ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - A coalition of opposition parties in northeast Syria (Rojava) on Friday welcomed a call for peace from the jailed leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and urged the Turkish government to initiate “serious dialogue” geared towards the “just solution of the Kurdish issue.”
“This step represents a genuine opportunity to end violence and adopt political struggle and peaceful solutions to resolve the Kurdish issue in Turkey,” read the statement from the Kurdish National Council (ENKS), adding that the success of the initiative is tied to the response the PKK gives to their leader's call.
ENKS also asked the Turkish government to kick-off a “serious dialogue that contributes to finding a just solution to the Kurdish issue, and reinforcing the principles of democracy and equal citizenship.”
Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the PKK, on Thursday called on the PKK to disarm and disband, opening the door to an end to four decades of conflict.
On Saturday, the PKK announced a unilateral ceasefire with Turkey, stating that it “fully accepts” Ocalan’s call, but said that implementing it requires a “democratic political and legal foundation” and added that Ocalan must “personally guide and conduct” the peace process.
While committing to cease hostilities, the PKK declared that “none of our forces will engage in armed action unless attacked,” adding that further steps, such as laying down arms, can only happen under Ocalan’s “practical leadership.”
ENKS leader Mohammed Ismail told Rudaw on Friday that Ocalan’s move for peace is a “positive step in a sensitive situation” for the Kurds in the Middle East.
“Two days of dialogue is more productive than a year-long war,” Ismail said, noting that a “political opportunity” will arise for Kurds in Syria as well, to advance their demands.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday said Turkey has entered a new phase “in the efforts for a terror-free Turkey since yesterday.”
