PKK Warns Turkey: Free Ocalan, Or Peace Process Is Dead
The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) has issued an ultimatum to the Turkish government, telling them to release their founder and leader Abdullah Ocalan from solitary confinement if they want to salvage the peace process. Amed Malazgirt, a senior commander of the group, stated that all the steps initiated by Ocalan have been implemented, but there will be no further actions taken unless Turkey takes concrete steps.
Malazgirt emphasized that freedom for Ocalan is non-negotiable, and without it, the peace process cannot succeed. The second demand of the PKK is recognition of the Kurdish people in Turkey as a constitutional entity. Female commander Serda Mazlum Gabar echoed this sentiment, saying that as long as Ocalan's leadership remains confined, neither he nor the rest of the group can feel free.
The PKK has made significant strides towards ending its decades-long conflict with Turkey, including renouncing armed struggle and withdrawing its forces from Turkish soil. However, Ankara still needs to take concrete steps to advance negotiations. The group has committed to not using violence against the Turkish state but believes that more needs to be done.
Malazgirt warned that the PKK is closely monitoring the progress of the peace process and will not hesitate to re-enter the conflict if Turkey fails to meet its demands. Despite this, she also emphasized that the guerrilla mentality cannot be eradicated, saying "the guerrilla does not end." The PKK's struggle is driven by a desire for democratic rights and recognition as an autonomous entity within Turkey.
As talks between the Turkish government and Ocalan's representatives continue, the fate of the peace process hangs in the balance. Will Ankara heed the PKK's demands, or will the conflict escalate once again?
The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) has issued an ultimatum to the Turkish government, telling them to release their founder and leader Abdullah Ocalan from solitary confinement if they want to salvage the peace process. Amed Malazgirt, a senior commander of the group, stated that all the steps initiated by Ocalan have been implemented, but there will be no further actions taken unless Turkey takes concrete steps.
Malazgirt emphasized that freedom for Ocalan is non-negotiable, and without it, the peace process cannot succeed. The second demand of the PKK is recognition of the Kurdish people in Turkey as a constitutional entity. Female commander Serda Mazlum Gabar echoed this sentiment, saying that as long as Ocalan's leadership remains confined, neither he nor the rest of the group can feel free.
The PKK has made significant strides towards ending its decades-long conflict with Turkey, including renouncing armed struggle and withdrawing its forces from Turkish soil. However, Ankara still needs to take concrete steps to advance negotiations. The group has committed to not using violence against the Turkish state but believes that more needs to be done.
Malazgirt warned that the PKK is closely monitoring the progress of the peace process and will not hesitate to re-enter the conflict if Turkey fails to meet its demands. Despite this, she also emphasized that the guerrilla mentality cannot be eradicated, saying "the guerrilla does not end." The PKK's struggle is driven by a desire for democratic rights and recognition as an autonomous entity within Turkey.
As talks between the Turkish government and Ocalan's representatives continue, the fate of the peace process hangs in the balance. Will Ankara heed the PKK's demands, or will the conflict escalate once again?