(Reuters) – Turkey’s jailed militant leader Abdullah Ocalan called on his Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) to disarm and disband on Thursday, a move that could end its 40-year conflict with Ankara and have far-reaching political and security consequences for the region.
Here are some Turkish and international reactions to the appeal:
OZGUR OZEL, HEAD OF TURKEY’S MAIN OPPOSITION REPUBLICAN PEOPLE’S PARTY (CHP)
“We maintain our stance that the Kurdish issue should be addressed and resolved transparently, under the roof of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, by encompassing all segments of society … The call for the terrorist organization to lay down its arms and dissolve itself is important (and) we hope it will act upon the requirements of this call”.
SYRIAN DEMOCRATIC FORCES (SDF) COMMANDER MAZLOUM ABDI
Abdi, commander of the Kurdish-led forces that control northeastern Syria, said he welcomed Ocalan’s call, which he said would have positive consequences in the region.
But he said it applied only to the PKK and was “not related to us in Syria”.
“If there is peace in Turkey, that means there is no excuse to keep attacking us here in Syria,” he said.
PRESIDENT OF IRAQ’S KURDISTAN REGION, NECHIRVAN BARZANI
“We warmly welcome the message of Mr Ocalan and his call for disarmament and the cessation of PKK’s armed struggle,” Nechirvan Barzani, president of Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, said in a statement.
“In the Kurdistan Region, we fully support the peace process and are prepared to play a facilitating role and provide any assistance necessary to advance the process.”
CHAIRMAN OF TURKEY’S NATIONALIST OPPOSITION IYI PARTY, MUSAVAT DERVISOGLU
“No matter what name or justification is given, this process is nothing more than a lifelong presidency bargain by tampering with the definition of the nation. It serves no other purpose.”
“Rest assured, those in power will stop at nothing to achieve this — there is no lie they won’t tell, no domestic or foreign concession they won’t make.”
GERMANY
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz welcomed Ocalan’s call to down arms and dissolve the PKK, a government spokesperson said.
“Ocalan’s call offers a chance at last to overcome this violent struggle and reach a lasting peaceful development in the Kurdish question,” the spokesperson said.
A German foreign ministry spokesperson said: “An end to violence is an important first step, but more steps are needed to reach a sustainable solution for people in Turkey. That includes respecting and upholding Kurds’ cultural and democratic rights.”
BRITAIN
“We welcome progress towards peace and security for the people of Turkey, a close NATO Ally and longstanding partner in counter-terrorism. We encourage all parties to engage in a peaceful and constructive process that ensures security, stability, and respect for the rule of law,” a UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said.
“The UK remains committed to supporting efforts that reduce conflict and promote stability both in Turkey and across the wider region.”
(Reporting by Reuters correspondents; Editing by Nia Williams)
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