Thursday’s call will have widespread political and security consequences for the region, provided that the leadership of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) listens to the demands of its founders.
In a message from his prison on an island off Istanbul, Okaran said the PKK should decide to hold a parliament and dissolve the parliament. Okaran, now 75 years old, has been held solitary confinement on Imurari Prison Island since 1999.
“Every group has to abandon their arms. The PKK has to disband itself,” his message read. “I am calling for the laying of weapons and assume historical responsibility for this call.”
Last year, Devlet Bahceli, coalition partner of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, offered Ocalan parole if his group completely dissolved.
The peace effort comes when the Erdogan Party is trying to enact a new constitution that will allow him to remain in power.
There was no immediate response from the leadership of the PKK, based in northern Iraq.
Iraqi Kurdistan Regional President Netilvan Barzani welcomed the call.
The leader of the Syrian Kurdish militia, affiliated with the PKK, said that the call to Okaran would not affect the SDF groups supported by the US.
His spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters. “This represents a faint hope that will lead to the resolution of years of conflict.”
The German Foreign Ministry said, “The end of violence is an important first step, but there is a need for further steps.
MNA/presstv