Ocalan Calls for PKK Disarmament Amid Peace Talks with Turkey

Abdullah Ocalan, the founder of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), has urged the militant group to disarm and dissolve in a significant call for peace with the Turkish state. This appeal comes amid renewed discussions between Ocalan and Turkey's pro-Kurdish DEM party, who seek to end a decades-long conflict that has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths. The Turkish government's response has been cautiously optimistic, with Deputy Chairman Efkan Ala stating that Turkey could be 'free of its shackles' if the PKK disbands. Ocalan's call for disarmament is seen as a potential roadmap for transitioning from violence to a political resolution of the Kurdish issue. However, the actual reception of his message among PKK fighters, many of whom are based in northern Iraq, remains uncertain. Observers are keenly awaiting the outcome of these developments, which could reshape the future of Kurdish rights in Turkey.