The PKK’s declaration of a ceasefire has elicited mixed reactions from Kurdish populations in Turkey and northern Iraq, casting doubt on the Turkish government’s intentions. While some express cautious optimism, many residents recall the wounds of historical failures in peace processes. Key figures like Abdullah Ocalan have called for disarmament, raising questions about the PKK’s future and whether true peace can be achieved.
A significant ceasefire announcement made by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has elicited mixed emotions across southeastern Turkey and northern Iraq, regions heavily impacted by the decades-long conflict. This development could provide a considerable advantage to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government, particularly following a recent call from the PKK’s incarcerated leader for disarmament.
In Diyarbakir, the largest town in Turkey’s Kurdish-majority region, residents who have experienced personal loss due to the conflict expressed skepticism regarding the government’s reliability. “We do not trust them; they said the same things before, nothing has changed,” stated Turkan Duman, recalling the failed peace attempts of years past. She has endured the hardship of having a son imprisoned for PKK affiliation while losing two brothers in the ongoing struggle against Turkish forces.
Another member of the Peace Mothers’ Association, Kiymet Soresoglu, echoed this sentiment of distrust, stating, “Of course we want peace to be established. We are afraid because they make plans or (could) play a trick.” Soresoglu, whose son is incarcerated for his involvement with the PKK, is mindful of the bloodshed that has marred Kurdish lands and urges the need for mutual agreement, failing which, the struggle will continue.
Since the PKK commenced its armed conflict with Turkey in 1984, estimates suggest that tens of thousands have lost their lives, with over 7,000 casualties reported since the resumption of violence in July 2015 alone. Saturday’s ceasefire followed a pivotal statement from Abdullah Ocalan, urging the PKK to consider disarmament, indicating a potential alignment between the group’s leadership in northern Iraq and Ocalan despite his prolonged imprisonment.
Vahap Coskun, a law academic at Dicle University in Diyarbakir, remarked on the significance of this disarmament push, anticipating the PKK’s prompt congress to dissolve its military organization. He noted the heightened sensitivity currently present in efforts to establish a peaceful resolution, contrasting this process with previous failed negotiations.
In nearby Sulaymaniyah, northern Iraq, the ceasefire has sparked cautious optimism among locals, who perceive this moment as essential for progress. Najmadin Bahaadin characterized the announcement as a “historical moment.” However, there remains apprehension regarding Ocalan’s autonomy in this decision, leading resident Awat Rashid to question whether external pressures from his captors influenced the peace call.
The recent ceasefire declaration by the PKK has generated a complex mix of hope and skepticism within Kurdish communities in Turkey and Iraq. While the Turkish government and some residents view it as a step toward peace, the memories of past failures loom large, engendering distrust among those acquainted with the conflict’s toll. As the situation unfolds, the effectiveness and sincerity of efforts for reconciliation remain to be seen.
Original Source: www.clickorlando.com
