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Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Kurdish PKK militia to disband for Turkey talks
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) said Monday that it will disband and disarm after four decades of armed conflict with Turkey. The decision was announced through the Firat News Agency, a media outlet close to the PKK, after a party congress in northern Iraq. Jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan called for his group to disband in February, and the PKK declared a ceasefire March 1, on condition that Turkey create a legal framework for peace talks. "The PKK has completed its historic mission" and "decided to dissolve" its "organizational structure" and "end the armed struggle," the group said in a statement Monday morning. The decision "promises to put an end to one of the longest insurgencies in the Middle East," The Associated Press said. It should 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," Reuters said. The insurgency, which has claimed more than 40,000 lives since 1984, also "handicapped the regional economy for decades." Omer Celik, a spokesperson for Turkey's ruling AK Party, said the PKK's decision was an "important step toward a terror-free Turkey." "Details of the peace initiative have not been made public," including what will happen to the PKK's fighters, "how weapons would be disposed of and who would monitor" the process, the AP said. "Previous peace efforts between Turkey and the group — most recently in 2015 — have ended with failure."
Los Angeles Times
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
The PKK Kurdish militant group will disarm and disband as part of a peace initiative with Turkey
ANKARA, Turkey — The Kurdish militant group PKK announced Monday that it is disbanding and renouncing armed conflict as part of a new peace initiative with Turkey, ending four decades of hostilities. The decision by the PKK, or Kurdistan Workers' Party, promises to end one of the longest insurgencies in the Middle East and could have significant impact in Turkey, Syria and Iraq. It was announced by the Firat News Agency, a media outlet close to the group, days after the PKK convened a party congress in northern Iraq. In February, PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, who has been imprisoned on an island near Istanbul since 1999, urged his group to convene a congress and formally decide to disband and disarm. The call by Ocalan, 76, who continues to wields significant influence in the Kurdish movement despite his 25-year imprisonment, marked a pivotal step toward ending the decades-long conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives since the 1980s. Building on the momentum, the PKK announced a unilateral ceasefire on March 1 but attached conditions, including the creation of a legal framework for peace negotiations. The conflict between Turkey and the PKK has spilled over into northern Iraq and northern Syria, with Turkey carrying out numerous incursions into the neighboring regions. The PKK is listed as a terrorist group by Turkey and its Western allies. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the PKK's latest announcement, saying it would lead to stronger security and regional peace. 'We have crossed another critical threshold in the process toward a terror-free Turkey,' he said. In a statement carried by Firat, the PKK announced its decision to end its 'organizational structure' and suggested that its armed struggle has successfully challenged policies that sought to suppress Kurdish rights. The congress assessed that the PKK's struggle had 'brought the Kurdish issue to the point of resolution through democratic politics, thus completing its historical mission,' according to the statement. 'As a result, activities carried out under the name 'PKK' were formally terminated,' the statement said. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan described the decision as 'historic,' but said the government would closely monitor the steps the group takes. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani said the peace agreement 'will also contribute to the stability of the region.' Erdogan said the declaration should apply to all PKK-affiliated groups: 'We consider this announcement to encompass all of the organization's branches, including those in northern Iraq, Syria and Europe.' Kurdish fighters in Syria have ties to the PKK and have been involved in intense fighting with Turkish-backed forces there. The leader of the U.S.-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces previously said Ocalan's call for a dissolution did not apply to his group in Syria. The group then reached an agreement with the central government in Damascus for a nationwide ceasefire and its merger into the Syrian army. Details of the PKK's peace initiative have not been made public. The future of its fighters remains uncertain, including whether they may be relocated to third countries. Some analysts have suggested the Kurdish movement could potentially receive concessions including improvement in Ocalan's prison conditions, release or amnesty for jailed Kurdish politicians — including Selahattin Demirtas, the former leader of the country's pro-Kurdish party — and guarantees against the removal from office of Kurdish mayors. Previous peace efforts between Turkey and the group — most recently in 2015 — ended in failure. Dozens of people gathered Monday outside a mosque in the mainly Kurdish city of Diyarbakir, celebrating the announcement with a traditional dance. 'The people of this region are tired of this war,' said resident Tekin Ergin. 'The PKK's decision to disband is the right decision and a timely decision.' In recent years, the PKK has been limited to isolated attacks inside Turkey as the Turkish military, backed by armed drones, has pushed its insurgents increasingly across the mountainous border into Iraq. The latest peace initiative was launched in October by Erdogan's coalition partner, Devlet Bahceli, a far-right politician who suggested that Ocalan could be granted parole if his group renounces violence and disbands. Some believe the main aim of the reconciliation effort is for Erdogan's government to garner Kurdish support for a new constitution that would allow him to remain in power beyond 2028, when his term ends. Bahceli has called for a new constitution, saying it is essential for Turkey's future that Erdogan remain in power. Erdogan and Bahceli are reportedly seeking parliamentary support from the pro-Kurdish People's Equality and Democracy Party, or DEM. The PKK's declaration could mark a major gain for Erdogan, whose government is grappling with political tensions following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on corruption charges. Many see the imprisonment of the mayor, who is the opposition's strongest challenger to Erdogan's more than two-decade rule, as politically motivated. The government insists Turkey's judiciary operates independently. Sinan Ulgen, director of the Istanbul-based Edam think tank, cited both domestic and international drivers for the new peace initiative. 'The domestic driver can be explained by Erdogan's aspiration to secure additional support in parliament in order to pave the path to his potential candidacy for the next round of presidential elections,' Ulgen said. Internationally, Ulgen said, factors such as the change of administration in Syria and Iran's weakening after being targeted by Israel, had left the PKK 'more vulnerable than in the past.' 'This does not mean that the road is clear of all hurdles,' Ulgen added, warning of possible splits within the PKK. 'We've seen this sort of dynamics around the world,' Ulgen said. 'Whether it is IRA or other entities that have decided to lay down arms, there is the prospect of a split, with one wing being in compliance with the objective, but the more radical wing continuing with the fight.' Bahceli said he hoped 'the bloody chapter will be closed forever, never to be reopened.' The politician called for careful consideration of the steps to follow, including the timing and method of arms collection, monitoring the possible transitions of PKK members into groups in Syria, distinguishing members involved in criminal activities from those who were not, and deciding the appropriate course of action concerning the group's leadership. Fraser writes for the Associated Press. Cinar Kiper in Bodrum, Turkey, and Mucahit Ceylan in Diyarbakir, Turkey, contributed to this report.
