for securely disarming the PKK, which is designated a terrorist group by Turkey and its Western allies. "The PKK 12th Congress decided to dissolve the PKK's organisational structure... and end the armed struggle," Firat news agency reported it as saying on Monday in the closing declaration of a congress held last week in northern Iraq, where the group is based. A PKK official separately confirmed the decision and said all military operations would cease immediately, adding weapon handovers were contingent on Ankara's response and approach to Kurdish rights, and the fate of PKK fighters and leaders. Kurds make up 20 per cent of Turkey's 86 million population. The PKK held the congress in response to a February call to disband from its jailed leader Abdullah Ocalan, who has been imprisoned on an island south of Istanbul since 1999. It said on Monday that he would manage the process. However, it was not clear whether Ankara agreed to Ocalan's continued role, which polls suggest could be unpopular among Turks. It was also unclear how the process would affect the Kurdish YPG militia in Syria. YPG leads a US-allied force against Islamic State there and is regarded by Turkey as a PKK affiliate. YPG has previously said Ocalan's call did not apply to it, contradicting Ankara's view. It did not immediately comment on the PKK's announcement. The disbanding will give President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a chance to boost development in Turkey's mainly Kurdish southeast, where the insurgency has impaired the regional economy for decades. Turkey would take necessary measures to ensure smooth progress towards a "terror-free" country after the PKK decision, said the presidency's communications director, Fahrettin Altun. In its statement, the PKK said it "has completed its historic mission", which over the years shifted to seeking greater Kurdish rights and limited autonomy in southeast Turkey, rather than an independent state. "The PKK struggle has broken the policy of denial and annihilation of our people and brought the Kurdish issue to a point of solving it through democratic politics," it said on the Firat website. The PKK decision comes amid tumult in Turkish politics: Istanbul's opposition mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, Erdogan's main challenger, was jailed in March pending corruption charges in a move that sparked the country's largest protests in a decade. There have been intermittent peace efforts over the years, most notably a ceasefire between 2013 and 2015 that ultimately collapsed. Ending the insurgency would remove a constant flashpoint in Kurdish-run, oil-rich northern Iraq, while facilitating efforts by Syria's new administration to assert greater sway over areas in northern Syria controlled by Kurdish forces. Ocalan's call was prompted by a surprise proposal in October by Devlet Bahceli, Erdogan's ultra-nationalist ally. It had been welcomed by the United States, the European Union and also by Iraq and Iran, which have significant Kurdish populations. The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant group, which has been locked in bloody conflict with Turkey for more than four decades, has decided to disband and end its armed struggle, group members and Turkish leaders say. Since the PKK launched its insurgency in 1984 - originally with the aim of creating an independent Kurdish state - the conflict has killed more than 40,000 people, exerted a huge economic burden and fuelled social tensions. The PKK's decision could boost NATO member Turkey's political and economic stability and encourage moves to ease tensions in neighbouring Iraq and also in Syria, where Kurdish forces are allied with US Ankara welcomed the decision to dissolve, it does not guarantee peace. Rather it paves the way for agreeing to a tricky legal framework for securely disarming the PKK, which is designated a terrorist group by Turkey and its Western allies. "The PKK 12th Congress decided to dissolve the PKK's organisational structure... and end the armed struggle," Firat news agency reported it as saying on Monday in the closing declaration of a congress held last week in northern Iraq, where the group is based. A PKK official separately confirmed the decision and said all military operations would cease immediately, adding weapon handovers were contingent on Ankara's response and approach to Kurdish rights, and the fate of PKK fighters and leaders. Kurds make up 20 per cent of Turkey's 86 million population. The PKK held the congress in response to a February call to disband from its jailed leader Abdullah Ocalan, who has been imprisoned on an island south of Istanbul since 1999. It said on Monday that he would manage the process. However, it was not clear whether Ankara agreed to Ocalan's continued role, which polls suggest could be unpopular among Turks. It was also unclear how the process would affect the Kurdish YPG militia in Syria. YPG leads a US-allied force against Islamic State there and is regarded by Turkey as a PKK affiliate. YPG has previously said Ocalan's call did not apply to it, contradicting Ankara's view. It did not immediately comment on the PKK's announcement. The disbanding will give President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a chance to boost development in Turkey's mainly Kurdish southeast, where the insurgency has impaired the regional economy for decades. Turkey would take necessary measures to ensure smooth progress towards a "terror-free" country after the PKK decision, said the presidency's communications director, Fahrettin Altun. In its statement, the PKK said it "has completed its historic mission", which over the years shifted to seeking greater Kurdish rights and limited autonomy in southeast Turkey, rather than an independent state. "The PKK struggle has broken the policy of denial and annihilation of our people and brought the Kurdish issue to a point of solving it through democratic politics," it said on the Firat website. The PKK decision comes amid tumult in Turkish politics: Istanbul's opposition mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, Erdogan's main challenger, was jailed in March pending corruption charges in a move that sparked the country's largest protests in a decade. There have been intermittent peace efforts over the years, most notably a ceasefire between 2013 and 2015 that ultimately collapsed. Ending the insurgency would remove a constant