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Hindustan Times
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Jailed Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan asks his fighters to disarm ahead of symbolic peace ceremony
The jailed leader of a Kurdish militant group renewed Wednesday a call for his fighters to lay down their arms, days before a symbolic disarmament ceremony is expected to take place as a first concrete step in a peace process with the Turkish state. Ocalan's call to end the fighting marked a pivotal step toward ending the decades-long conflict.(Metin Yoksu/ AP File) In a seven-minute video message broadcast on pro-Kurdish Medya Haber's YouTube channel, Abdullah Ocalan, the leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, declared that the peace initiative had reached a stage that required practical steps. 'It should be considered natural for you to publicly ensure the disarmament of the relevant groups in a way that addresses the expectations of the (Turkish parliament) and its commission, dispels public doubts, and fulfils our commitments,' Ocalan said. 'I believe in the power of politics and social peace, not weapons. And I call on you to put this principle into practice.' Ocalan, who has been imprisoned on an island near Istanbul since 1999, first urged the PKK in February to convene a congress and formally dissolve itself. Responding to his call, the PKK announced in May that it would disband and renounce armed conflict, ending four decades of hostilities. Ocalan's call to end the fighting marked a pivotal step toward ending the decades-long conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives since the 1980s. His message broadcast on Wednesday appeared to be aimed at convincing fighters who may still be hesitant about abandoning armed struggle. He delivered his message flanked by fellow inmates. In a first step toward the PKK's disarmament process, a group of its fighters is expected later this week to lay down their arms in a symbolic ceremony to be held in Sulaymaniyah, in northern Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdish region. Zagros Hiwar, a PKK spokesman, said a group of 20 to 30 fighters would descend from the mountains and destroy their weapons in front of civil society organisations and invited observers. The PKK has long maintained bases in the mountains of northern Iraq. Turkish forces have launched offensives and airstrikes against the PKK in Iraq and have set up bases in the area. The Iraqi government in Baghdad announced last year an official ban on the separatist group, which has long been prohibited in Turkiye. (AP) GRS GRS
Toronto Sun
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
Kurdish militant group PKK will disband and disarm as part of peace initiative with Turkey
Published May 12, 2025 • 4 minute read Youngsters hold a photograph of the jailed leader of the rebel Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, Abdullah Ocalan in Diyarbakir, Turkey, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. Photo by Metin Yoksu / AP ANKARA, Turkey — The PKK Kurdish militant group announced Monday that it will disband and disarm as part of a new peace initiative with Turkey, ending four decades of armed conflict. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account 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 Turkey, 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. 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. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 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 terror group by Turkey 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. Turkey's governing party welcomed the announcement 'as a significant step toward the goal of a terror-free Turkey.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. '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. Turkey 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. 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. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 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 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 Kurdish dance. Why is the peace initiative happening now? This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. In recent years, the PKK has been limited to isolated attacks inside Turkey as the Turkish military, backed by armed drones, has pushed PKK 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 openly 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. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 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 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.' 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.' Toronto Maple Leafs Sunshine Girls Health Sunshine Girls Toronto & GTA
Toronto Sun
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
PKK militant group says it reached 'historic' decisions, without confirming disbandment
Published May 09, 2025 • 1 minute read Youngsters hold a photograph of the jailed leader of the rebel Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, Abdullah Ocalan in Diyarbakir, Turkey, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. Photo by Metin Yoksu / AP ANKARA, Turkey — A militant Kurdish group announced on Friday that it had made 'historic' decisions during its long-awaited congress earlier this week. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The group, however, stopped short of saying whether it had resolved to disband and disarm as part of a new peace initiative with Turkey aimed at ending the four-decade insurgency. The Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, held a congress in two locations in northern Iraq between May 5-7, according to a statement carried by the Firat News Agency, a media organization close to the banned group. The PKK said the historic decisions taken during the congress would be shared with the public soon. In February, the PKK's jailed leader, Abdullah Ocalan, called on his group to convene a congress to dissolve itself and disarm to end the conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives since the 1980s. The group, which is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey and most Western states, announced a ceasefire days later but had set conditions to disband, including the establishment of a legal mechanism for peace talks. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. During the congress, statements by Ocalan outlining his 'perspectives and proposals' were read, according to Firat news. Turkey's Haberturk broadcaster said the congress convened in Suleymaniyah and Duhok, cities in northern Iraq where the PKK's leadership is thought to be based. Earlier, Turkey's pro-Kurdish party, DEM, which is involved in the peace effort, said the PKK could declare its decision 'at any moment.' 'We, too, are awaiting this historic step, this historic decision,' DEM party spokeswoman Aysegul Dogan said. The latest peace initiative was launched in October by Devlet Bahceli, a far-right Turkish politician who suggested that Ocalan, who is imprisoned on an island off Istanbul, could be granted parole if his group renounces violence and disbands. Previous peace efforts between Turkey and the group have ended with failure — most recently in 2015. Canada Sunshine Girls Sunshine Girls Canada Toronto Maple Leafs
