“We have overcome all obstacles. Today or tomorrow, the PKK will lay down its weapons and dissolve the organization. After that, a new process, a new era will begin for all of us,” Erdogan told his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) ministers and lawmakers at the party’s headquarters, as reported by Turkish outlet Haberturk.
Turkey and the PKK have been engaged in a decades-long armed conflict. Founded in 1978, the PKK initially struggled for an independent Kurdistan but now calls for increased political and cultural rights within Turkey. Ankara and its Western allies consider the group a terrorist organization.
In late February, Turkey's pro-Kurdish Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) relayed a landmark message by jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, in which he called on the PKK to disarm and disband.
The PKK responded to Ocalan’s message, expressing willingness to uphold his call and declaring a unilateral ceasefire with Turkey, while accusing Ankara of continuing attacks against its members. The group also requested a physical meeting with Ocalan as a precondition for the success of the peace process.
Erdogan received a DEM Party delegation last month, which was seen as a significant step in the ongoing talks.
