Latest news with #Kurdish-Turkish
Al-Ahram Weekly
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
The future of Turkey's Kurds
Fighters from the Kurdistan Workers Party have been laying down their arms in ceremonies conducted within the framework of Turkish-Kurdish peace negotiations On 11 July, a group of 30 fighters from the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) – half of them women – placed their weapons in a large cauldron in front of the historic Jasana cave in northern Iraq and set them alight. The symbolic disarmament ceremony – described as historic – was conducted in the framework of the ongoing Kurdish-Turkish peace negotiations that are being conducted beneath the slogan 'a terror-free Turkey.' The ceremony came in response to a video message aired two days earlier from PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan to his followers. 'I believe in the power of politics and societal peace, not weapons, and I call on you to put this principle into practice,' he said. The iconic PKK leader has been held in near solitary confinement in the Imralı Prison near Istanbul since 1999. This was his first publicised video message in 26 years. It follows an earlier written message in February calling on all PKK groups to lay down their arms. 'The PKK must dissolve itself,' it read. 'Convene your congress and take the decision to integrate with the state and society.' The PKK members' symbolic gesture received a very positive response from Ankara. 'Today marks a new day, a new chapter in history. The doors to a great, strong Turkey— Century of Turkey — have been fully opened,' Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said during a meeting of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) on 12 July. Describing the disarmament ceremony as a victory for Turkey's 86 million citizens, Turks, Kurds and Arabs, he said, 'the Republic of Turkey is our shared home, our common roof. All 86 million of us are one, united, and brothers for eternity.' Urging the public to have confidence in the government that is working to secure a better future, he said that 'we will facilitate the process with care and urgency, without harming anyone, and closely monitor the laying down of weapons.' The PKK has been under increasing pressure to disarm. Its leader's decisions followed by its members' historic gesture of good faith cannot be viewed separately from developments in Syria following the overthrow of the Bashar Al-Assad regime in December 2024. Soon afterwards, Turkey succeeded in bringing Syria's neighbouring states together in a high-level meeting hosted by Jordan in March to forge a regional anti-terrorism coalition, primarily aiming to combat the Islamic State (IS) group and the PKK, which Turkey has designated as a terrorist organisation. Analysts believe that the PKK has come to recognise that the militant option will yield at best limited results, especially in view of regional and international developments. Part of the group's networks in Syria and Iraq have collapsed under sustained Turkish military pressure. In Syria, the predominantly Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have experienced internal rifts. To the east, the PKK sustained setbacks as a consequence of the Israeli attack against Iran. Prior to this, Israel and its Western backers succeeded in neutralising segments of Iran's regional proxies, thereby reducing Tehran's support for the PKK. Another likely factor informing the PKK decision to disarm is the shift in US policy towards Syria. On 30 June, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order lifting sanctions on Syria. Prior to this, on 5 June, the US withdrew over 500 troops from three bases in northeastern Syria, and on 17 June it withdrew forces from two additional bases in that area. The moves suggest that the Trump administration is accelerating the reduction of the US military presence in Syria and by extension US support for the SDF, which, according to some analysts, is a source of concern for the PKK. At the same time, the Trump administration is keen to support the new Syrian leadership and has echoed Interim Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa's calls for national unity. Meanwhile, since the opening of the parliamentary season last autumn, when Erdogan's far-right ally Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli walked over to shake hands with the leader of the pro-Kurdish People's Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, Ankara has increasingly leaned into a major shift in its policy towards the Kurdish rights movement. In April, Erdogan met with a delegation from the DEM to discuss prospects for reviving the Turkish-Kurdish peace process that he had abandoned in 2015. More recently, on 24 June, Bahçeli called on all Turkish parties to support a new peace initiative that promised to make Turkey free of terrorism. The MHP and Bahçeli personally had long been fervent opponents of dialogue with the PKK. Turkey's current approach to the PKK is shaped by three key factors. The first is Erdogan's determination to secure support for a new constitution, which is currently being drafted. Secondly, he is desperate to contain the growing influence of the opposition parties, above all the People's Republican Party (CHP), which has been gaining remarkably in the polls. The third is the need to counter the Israeli threat. Tel Aviv's invective against Turkey has become increasingly strident, most recently in response to Ankara's defence of Iran's right to complete its nuclear programme. Bahçeli, perhaps reflecting the concerns of the Turkish leadership in general regarding Israeli behaviour in the region, warned that Turkey might be Israel's next target after Iran. Despite the hopes raised by the PKK arms-burning ceremony and its reception in Ankara, the road to peace and the PKK's integration into Turkish political life is unlikely to be smooth. One of the foremost obstacles is Turkish scepticism and mistrust. According to some Turkish assessments, the PKK still owns hidden arsenals of weapons. Ankara also fears that the PKK fighters in Iraq might merge with Iranian-backed militias. The mistrust is also mutual. In the long run, PKK leaders worry that their fighters will not obtain the necessary legal protections from potential witch hunts after an agreement. Turkey has never articulated a concrete vision for resolving the conflict politically and in terms of legal guarantees. In addition, the PKK is concerned by the threat of continued Turkish military operations despite ongoing negotiations. In recent months, Turkey has launched frequent strikes against PKK strongholds in Iraqi Kurdistan, claiming dozens of casualties. If, to the PKK leadership, this betrays a lack of good faith, the Turkish leadership argues that a two-pronged approach – military operations in tandem with dialogue – is needed to push effectively for a peaceful solution. Perhaps it has the PKK's more hardline nationalist wing in mind. The 'Qandil faction,' as it is called, has previously opposed unilateral disarmament and organisational dismantlement. This faction still subscribes to armed struggle as the most effective means to secure Kurdish rights in the face of what it regards the systemic Turkish antagonism to and marginalisation of the country's large Kurdish minority. It also argues that this struggle has helped focus international attention on the question of Kurdish national, political, and cultural rights. Ankara may be calculating that the military dimension of its two-pronged approach will drive a wedge between this faction and the Ocalan faction, weakening the negotiating hand of the latter. Be that as it may, any peace process will have to navigate through obstacles posed by the hardline factions on both sides, whether the Kurdish militants or the far right Turkish ethnonationalists. But perhaps more crucially, to move forward a peace process needs clarity in the form of a concrete vision or roadmap – and this, so far, remains lacking. * A version of this article appears in print in the 17 July, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
