PKK Announces Ceasefire Following Öcalan's Call for Disarmament, Sets Conditions for Permanent Peace

The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) has declared an immediate ceasefire in response to a call from its imprisoned founder, Abdullah Öcalan, to end hostilities against Turkey. The announcement, made through a media outlet close to the PKK, states that the group will adhere to Öcalan's instructions, halting armed actions unless attacked. However, the PKK has linked its commitment to a permanent ceasefire to specific conditions, including improved living conditions for Öcalan in prison and his direct involvement in a congress to dissolve the PKK. Öcalan, imprisoned in Turkey since 1999, has called on his supporters to lay down their arms after four decades of conflict with the Turkish state. He also announced the dissolution of the PKK, which has fought for Kurdish rights since 1984. Ankara and its Western allies classify the group as a terrorist organization. Turkish President Erdogan views the PKK's move as a significant opportunity to advance towards ending terrorism, urging all parties to seize this moment for peace.