Mixed Reactions from Turkey’s Kurds on PKK Ceasefire Declaration

The PKK’s recent ceasefire has elicited mixed reactions among Kurds in Turkey and Iraq. While some express hope for a lasting peace, many remain skeptical of the Turkish government’s sincerity, recalling past failures in peace processes. As both communities contemplate this development, questions about trust and the motivations behind Ocalan’s call for disarmament linger.

In a notable development, the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party) declared a ceasefire, evoking a mixture of apprehension and cautious optimism among Kurds in Turkey and northern Iraq. This declaration follows a call by PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan for disarmament and may influence Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government positively. However, many Kurds, particularly in Diyarbakir, remain skeptical of the government’s commitment to lasting peace, recalling the disappointments of past ceasefires, particularly in 2015 when a prior peace process collapsed.

Residents like Turkan Duman express distrust toward the Turkish government, citing historical grievances, including the imprisonment of family members for PKK association. Duman’s son is serving a 12-year sentence for fighting against ISIS forces, while she mourns the loss of two brothers who died in the conflict with Turkish security. Fellow Peace Mothers’ Association member Kiymet Soresoglu shares this skepticism, fearing potential governmental deception in the peace process, yet both women advocate for genuine peace to avoid further bloodshed.

The PKK’s armed struggle, which began in 1984, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, with the International Crisis Group estimating over 7,152 fatalities since the fighting resumed in 2015. Two days prior to the ceasefire, Ocalan’s disarmament call reached the PKK leadership, indicating a possible shift towards peace.

Experts like Vahap Coskun highlight the significance of this ceasefire, suggesting it reflects unity among Kurdish leadership despite Ocalan’s incarceration. There is cautious optimism regarding a potential congress to formally dissolve the PKK, which contrasts with previous peace attempts.

In Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, the ceasefire is perceived with greater hope, with local Kurdish leaders, such as Najmadin Bahaadin, viewing it as a pivotal moment. However, questions arise about Ocalan’s motivations for peace given his captivity and the current political dynamics, leaving uncertainty over trustworthiness.

The recent ceasefire declared by the PKK has sparked a blend of hope and skepticism among Kurdish communities in Turkey and Iraq. While some view it as a significant step toward peace, historical context reveals deep-rooted mistrust toward the Turkish government. The challenge now lies in ensuring that the hopes for cessation of violence lead to meaningful discussions and actions that prioritize long-term stability and mutual understanding.

Original Source: www.mercurynews.com