See - Sada Elbalad
11-07-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
PKK Fighters Burn Weapons in Historic Event
Taarek Refaat In a historic ceremony near the city of Slemani in northern Iraq, members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) symbolically laid down their arms on Friday, marking the end of over four decades of armed struggle against Turkey. This move, which comes after two months of negotiations and the party's announcement to end its insurgency, is seen by many as a step toward a political resolution between the Kurds and Turkey. Kurdish citizens in Turkey are hopeful that this shift will pave the way for a peace settlement with Ankara. Around 30 PKK fighters, including women, participated in the ceremony, which took place near the cave of Jassneh, located about 50 kilometers west of Slemani. The fighters, many of whom held leadership roles, burned their weapons as part of the symbolic act. The event is being hailed as a 'historic democratic operation' by the PKK, marking a critical transition from armed resistance to political engagement. Speaking at the ceremony, PKK leaders, including Basi Hozat and Behjat Şarçıl, addressed a crowd of around 300 attendees, including officials, media representatives, and those from various Kurdish political factions. They referred to the destruction of the weapons as a 'historic democratic operation,' emphasizing their hope for a future of peace, equality, and democracy. As the fighters laid down their arms, many were visibly emotional, with some crying and others chanting "Long live Apo!" – a reference to Abdullah Öcalan, the PKK's founder and leader who has been imprisoned in Turkey since 1999. The event represents a significant shift for the PKK, which has waged an armed insurgency against Turkey since 1984, leading to the deaths of over 40,000 people. Öcalan's call for the cessation of armed resistance earlier this year has become a pivotal moment in Kurdish-Turkish relations. Turkish officials have welcomed this development, with one senior government figure describing the PKK's move as "a milestone and a welcome step." The Turkish government views this as an irreversible turning point in the conflict. The laying down of arms comes at a time when Turkey has intensified its efforts to address the Kurdish issue. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has previously expressed optimism that the PKK's decision could mark the beginning of an era of peace, free from terrorism. He described the move as an important step toward a "terrorism-free" Turkey. This step is also tied to ongoing indirect negotiations between Abdullah Öcalan and Ankara, facilitated by Turkish President Erdoğan. These talks, which began in October 2022, aim to create a legal and democratic political framework for the Kurdish community in Turkey, following decades of armed conflict. Erdoğan has suggested that peace efforts with the Kurds will accelerate as the PKK moves forward with its decision to lay down arms, expecting "positive news in the coming days." Moreover, an Iraqi security source indicated that the disarmament process is expected to conclude by 2026, after which a new Kurdish political party will be formed in Turkey. This would mark a new phase in Turkey's efforts to integrate its Kurdish minority into the broader political landscape, offering hope for a long-term peace agreement. The PKK's decision to end its armed struggle comes at a time of increasing regional cooperation between the Kurdish political movements in Turkey and Iraq, with Kurdish leaders like Masoud Barzani showing support for the peace process. It is expected that these developments will provide a much-needed opening for the Kurdish minority, who make up around 20% of Turkey's population, to engage in peaceful dialogue with the Turkish government. While the outcome of this process remains uncertain, the move to lay down arms is a crucial step toward achieving a lasting peace and a political solution to the Kurdish issue in Turkey. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language
Shafaq News
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
New push for peace: Ocalan calls for dialogue with Kurdish figures
Shafaq News/ Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), has proposed launching talks with prominent Kurdish political and military figures, the pro-Kurdish DEM Party announced on Wednesday. Aysegul Dogan, spokesperson for the DEM Party—widely regarded as the successor to the sidelined Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP)—confirmed that preparations are underway for a visit to İmralı prison to meet Ocalan and discuss the framework for renewed political engagement. 'This step is essential for advancing the peace process,' she told reporters in Ankara. The proposed dialogue includes Masoud Barzani, leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP); Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region; Bafel Talabani, head of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK); and Mazloum Abdi, Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Nechirvan Barzani characterized Ocalan's recent outreach as 'a constructive step' that could revive stalled peace efforts, while Masoud Barzani has consistently supported peaceful resolution mechanisms, describing dialogue as 'the only viable path' to address Kurdish-Turkish disputes. PKK Strategy Shift The announcement follows the PKK's unilateral ceasefire declared on March 1, shortly after Ocalan issued a message urging the group to disarm and dissolve. In his statement, read publicly by DEM Party deputies on February 27, Ocalan described the pivot to political engagement as a 'historic responsibility' and called for the armed struggle to give way to democratic strategy. Despite his detention since 1999, Ocalan continues to serve as the PKK's ideological reference point and remains influential in shaping the group's direction, and his latest message is widely seen as the most serious overture toward reconciliation since the collapse of the 2013–2015 peace process. The PKK, designated as a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the United States, and the European Union, has fought an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984, a conflict that has left over 40,000 dead. Meanwhile, the DEM Party continues to advocate for Kurdish political inclusion under increasing legal pressure, as Turkish authorities pursue multiple cases to dissolve the party and prosecute its affiliates, alleging links to the PKK—claims the party denies.