Saba Yemen
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) announces its same dissolution, end of its conflict with Turkey
Istanbul - (Saba): The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) announced this morning, Monday, its dissolution and the end of its armed conflict with Turkey, based on the decisions of the conference it held a few days ago. The Firat News Agency, which is close to the party, stated that it had accomplished what it described as its historic mission, noting that the party "believes that Kurdish political parties will assume their responsibilities to develop Kurdish democracy and ensure the formation of a democratic Kurdish nation." At the same time, the agency quoted the party as stressing that Turkish-Kurdish relations need to be reshaped, without revealing further details. These developments come after Firat News Agency reported on Friday that the party had "successfully" held a conference to dissolve itself this week. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print
Global News
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Global News
New Turkiye peace deal will see PKK Kurdish militant group disband
The PKK Kurdish militant group announced Monday that it will disband and disarm as part of a new peace initiative with Turkiye, ending four decades of armed conflict. The decision by the Kurdistan Workers' Party, which promises to put an end to one of the longest insurgencies in the Middle East and could have significant impact in Turkiye, Syria and Iraq, was announced by the Firat News Agency, a media outlet close to the group. It comes days after the PKK convened a party congress in northern Iraq. In February, PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, who has been imprisoned on an island near Istanbul since 1999, urged his group to convene a congress and formally decide to disband. The call by Ocalan, 76, who continues to wields significant influence in the Kurdish movement despite his 25-year imprisonment, marked a pivotal step toward ending the decadeslong conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives since the 1980s. Story continues below advertisement Building on the momentum, the PKK announced a unilateral ceasefire on March 1, but attached conditions, including the creation of a legal framework for peace negotiations. The conflict between Turkiye and the PKK has spilled over into northern Iraq and northern Syria, with Turkiye carrying out numerous incursions into the neighboring regions. The PKK is listed as a terror group by Turkiye and its Western allies. PKK says group has completed its 'historical mission' In a statement carried by Firat news, the PKK announced it decision to end its 'organizational structure,' suggesting that its armed struggle has successfully challenged policies that sought to suppress Kurdish rights. The congress assessed that the PKK's struggle had 'brought the Kurdish issue to the point of resolution through democratic politics, thus completing its historical mission,' according to the statement. 'As a result, activities carried out under the name 'PKK' were formally terminated,' the statement said. Story continues below advertisement Turkiye's governing party welcomed the announcement 'as a significant step toward the goal of a terror-free Turkey.' 'If terrorism is completely eradicated, it will open the door to a new era,' Omer Celik, spokesman for President Recep Erdogan's party, wrote on the X social media platform. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Turkiye officially changed its internationally recognized name in 2022, but the spellings of Turkey and Turkiye remain common as that change is implemented. 0:36 Sweden considers PKK a terrorist organization, vows to counter threats to Turkey Turkiye says decision should apply to all PKK affiliates Celik, however, said the decision must apply to all 'PKK branches, affiliates and illegal structures.' He did not elaborate but the statement appeared to be in reference to Kurdish fighters in Syria, who have ties to the PKK and have been involved in intense fighting with Turkish-backed forces on the ground there. Story continues below advertisement The leader of the U.S.-backed Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces had previously stated that Ocalan's call for a ceasefire does not apply to his group in Syria. Details of the peace initiative have not been made public and it was not clear how the process would proceed, including how weapons would be disposed of and who would monitor the procedures. The future of PKK fighters remains uncertain, including whether they may be relocated to third countries. Any concessions the PKK might obtain in exchange for its decision to disband have not been disclosed. Some analysts have suggested Kurdish movement could potentially receive some political concessions, including improvement in Ocalan's prison conditions, release or amnesty for jailed Kurdish politicians, including Selahattin Demirtas, the former leader of the country's pro-Kurdish party, and guarantees against Kurdish mayors' removal from office. Previous peace efforts between Turkiye and the group — most recently in 2015 — ended in failure. Dozens of people gathered Monday outside a mosque in the mainly-Kurdish city of Diyarbakir, celebrating the announcement with a traditional Kurdish dance. Why is the peace initiative happening now? In recent years, the PKK has been limited to isolated attacks inside Turkiye as the Turkish military, backed by armed drones, has pushed PKK insurgents increasingly across the mountainous border into Iraq. Story continues below advertisement