flashpoint in Kurdish-run, oil-rich northern Iraq, while facilitating efforts by Syria's new administration to assert greater sway over areas in northern Syria controlled by Kurdish forces. Ocalan's call was prompted by a surprise proposal in October by Devlet Bahceli, Erdogan's ultra-nationalist ally. It had been welcomed by the United States, the European Union and also by Iraq and Iran, which have significant Kurdish populations. The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant group, which has been locked in bloody conflict with Turkey for more than four decades, has decided to disband and end its armed struggle, group members and Turkish leaders say. Since the PKK launched its insurgency in 1984 - originally with the aim of creating an independent Kurdish state - the conflict has killed more than 40,000 people, exerted a huge economic burden and fuelled social tensions. The PKK's decision could boost NATO member Turkey's political and economic stability and encourage moves to ease tensions in neighbouring Iraq and also in Syria, where Kurdish forces are allied with US Ankara welcomed the decision to dissolve, it does not guarantee peace. Rather it paves the way for agreeing to a tricky legal framework for securely disarming the PKK, which is designated a terrorist group by Turkey and its Western allies. "The PKK 12th Congress decided to dissolve the PKK's organisational structure... and end the armed struggle," Firat news agency reported it as saying on Monday in the closing declaration of a congress held last week in northern Iraq, where the group is based. A PKK official separately confirmed the decision and said all military operations would cease immediately, adding weapon handovers were contingent on Ankara's response and approach to Kurdish rights, and the fate of PKK fighters and leaders. Kurds make up 20 per cent of Turkey's 86 million population. The PKK held the congress in response to a February call to disband from its jailed leader Abdullah Ocalan, who has been imprisoned on an island south of Istanbul since 1999. It said on Monday that he would manage the process. However, it was not clear whether Ankara agreed to Ocalan's continued role, which polls suggest could be unpopular among Turks. It was also unclear how the process would affect the Kurdish YPG militia in Syria. YPG leads a US-allied force against Islamic State there and is regarded by Turkey as a PKK affiliate. YPG has previously said Ocalan's call did not apply to it, contradicting Ankara's view. It did not immediately comment on the PKK's announcement. The disbanding will give President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a chance to boost development in Turkey's mainly Kurdish southeast, where the insurgency has impaired the regional economy for decades. Turkey would take necessary measures to ensure smooth progress towards a "terror-free" country after the PKK decision, said the presidency's communications director, Fahrettin Altun. In its statement, the PKK said it "has completed its historic mission", which over the years shifted to seeking greater Kurdish rights and limited autonomy in southeast Turkey, rather than an independent state. "The PKK struggle has broken the policy of denial and annihilation of our people and brought the Kurdish issue to a point of solving it through democratic politics," it said on the Firat website. The PKK decision comes amid tumult in Turkish politics: Istanbul's opposition mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, Erdogan's main challenger, was jailed in March pending corruption charges in a move that sparked the country's largest protests in a decade. There have been intermittent peace efforts over the years, most notably a ceasefire between 2013 and 2015 that ultimately collapsed. Ending the insurgency would remove a constant flashpoint in Kurdish-run, oil-rich northern Iraq, while facilitating efforts by Syria's new administration to assert greater sway over areas in northern Syria controlled by Kurdish forces. Ocalan's call was prompted by a surprise proposal in October by Devlet Bahceli, Erdogan's ultra-nationalist ally. It had been welcomed by the United States, the European Union and also by Iraq and Iran, which have significant Kurdish populations.
NBC News
12-05-2025
- Business
- NBC News
Kurdish PKK disbands and ends Turkey insurgency, PKK-linked agency says
ISTANBUL — The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant group, which has been locked in bloody conflict with the Turkish state for more than four decades, decided to disband and end its armed struggle, a news agency close to the group reported Monday. The PKK decision is set to have far-reaching political and security consequences for the region, including in neighboring Iraq and also in Syria, where Kurdish forces are allied with U.S. forces. More than 40,000 people have been killed in the conflict since the PKK launched its insurgency in 1984. It is designated a terrorist group by Turkey and its Western allies. 'The PKK has completed its historic mission,' the group said, according to the Firat news agency, which published what it said was the closing declaration of a congress that the PKK held last week in northern Iraq where it is based. The PKK held the congress in response to a call in February from its jailed leader Abdullah Ocalan to disband. 'The PKK 12th Congress decided to dissolve the PKK's organizational structure, with the practical process to be managed and carried out by Leader Apo, and to end the armed struggle method,' the statement said, using Ocalan's nickname. 'The PKK struggle has broken the policy of denial and annihilation of our people and brought the Kurdish issue to a point of solving it through democratic politics,' the statement said. The PKK's decision will give President Tayyip Erdogan the opportunity to boost development in the mainly Kurdish southeast, where the insurgency has handicapped the regional economy for decades. Omer Celik, spokesperson for Erdogan's ruling AK Party, said the PKK's decision to dissolve was an 'an important step toward a terror-free Turkey.' Turkey's foreign ministry did not immediately comment on the announcement, which Ankara had been expecting. The lira was flat at 38.7375 against the dollar while the main share index rose 2.4%. There have been intermittent peace efforts over the years, most notably a ceasefire between 2013 and 2015 that ultimately collapsed.
