A ceasefire announcement by the PKK has generated mixed reactions in Turkey and Iraq. Many Kurds express doubt towards the Turkish government, recalling prior failed peace efforts. Residents like Turkan Duman and Kiymet Soresoglu articulate their fears, despite yearning for peace. The ceasefire, prompted by PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan’s call for disarmament, may indicate a crucial shift towards resolution. Some Kurds in Iraq view this as a historic moment as discussions about trust and intentions unfold.
A recent ceasefire declaration from the Kurdish militant group, PKK, has elicited a spectrum of emotions in southeast Turkey and northern Iraq, where residents have endured a protracted 40-year conflict with the Turkish government. This announcement could advantage President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s administration, especially after the PKK’s incarcerated leader urged the group to disarm just days prior. In Diyarbakir, Turkey’s largest Kurdish city, skepticism prevails among residents who have experienced personal loss during the conflict.
Individuals such as Turkan Duman, who has faced significant hardships due to the PKK, express deep mistrust towards the Turkish government, recalling their failed peace process from 2015. Duman’s son is in prison for PKK involvement, while she mourns the loss of two brothers in clashes. Kiymet Soresoglu, also a member of the Peace Mothers’ Association, shares similar concerns, fearing government deception regarding peace intentions.
Even though both women desire peace to prevent further bloodshed, they emphasize the need for assurances before abandoning their struggles. Since the PKK initiated its rebellion in 1984, casualities have exceeded tens of thousands, with notable losses in recent years. The ceasefire, announced after Abdullah Ocalan’s directives, stands out for its potential to prompt significant disarmament and a congress to disband.
Vahap Coskun, a law lecturer, notes the potential for swift action by the PKK, unlike previous attempts. Meanwhile, across the border, the Kurdish population in Sulaymaniyah responds with cautious optimism. Local sentiment suggests a historical shift as Najmadin Bahaadin reflects on the differences from past ceasefires, while Awat Rashid questions Ocalan’s autonomy in the decision-making process given his imprisonment.
In conclusion, the declaration of a ceasefire by the PKK has elicited a mix of skepticism and hope among Turkey’s Kurdish community. While some express cautious optimism that this could mark a turning point towards peace, others remain wary of the Turkish government’s past actions and intentions. The road to lasting peace is fraught with challenges, but the ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope amid decades of conflict.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