Saba Yemen
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Ocalan Calls for New Pact Based on "Brotherhood" Between Kurds,Turks
Istanbul - (Saba): In a new message from prison, the leader of the disbanded Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), Abdullah Öcalan, called for a new pact "based on brotherhood" to reform Kurdish-Turkish relations. Kurdish media reported that Öcalan said in his message: "There is a need for a new pact based on brotherhood. What we are doing is a major change in the paradigm." He continued: "The essence of the Kurdish-Turkish relationship is something completely different. What is being destroyed is the relationship between brothers. Brothers and sisters are fighting, and one cannot exist without the other. We will remove the traps and debris that are destroying this relationship, one by one, and repair all the damaged roads and collapsed bridges." Öcalan's message was revealed by a delegation from the Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) in Türkiye after a visit to Imrali Prison to meet with Öcalan. This visit by the HDP delegation, which included parliamentarian Pervin Buldan and lawyer Faik Özgür Oral, marked the fifth visit by the party's delegates to Öcalan and the first since the PKK announced its disbandment and disarmament. The first visit by the HDP delegation to Öcalan took place on December 28, 2024, followed by a second visit on January 22, which lasted approximately four hours. Following the third visit, which included a seven-person delegation, the party delegation held a press conference in Istanbul on February 27, during which they revealed Öcalan's letter calling on the PKK to disband and disarm, emphasizing his historical responsibility for this call. On April 21, the party delegation made its fourth visit to Öcalan. In recent days, the PKK announced it would hold a conference during which it decided to disband the party and lay down its weapons. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print more of (International)
Mint
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Kurdish separatist group PKK ends armed struggle after 40-year conflict with Turkey – Here's why
The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), the militant group involved in a four-decade-long insurgency against Turkey, has announced it will disband and end its armed operations. The decision, declared in a statement issued after a recent leadership congress in northern Iraq, marks a historic shift in the Kurdish-Turkish conflict. "The PKK has fulfilled its historical mission," the group said. It added that the Kurdish issue had reached a point where it could be resolved through "democratic politics." A senior PKK official confirmed that all military operations would cease immediately. However, the handover of weapons would depend on the Turkish government's response to the group's demands regarding Kurdish rights and the future of PKK fighters. Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling AKP party welcomed the move, calling it 'an important step towards a terror-free Turkey.' The government also stressed that the disarmament process would be 'meticulously monitored.' Turkey's Communications Director Fahrettin Altun said Ankara would take the "necessary measures to ensure smooth progress" toward peace and internal stability. The decision follows a February call to disband from Abdullah Ocalan, the PKK's jailed leader, who has been imprisoned since 1999 on an island near Istanbul. The group confirmed that Ocalan would manage the disbanding process. The decision offers a renewed chance for economic and political development in Turkey's Kurdish-majority southeast. The long-running insurgency has hampered the region's growth and strained national resources. It remains unclear how the PKK's disbanding will affect the Kurdish YPG militia in Syria, which Turkey views as a PKK affiliate. The YPG has previously dismissed Ocalan's calls as irrelevant to its operations. It has not commented on the latest announcement. Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani congratulated Turkey, calling the PKK's disbanding a 'pivotal moment not only for Turkey's internal security but for the stability of our region as a whole.' The pro-Kurdish DEM Party, Turkey's third-largest political force, played a key role in facilitating Ocalan's peace proposal. Deputy party leader Tayip Temel hailed the development as significant. 'This decision is not just important for the Kurdish people, but for the entire Middle East,' Temel said. 'It will also necessitate a major shift in the official state mentality of Turkey. The PKK decision comes amid political unrest in Turkey. Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a major opposition figure, was jailed in March pending corruption charges — a move that sparked the country's largest protests in a decade. The PKK began its insurgency in 1984 seeking an independent Kurdish state. Over the years, the group shifted its goals to demand greater Kurdish rights and regional autonomy. The conflict has claimed more than 40,000 lives and strained Turkey's economy and social fabric.
