In a historic ceremony near Sulaymaniyah in Iraqi Kurdistan, 30 fighters from the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) laid down their arms on Friday. The disarmament marks an important step towards peace in Turkey, which has been plagued by conflict for 40 years.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hailed the event as a “step” towards ending the country’s “terror problem.” The PKK stated that disarming was a “step of goodwill and determination” to ensure the success of a “peace and democratic society” process.
The PKK announced its decision to disband in May, following leader Abdullah Ocalan’s urging to put an end to armed conflict. Ocalan has long advocated for politics over violence, stating that he believes in the power of social peace, not weapons.
The PKK was founded in 1978 with the goal of achieving an independent Kurdish state. However, after years of clashes and attacks on civilians, the group shifted its focus towards autonomy within Turkey. The Turkish government has been accused of human rights abuses, including destroying villages and displacing civilians, further exacerbating the conflict.
Over 40 years, the conflict has claimed the lives of approximately 40,000 people. With this historic disarmament, the PKK takes a significant step towards ending its armed struggle, paving the way for lasting peace in Turkey and the region.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/pkk-fighters-begin-handing-over-weapons-at-ceremony/a-73238309