Peace initiative between PKK and Turkey

SOURCE www.npr.org
Kurdish militant group PKK announces historic decision to disband and disarm as part of new peace initiative with Turkey after four decades of armed conflict.

Key Points

  • PKK announced decision to disband and disarm after four decades of armed conflict
  • PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan urged group to convene congress to formally decide to disband
  • Unilateral ceasefire announced by PKK with conditions for peace negotiations
  • PKK's struggle seen as having brought the Kurdish issue closer to resolution through democratic politics

Pros

  • Historic decision to end armed struggle
  • Potential for a peaceful resolution to the Kurdish conflict

Cons

  • Listed as a terror group by Turkey and its Western allies
  • Decades of armed conflict have claimed tens of thousands of lives