The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a banned Kurdish militant group, held a three-day congress this week in northern Iraq. The meeting may lead to the group disarming and dissolving, according to media close to the PKK.
The congress took place from May 5 to 7 in the Kandil mountains, where the PKK has its headquarters. The Firat and ANF news agencies reported that the group made “historic” decisions but did not say clearly whether it would disband. A full statement on the congress is expected soon.
The meeting followed a February 27 call by the PKK’s imprisoned founder, Abdullah Ocalan, who urged the group to end its armed struggle. Ocalan’s message was read aloud during the congress. Days after his call, the PKK declared a ceasefire.
Turkey’s government is reportedly following closely. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the country expects a positive response but warned there may be internal disagreements within the group. “This is not an easy decision for the organization,” he said in a TV interview.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned there would be consequences if the PKK fails to follow through. The group has fought the Turkish state since the 1980s in a conflict that has killed more than 40,000 people.
The People’s Equality and Democracy Party (DEM), a pro-Kurdish party in Turkey’s parliament, welcomed the congress. DEM said the decisions could help end decades of violence and called on Turkish institutions to support the peace process.
A decision by the PKK to disband would affect not only Turkey but also Iraq and Syria, where the group has influence.