The latest peace initiative was launched in October by Erdogan's coalition partner, Devlet Bahceli, a far-right politician who suggested that Ocalan could be granted parole if his group renounces violence and disbands. Some believe the main aim of the reconciliation effort is for Erdogan's government to garner Kurdish support for a new constitution that would allow him to remain in power beyond 2028, when his term ends. 1:58 Trump calls PKK 'worse than ISIS' on terrorism, calls situation a 'semi-complicated problem' Bahceli has openly called for a new constitution, saying it is essential for Turkiye's future that Erdogan remain in power. Erdogan and Bahceli are reportedly seeking parliamentary support from the pro-Kurdish People's Equality and Democracy Party, or DEM. The PKK's declaration could mark a major gain for Erdogan, whose government is grappling with political tensions following the arrest of Istanbul's Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on corruption charges. Many see the imprisonment of the mayor, who is the opposition's strongest challenger to Erdogan's more than two-decade rule, as politically motivated. The government insists Turkiye's judiciary operates independently. Story continues below advertisement Sinan Ulgen, director of the Istanbul-based Edam think tank, cited both domestic and international drivers for the new peace initiative. 'The domestic driver can be explained by Erdogan's aspiration to secure additional support in parliament in order to pave the path to his potential candidacy for the next round of presidential elections,' Ulgen said. Internationally, Ulgen said, factors such as the change of administration in Syria and Iran's weakening after being targeted by Israel, had left the PKK 'more vulnerable than in the past.' Could the PKK splinter? 'This does not mean that the road is clear of all hurdles,' Ulgen added, warning of possible splits within the PKK. 'We've seen this sort of dynamics around the world,' Ulgen said. 'Whether it is IRA or other entities that have decided to lay down arms, there is the prospect of a split, with one wing being in compliance with the objective, but the more radical wing continuing with the fight.'
CBS News
12-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Turkey's PKK Kurdish insurgents to lay down arms after deadly, decades-long fight against government
The Kurdish group PKK announced on Monday that it will fully disarm and disband, ending its decades-long insurgency against the Turkish state, according to the Firat News Agency, an outlet linked closely with the group. The PKK has long been designated a terrorist organization by the U.S., Turkey, the European Union, NATO, and many other nations and entities. The landmark move announced Monday will end a 40-year conflict that killed more than 40,000 people. The group declared that it had completed its "historical mission" and had thus "decided to dissolve the PKK's organizational structure, with the practical process to be managed and carried out by Leader Apo [Abdullah Ocalan], and to end the armed struggle method." The announcement came after the group's imprisoned founder and ideological leader, Abdullah Ocalan, made a call in a public letter in February, addressed to its leadership, asking the PKK to lay down its arms permanently. The PKK declared a unilateral ceasefire the following month. The group was formed in 1978 with the ambition of creating a separate, independent homeland for Turkey's large Kurdish minority, but it later dropped its separatist ambitions and focused on achieving greater rights for the group within Turkish society. Hatice Levent holds a picture of her daughter Fadime, who is believed to have joined the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), as families of young people believed to have been recruited by the PKK gather outside the local office of the pro-Kurdish DEM Party, as the PKK announces plans to disband and end its 40-year Turkey insurgency, in the southeastern city of Diyarbakir, Turkey, May 12, 2025. Sertac Kayar/REUTERS A spokesperson for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) welcomed the announcement, calling it, "a significant step towards a terror free Turkey." Spokesman Omer Celik said the PKK's decision should be "implemented with all its dimensions, without any shortcomings, and with concrete goals." There were, however, no details immediately released about the technicalities of the group's disbanding, such as what would happen with all the weapons it has held for decades, or if its members would receive legal amnesty in Turkey. In its statement, the PKK said the issue of Kurdish rights had come "to a point where it can be resolved through democratic politics," urging the Turkish parliament to take "a historical role" in completing the process. Erdogan's government has had a complex relationship with the country's Kurds. While some progress was made in restoring Kurdish rights since the AKP came to power in 2002, scores of Kurdish rights defenders were also imprisoned after the collapse of peace talks in 2015. The announcement will have wider consequences for the region, especially in Iraq, Syria and Iran, all of which share borders with Turkey and have significant Kurdish minority populations of their own. The disarmament of the PKK could also help clear up a thorny issue between the U.S. and its NATO ally. Turkey has long been critical of U.S. support for the Syrian Kurdish group YPG, which Turkey considers an extension of the PKK. The YPG and allied Kurdish militias were instrumental allies to the U.S. in the war against ISIS in Syria.
