27.02.2025 18:30
The call made by the terrorist organization PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan has resonated widely in the international press. The UK-based Reuters news agency described Öcalan's call as "a move that could have far-reaching political and security implications for the region," while the US-based The New York Times noted that it is uncertain how Öcalan's call will be received.
The leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), Devlet Bahçeli, called for the terrorist organization PKK to lay down its arms and be dissolved. In this context, the DEM Party delegation visited İmralı for the third time to meet with Abdullah Öcalan. After the visit, the delegation conveyed Öcalan's message to the public.
In his message, Öcalan called for the PKK to disarm and dissolve itself; this development also resonated widely in the global press.
"IT MAY HAVE IMPLICATIONS FOR IRAQ AND SYRIA"
The UK-based Reuters news agency reported the development, stating, "Öcalan's call could have implications for the oil-rich region of Northern Iraq, where the PKK is based, and for neighboring Syria, which is entering a new era following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in December after a 13-year civil war."
THE GUARDIAN: SIGNALING A FRAGILE PEACE
The British newspaper The Guardian published a report titled "PKK leader signals the beginning of a fragile peace with Turkey by calling for disarmament," highlighting Öcalan's historic call. The report commented, "Öcalan's message will also affect Kurdish armed groups linked to the PKK, which have spread across northeastern Syria and northern Iraq, including the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) that control a large area, including two major cities in eastern Syria, where they are fighting ISIS militants."
NOTABLE COMMENT FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES
The U.S.-based New York Times noted the uncertainty regarding how the call would be received, stating, "There are very few signs of what will happen next. It has not been widely discussed in public who will monitor whether Mr. Öcalan's call is followed, what will happen to the fighters who comply, or what the government has offered in return for disarmament—if anything."
"SOME GROUPS MAY RESIST"
The France-based Euronews conveyed Öcalan's call, stating, "This call has the potential to end a conflict that has lasted for over 40 years and resulted in tens of thousands of casualties. Analysts expect the group's leadership to heed every call made by Öcalan, but some factions within the group may resist this."
AL MONITOR: THERE ARE CHALLENGES
In a report by Amberin Zaman published in the Washington-based Al Monitor, it was stated, "The long-awaited statement from Öcalan by the Kurds in the region signals the beginning of a process that they hope will include the release of many high-profile political prisoners, including the country's most popular Kurdish leader, Selahattin Demirtaş, and an amnesty for PKK fighters. However, there are still many challenges ahead."
WHAT WAS SAID IN THE CALL?
During a live broadcast, the DEM Party İmralı delegation read a 3-page message from the PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan first in Kurdish and then in Turkish. In Öcalan's message, he stated, "Gather your congress and make a decision; all groups must lay down their arms, and the PKK must dissolve itself. I take full responsibility." A recent photo of Öcalan taken on İmralı Island was also shared before the announcement.