India Today
12-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Kurdish militant group PKK disbands, ends 40-year-old conflict with Turkey
The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant group, which has been locked in bloody conflict with the Turkish state for more than four decades, decided to disband and end its armed struggle, a news agency close to the group reported on PKK decision is set to have far-reaching political and security consequences for the region, including in neighbouring Iraq and also in Syria, where Kurdish forces are allied with US than 40,000 people have been killed in the conflict since the PKK launched its insurgency in 1984. It is designated a terrorist group by Turkey and its Western allies. "The PKK has completed its historic mission," the group said, according to the Firat news agency, which published what it said was the closing declaration of a congress that the PKK held last week in northern Iraq, where it is PKK held the congress in response to a call in February from its jailed leader Abdullah Ocalan to disband."The PKK 12th Congress decided to dissolve the PKK'S organisational structure, with the practical process to be managed and carried out by Leader Apo, and to end the armed struggle method," the statement said, using Ocalan's nickname."The PKK struggle has broken the policy of denial and annihilation of our people and brought the Kurdish issue to a point of solving it through democratic politics," the statement PKK's decision will give President Tayyip Erdogan the opportunity to boost development in the mainly Kurdish southeast, where the insurgency has handicapped the regional economy for Celik, spokespeson for Erdogan's ruling AK Party, said the PKK's decision to dissolve was an "an important step toward a terror-free Turkey".Turkey's foreign ministry did not immediately comment on the announcement, which Ankara had been expecting. The lira TRYTOM=D3 was flat at 38.7375 against the dollar while the main share index rose 2.4 per have been intermittent peace efforts over the years, most notably a ceasefire between 2013 and 2015 that ultimately Watch
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
12-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Kurdish armed group PKK disbands itself, ends 40-year fight against Turkey
The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has fought against Turkey and its ruling establishment for over 40 years, has decided to disband and end its armed struggle. The move is seen as a major step towards peace and stability in the region. read more The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has been fighting the Turkish state for over 40 years, has decided to disband and end its armed struggle, Firat news agency which is close to the group reported on Monday. This decision is expected to bring major political and security changes in the region, including in Iraq and Syria, where Kurdish forces work with US troops and have key stronghold. The PKK insurgency, which began in 1984, has claimed over 40,000 lives. The group is considered a terrorist organization by Turkey and its allies. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'The PKK has completed its historic mission,' the group said, according to Firat news agency. This statement followed a congress held last week in northern Iraq, where the PKK is based. The congress was called in response to a February request from its imprisoned leader, Abdullah Ocalan, to disband. The PKK's 12th Congress decided to dissolve its organizational structure and end its armed struggle, with the process managed by Ocalan, also known as Leader Apo. 'The PKK struggle has broken the policy of denial and annihilation of our people and brought the Kurdish issue to a point of solving it through democratic politics,' the statement said. The PKK's decision to disband gives President Tayyip Erdogan a chance to boost development in Turkey's mainly Kurdish southeast, where the conflict has hurt the economy for decades. Omer Celik, spokesperson for Erdogan's ruling AK Party, called the move 'an important step toward a terror-free Turkey.' Turkey's foreign ministry has not yet commented, though any announcement related to the development is expected.
The Hindu
12-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Kurdish PKK disbands and ends Turkey insurgency, PKK-linked agency says
The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant group, which has been in conflict with the Turkish state for more than four decades, has decided to dissolve itself and end its armed struggle, a news agency close to the group reported on Monday (May 12, 2025). The PKK decision is set to have far-reaching political and security consequences for the region, including in neighbouring Syria where Kurdish forces are allied with U.S. forces. The Firat news agency published what it said was the closing declaration of a congress that the PKK held last week in northern Iraq, in response to a call in February from its jailed leader Abdullah Ocalan to disband. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan's office and the Foreign Ministry did not immediately comment on the announcement. More than 40,000 people have been killed in the conflict since the PKK launched its insurgency in 1984. It is designated a terrorist group by Turkey and its Western allies.
