Abdullah Öcalan Calls for PKK Dissolution in Historic Appeal

The imprisoned Kurdish leader urges an end to armed conflict and proposes a political path forward for Kurdish rights in Turkey.

Abdullah Öcalan, founder of the PKK, has called for the dissolution of the organization and the cessation of armed struggle after nearly 40 years of conflict with Turkey.
The announcement was made public through a letter read by Kurdish deputies following their visit to Öcalan in prison, marking a significant moment in Kurdish-Turkish relations.
Öcalan emphasized the need for a democratic society and political solutions, rejecting nationalist or separatist approaches as inadequate for addressing Kurdish issues.
Reactions among Kurdish communities have been mixed, with some expressing hope for peace and others voicing skepticism about the Turkish government's commitment to reconciliation.
In northern Syria, Kurdish forces have stated they will not disarm, viewing Öcalan's appeal as specific to Turkey and unrelated to their ongoing struggle for autonomy and self-defense.